Chapter 7 The Pack Trial

Abby didn't sleep that night.

Instead, she paced her cabin, restless and hungry for more of whatever this was - this new, primal version of herself that seemed to awaken with every passing hour. The pain from her earlier training session had faded into a dull ache in her muscles, a reminder that something inside her was changing, reshaping, and becoming stronger.

By the time the moon climbed high into the sky, Abby was already standing on the porch, staring into the dark woods. Her heart thrummed steadily, like the rhythmic pounding of a drum, urging her to move, to chase, to run.

A sharp whistle split the night air.

She turned.

Marla stood at the edge of the forest, a silhouette against the dim moonlight.

"Let's go," she said.

Abby didn't hesitate.

She followed.

This time, the forest felt different. No longer strange or intimidating, it was home - or at least, it felt like it. The path Marla led her down was familiar in a way Abby couldn't quite explain, the trees opening up into the same clearing from the previous night. But tonight was different. There was a tension in the air, a palpable hum that crackled around them like static electricity.

The others were waiting in a loose circle, all of them alert and focused. Even the teenagers looked different tonight - quieter, sharper, their postures more like that of hunters than novices.

Marla stood in the center, her eyes scanning the group.

"This is the Pack Trial," she said, her voice low and commanding. "It's the first real test of your strength, your instincts, your ability to survive when everything's on the line. You've been learning to tap into the power that's already inside you. Tonight, you'll see if you can control it."

Abby's pulse quickened.

She hadn't realized it until now, but she'd been waiting for this moment.

"This trial isn't about speed," Marla continued. "It's not about power, either. It's about presence. You'll face off with each other, one at a time. There are no rules - except that you can't kill anyone. Understood?"

Everyone nodded.

Abby's throat tightened. This was no longer an exercise. This was a real test. The kind that could make or break you.

"You're going first, Abby," Marla said.

Before Abby could process the words, the wiry woman with sharp eyes stepped forward.

"You can call me Jessa," she said, her smile predatory. "Let's see how strong you really are."

Marla stepped back, giving them space.

Abby glanced at Jessa, her body already on edge. The woman wasn't much taller than Abby, but she was solid - muscles honed by years of training. She moved like a predator, lithe and sure-footed.

But Abby had changed.

She could feel it.

Jessa lunged first, quick and ferocious, aiming for Abby's midsection.

Instinctively, Abby sidestepped, letting Jessa's momentum carry her past. It wasn't graceful, but it worked.

Jessa whirled around, her eyes flashing with challenge. She moved again, this time faster, her hands reaching for Abby's throat.

But Abby was already there, her own body responding before her mind could catch up. She grabbed Jessa's arm, twisting with a fluidity that took both of them by surprise.

Jessa staggered, caught off guard, and Abby pushed her back - hard enough to send her sprawling into the dirt.

The clearing went still.

Abby stood over Jessa, breathing heavily, the weight of the moment settling on her shoulders. She hadn't meant to hurt her - at least, not that badly. But something in her had let go during that struggle, something wild and untamed that she couldn't control. She was no longer just reacting. She was in it - part of it.

Jessa looked up at her, blinking in surprise.

A slow, appreciative grin spread across her face.

"Impressive," she said, her voice grudgingly respectful.

Abby exhaled, her body still humming with adrenaline.

She hadn't killed her. But she'd won.

And for the first time, she didn't feel guilty about it.

Marla stepped forward, her gaze lingering on Abby with something close to admiration.

"You've learned quickly," she said. "But this isn't over."

Abby's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

Marla's eyes gleamed. "The real trial is coming. And this time, you'll face something far more dangerous than another Pack member."

Abby's blood ran cold.

More dangerous? What could be more dangerous than this?

Marla's lips curled into a tight smile.

"You'll see."