Ivy's POV
"Connect with nature, pup." Thorne nudged me with his snout into the clearing. "Your time is running short."
"I know." I moved to the center and lowered myself to the ground. Today would be different—I wouldn't leave until I discovered how to access my magic. Closing my eyes, I descended into myself, my consciousness spiraling downward until I broke through an invisible barrier and stumbled into a clearing within my dark inner woods.
I ventured deeper into the forest, weaving between ancient trees. Killian appeared at my right side, while Astrid joined on my left. The contrast between the wolves was striking—Astrid, though magnificent and elegant, was considerably smaller than Killian.
"Astrid?" I asked, curious.
"Yes, Ivy?" Her voice floated like a gentle breeze.
"What rank are you?" I glanced down at her, and she made a sound like laughter.
"I'm a small gamma. Still part of the ranked pack, but nowhere near Killian's standing."
