The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the expansive grounds of the Crimson Shadow packhouse. Brielle stood at the window, her hands resting protectively over her swollen belly, as she watched Darius and the twins spar in the training yard. Despite her advanced pregnancy, she couldn't resist the urge to join them, her wolf instincts stirring within her.

Darius dodged a swing from Evan's wooden practice sword, his movements fluid and graceful. "Good form, but your footwork needs improvement," he instructed, his deep voice carrying across the courtyard.

Leo, not one to be left out, lunged forward, his sword raised high. Darius parried the strike with ease, a proud...