Three years after Mira left, winter came to the pack lands. Snow covered the forest in white silence. The healing house needed extra heating. Aria learned to prepare remedies for winter problems like coughs, aching joints, and the sadness that came with short days and long nights.
She was sixteen now. No longer the frightened thirteen-year-old who almost fell for Mira's tricks. Training with Marcus had continued through summer and fall. She could now hold her own in sparring matches with junior warriors. Ezra's magical defense lessons now included offensive abilities. Not enough to make her a warrior, but enough to buy time in an emergency.
And time, Aria learned, was often the most valuable resource.
The morning started normally. Aria woke before dawn to the sound of snow falling against her window. She dressed in warm layers and made her way to the training grounds. Marcus was already waiting despite the early hour and cold.
