Chapter 26. An Attempt

Alison’s POV

I slammed my fists into the training dummy, the rough burlap splitting under my relentless strikes. Sweat trickled down my back, and my breathing came in hard, sharp bursts. It wasn’t just the physical exertion, it was the constant weight of disapproval, the glares, and Katherine’s icy words disguised as guidance.

“You think that’s enough to lead a pack?” Katherine’s voice cut through the training grounds, slicing into my concentration like a blade.

I straightened, meeting her gaze with unwavering resolve. “I’m doing my best.”

“Your best won’t keep this pack safe.” Her lips curled in a faint smirk. “And certainly not from someone like Caitlyn.”

Caitlyn whose training had ended, stood smugly nearby, let out a soft chuckle. She’d been my shadow these past weeks, undermining me at every turn. During training runs, she’d conveniently “forget” to warn me about uneven terrain, leaving me stumbling. In sparring sessions, she’d whisper insul