On the training ground, the unshifted audience gathered around the sparring space where the Lycan King and their future Queen’s striped-tail wolf was about to spar. Christian brought a bag of chips this time, which he shared with Toby, who promised to bring the snacks in the next round.

Xandar and Lucianne’s animals sparred once by the river on their morning run. Lucianne beat Xandar but it wasn’t as easy as beating his human part. His animal’s strength made him almost immune to any force Lucianne’s wolf tried to exert on it, and its speed made it difficult for Lucianne to dodge his attacks and escape his grip.

She only...