The training field behind the estate still smelled faintly of damp soil and old blood.
Morning mist drifted slowly above the grass where countless sparring matches had been fought across generations of wolves learning how to survive in a world that respected strength more than mercy.
Alessandro stood near the edge of the field.
His dark coat rested loosely across his shoulders while the early sunlight caught the sharp lines of his expression, and though the Alpha's posture remained calm there was something unusually thoughtful in his gaze as he watched several young warriors practicing their combat drills beneath the quiet supervision of senior pack guards.
Steel training blades clashed.
Boots scraped against dirt.
