The gates of Moonrise Academy groan open, their iron jaws revealing a courtyard alive with movement. Dozens of young men stand in tight clusters—broad shoulders, sharp eyes that gleam in shades of gold and crimson, jaws set with predatory focus. Their voices are low growls and laughter that cuts like blades. She steps forward, the only girl among them, her footsteps loud against the silence that follows.

The air is thick with scent—pine, blood, and wolf musk. Their eyes turn, one after another, marking her presence. Some sneer openly, others smirk with slow, deliberate curiosity. A few tilt their heads, watching her like hunters studying the gait of prey. The courtyard grows quiet, the weight of every gaze settling on her skin like claws.

A deep gong echoes from the tower. A teacher steps forward—a towering figure, fur streaked with silver at his temples, amber eyes glowing with unearthly light. His voice is sharp, commanding, impossible to ignore.

"Pack leaders," he growls, "choose your apprentices."

The crowd stirs. Kael of Darkthorn steps forward first, his scarred jaw twisting into a grin. "A girl," he says, loud enough for all to hear. "In our halls. What's to stop us from hunting her before the moon is full?" A ripple of laughter moves through the wolves. Others shift, their stares heavy, unreadable. Some smirk, some scowl, and a few bare their teeth in open threat. Her heart beats louder, echoing against the stone walls. The silver-furred teacher narrows his gaze, but does not stop them. Instead, his words fall like a challenge:

"Then let us see... who dares to claim her?"