Chapter 27

Aurelia POV

The morning fog hung low over the private training clearing behind the Redmoon estate, clutching to the damp earth and pine needles. The air was crisp, carrying the sharp scent of ozone and fallen leaves.

I stood on the damp grass, unwrapping the linen bandages from my wrists. The raw purple burns left behind by the null-iron had faded into pale silver scars, but my muscles felt heavy, locked in an unyielding knot of exhaustion.

Talia stepped out from the treeline, carrying a light leather tunic and a flask of warm herbal tonic. Her sharp eyes scanned my posture, taking in the slight tremor in my fingers.

“Your blood pressure is stable, and the fever from the bond shockwave has finally cleared,” Talia said, handing me the tunic. “Physically, your human body is healed, Ria. But your wolf... your inner spirit is still weak.”

“I can feel her,” I murmured, staring down at my hands. “Every time I try to reach for her, I hit a wall.”