The Red Moon Pack territory was alive with whispers.
It wasn't unusual—curiosity always ran high when outsiders entered the pack—but this time, the murmurs carried doubt and jealousy.
Mila sat at the edge of the garden training grounds, her sharp green eyes fixed on Hazel.
Hazel was walking alongside Nick, learning pack movements, gestures, and territory etiquette.
Nick explained calmly, "When you move in a pack, your stance, your eyes, everything communicates. It's subtle, but essential."
Hazel nodded, trying to absorb everything. She still felt like she was playing a role in someone else's world.
Mila's gaze narrowed. She didn't hide it. Every time Hazel laughed or smiled softly, Mila's jaw tightened.
"I don't like her," Mila muttered under her breath, unseen by anyone except the small circle she trusted—her mother, Gloria, though she was not present here yet.
"She doesn't belong," Mila continued, her voice low, sharp. "Alpha Ryan will regret letting her stay."
Nick noticed the tension but didn't comment. Instead, he guided Hazel through the movements, occasionally whispering small pieces of information about the pack:
"See that elder male over there? He respects strength but mistrusts outsiders. That's why you need to project confidence, not arrogance."
Hazel swallowed, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on her.
Then Mila approached slowly, deliberately casual.
"Interesting," Mila said, her tone sweet but laced with challenge. "I didn't know the Alpha had… a new interest."
Hazel looked at her carefully, unsure whether the girl was teasing or testing.
"I'm just learning," Hazel said cautiously.
Mila smirked faintly. "Of course. But you'll have to do more than just learn. Some of us have been here longer."
Hazel's jaw tightened, but Nick stepped slightly closer to her.
"You're fine," Nick whispered. "Just ignore her for now. Observe, don't react. That's your strength."
Hazel nodded subtly. She appreciated Nick's presence. Calm. Safe. And he never judged her.
Mila, however, didn't leave. She lingered nearby, watching every small interaction between Hazel and Ryan—or rather, Hazel and Nick, who often updated Ryan via mind-link about her progress.
Inside the mansion, Ryan observed from the balcony above. His dark eyes followed Hazel's movements. He knew Mila was watching. And he knew exactly why.
Venom stirred quietly. Blade hovered nearby. Ralph remained alert.
Ryan's voice was low, almost to himself.
"Jealousy always precedes recognition."
Hazel didn't notice him. She was unaware of the political chess slowly tightening around her.
And Mila's whisper to herself cut through the tension:
"She doesn't belong… but she will either fall or become stronger than all of us."
Hazel's fingers brushed against Nick's arm briefly as they moved through the training exercises. It was accidental, almost unnoticeable—but to both of them, the contact held weight.
Mila's green eyes narrowed even further.
The game had begun.
And the Red Moon Pack had officially started observing their future Luna.