The fog twisted like silver smoke around the valley, hiding movements that made my pulse spike. My mark burned against my neck, hot and insistent. Every instinct screamed danger—but excitement surged too. I wasn't helpless anymore.
Lucien's hand brushed mine for a split second, grounding me. "Stay sharp. They're testing you."
I didn't reply. My eyes scanned the shadows. A rogue lunged—muscles coiled, teeth bared. My energy flared, white-hot, and the force sent him crashing into a tree. Another followed, and I let the energy pulse again, shaking the ground like thunder.
Kaiden's voice cut through the tension, low and dangerous. "Focus. You can't hold back."
My breath caught. The thought of him there—watching me, commanding me—made my heart race in ways that weren't entirely fear. My powers responded, surging stronger with every thudding heartbeat.
Then, a distant figure stepped forward. Darius. Calm. Smirking. "Playing with fire, little Omega?"
My chest tightened. Lucien's jaw set. "Ignore him. Concentrate."
But I couldn't. Darius' presence brought every memory of humiliation and rejection back, and my mark pulsed, nearly blinding me. Energy whipped outward in violent arcs, hurling rogue after rogue back. Trees cracked under the force.
Kaiden's eyes softened for a second—not with anger, but… awe. My cheeks flushed, and I realized the dangerous thrill of power wasn't just survival anymore. It was control.
"You're stronger than I imagined," Kaiden said, voice quiet but edged with something I couldn't name.
The tension was unbearable. Every flash of energy, every glance between Lucien and Kaiden, made my chest pound with a mix of fear, attraction, and defiance.
Then Darius laughed, low and cruel. "This is only the beginning. Wait until the Alphas hear about you."
My mark flared again, brighter than ever, sending the rogues scrambling. Survival was no longer enough. I had to fight—and prove I wasn't just a pawn.