Calla's POV
Something had changed.
It wasn't loud. Not like a storm crashing through. It was quiet—like a distant drumbeat echoing inside me. Ever since I stood under the moonlight and locked eyes with Alpha Darien, my wolf hadn't settled.
She was restless.
Pacing inside me like a caged wind, pressing gently against the corners of my mind.
That morning, I woke early, earlier than Mika for once. I watched the sun stretch across the sky through our small window. My heart felt heavy, but I didn't know why.
"I need air," I whispered to myself and stood.
Kaelstrom Pack was already stirring when I walked into the village square. Warriors were preparing for training. Omegas swept porches and gathered water. I watched them with quiet eyes, letting the sounds of pack life wash over me.
I didn't know where I fit in.
My Wolf's POV
Why do you hide from them?
Her voice startled me. Clearer now. Not just feelings—actual words.
"I'm not hiding," I thought back, unsure if I was doing it right.
You wear silence like armor.
"Maybe because I don't know who I am yet."
Then let me show you. Stop locking me away.
I didn't know what to say. It was the first time she spoke to me in words, and it felt… safe. Familiar, like I'd known her all along.
You are not just an omega, she whispered. You're more. I just need time. Time… and a spark.
Darien's POV
From the wide window of my office, I saw her.
Calla.
Alone again.
She had a strange habit of walking along the edge of the training field but never stepping onto it. Like she was watching from a distance, always careful not to be noticed.
But I noticed.
I couldn't explain it, not even to Kael. I didn't know if it was instinct or curiosity—but there was something about her I couldn't look away from. Something hidden beneath the surface.
Yet no mate bond.
None.
And that… bothered me more than I'd admit.
"She watches like a warrior," Kael said from beside me.
I didn't answer.
"She's studying them," he added, folding his arms. "Like she wants to learn but doesn't want anyone to see."
"She hasn't shifted since arriving."
Kael raised a brow. "Most omegas shift easily. She hasn't. You think she's hiding it?"
"I think she doesn't even know what she is."
Kael glanced out the window again. "We should find out."
Calla's POV
Later that afternoon, Darien called for a gathering.
It wasn't anything formal—just a training day open to all, including omegas. Mika pulled me toward the field with bright eyes.
"Come on! Just watch, if nothing else."
I hesitated. "Do omegas even join training?"
"Not usually. But some do. And if the Alpha says it's open, then we're allowed."
I sighed, unsure, but followed her anyway.
The training field was large, lined with stone markers and dummies. Warriors were already sparring under the sun, growling and shifting forms between matches.
Darien stood near the edge, arms folded. His gaze flicked toward me when we arrived, but he didn't say anything.
Instead, Kael approached us with his usual calm face. "New rule today," he said. "Every wolf steps into the circle. No matter your rank."
I blinked. "Even omegas?"
Kael nodded. "Especially."
My chest tightened. My wolf growled softly.
Let me move, she whispered.
"No," I muttered. "Not yet."
Kael watched me but didn't push. "You don't have to fight. Just step in."
I didn't understand it then—but now I think they were testing something. Seeing what I'd do when cornered.
So I stepped into the circle.
And I felt it again—her.
My wolf surged, hot under my skin, claws scratching inside.
My heart raced. My breath shortened. I swayed on my feet, and the world dimmed at the edges.
"Calla!" Mika called, but her voice sounded far away.
Darien was there suddenly, close—too close—his hands steadying my arms.
And then something happened.
His eyes widened. Just for a second.
Like he'd felt something.
But whatever it was… it faded. Gone as quickly as it came.
He blinked, masking his face again.
"You alright?" he asked, voice low.
"I… I don't know," I whispered.
Because for one moment—just one—I thought I felt the start of something huge.
Like a spark.
And deep inside me, my wolf howled.
It's beginning.