- - And then as if sensing my thoughts Ronan's eyes shifted , locking onto mine with unnerving precision . My heart slammed against my ribs . I tore my gaze away instantly . Shit . I hoped he hadn't mistaken my glance for anything more . Out of so many towering Alpha heirs , how had he managed to find me I was barely noticeable among their imposing forms . I kept my head lowered , doing everything I could to remain inconspicuous , even as a flicker of unmistakable interest from Ronan made my skin prickle . His intense violet gaze hadn't strayed far from me since last night . And that was a problem . As Alpha Instructor Gideon entered , a heavy silence crashed over the grounds like a wave . His name alone carried weight , but his presence was something else entirely . Sharp , merciless , and as cutting as the gleam in his steely gaze , he stood at the center with an expression carved from stone . His eyes swept across us like a predator sizing up his prey . That wolf was a legend in his own right , rumored to have torn through rogue packs single - handedly . His name was synonymous with bloodshed , discipline , and an unforgiving standard no one dared fall short of . " Welcome to the third challenge ," he announced , his voice a low growl that seemed to crawl over our skin . Third challenge ? A jolt shot through me . I missed two? No wonder my name hadn't appeared on any official list . " Only those who endure , " Gideon continued , " will earn their place . He let the words hang in the air like a threat , his gaze promising ruin to the weak . The challenge , he explained , would be a high - intensity survival course designed to push every limit we possessed . " You'll pass the first two phases in your human form . And for the third … " He paused , a slow , cruel smile curling his lips , " you're free to shift . " A ripple of tension rolled through the gathered heirs . Shoulders stiffened . A few exchanged wary glances . No one asked why . I clenched my fists . I can't afford to stand out too much . But I can't afford to fail either . Not here . Not when I needed to survive . Not if I wanted to avoid drawing any more of Ronan's attention . I would have to walk the line between invisible … and invincible . Send Gifts