This life, I was born into privilege.

Father, Cristian Cruz, is a high-ranking Beta in the Blue Pack, respected and influential. Mother, Reyna Gordon, comes from a noble lineage, her grace and wisdom shaping my upbringing.

Growing up, I no longer had to learn the menial tasks of serving others, as I had in my past life. Instead, I was immersed in a world of knowledge and refinement. Mother taught me to read and write, to appreciate the arts—painting, music, and intricate embroidery. I found solace in these quiet pursuits, while my brother Mateo was the complete opposite.

Mateo was a whirlwind of energy, obsessed with combat and strength training. Every morning, before the sun even hinted at rising, I could hear the sharp sounds of his training in the courtyard—his growls, the thud of his claws against the training dummies, the scrape of his paws against the earth. He never missed a day, no matter how harsh the weather.

I admired that about him. When he set his mind to something, he gave it everything he had. No empty words, just relentless action. But his ambition went too far. Without telling any of us, he secretly signed up for the pack’s warrior training program.

The day the enrollment papers arrived, Mother’s tears were a flood she couldn’t contain. Father’s brow furrowed deeply, his silence stretching uncomfortably long. But Mateo, his face still boyish yet filled with determination, stood tall and spoke with a conviction that shook the room.

“My greatest dream is to serve the pack with honor,” he declared, his voice steady despite his youth. “Father, Mother, please let me do this.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, a mix of pride and fear swirling in my chest. I knew he meant every word, but the thought of him risking his life for the pack’s battles was terrifying. Yet, in that moment, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of the same admiration I’d always had for him.

He was ready to fight for what he believed in, no matter the cost. And though it scared me, I couldn’t deny that it was who he was—a warrior at heart.