[Araya's POV]"She won't last here."Ronan's words hang in the air like a challenge. Araya stares at him from the bed, her chest tight with a mixture of anger and fear.Lyra stands, crossing her arms. "Ronan, she's barely healed. Give her time.""Time is a luxury in the Direwilds," Ronan says coldly. "Either she learns to survive, or she dies. There's no in-between."Selvara moves to stand beside Lyra. "You're being cruel. Even for you.""I'm being realistic," Ronan says. He turns his burning golden gaze back to Araya. "You want to stay here? Fine. But you earn your keep. No free rides. No pity."Araya pushes herself up in the bed, ignoring the pain shooting through her ribs. "I never asked for pity.""Good," Ronan says. "Because you won't get any. Tomorrow, you start training. If you can't keep up, you leave.""She's still injured," Lyra protests."Then she'll heal faster while working," Ronan says. "Pain builds strength. Comfort breeds weakness."He turns and walks to the hearth, ad
Last Updated : 2026-01-13 Read more