Chapter 28

It had been a few weeks since the announcement of the tournament and life at Nighthaven had settled into a steady rhythm. Training sessions grew more intense, classes more challenging and the weight of preparation hung over everyone. The initial rush of excitement had faded, replaced by a quiet determination. But through it all, the bonds Zoe had formed with her friends - Dominic, Nikola, and Sara - had only grown stronger.

The days blurred into each other with combat drills, late-night study sessions, and long hours honing their magic. And though Zoe's thoughts often strayed to her family and the threat of Alpha Philip looming in the distance, her connection with Dominic had quietly deepened. There were fleeting touches, lingering gazes, and unspoken words that left her heart racing.

That night the moon was high above Nighthaven, casting a silvery glow across the school’s sprawling grounds. Its soft light reflected off the lake, and the air carried the scent of flowers in bloom. Eve