*****************
CHAPTER 43
~Valerie's POV~
Boots pounded dirt, hearts pounded harder. Seven miles. No power. No mercy. No tricks. Just legs, lungs, and willpower. And only three would win.
The second the whistle blew, we launched forward like arrows released from a taut string.
The thud of boots against packed dirt, the rush of wind, the grunts of exertion—everything blurred into one loud, chaotic rush.
I pushed off the ground with every ounce of power my legs could muster without using my wolf's speed, eyes narrowed and focused.
"Let's go!" Isla yelled beside me, her voice fired up with energy.
I didn't reply. I couldn't.
My focus was razor-sharp, trained on the stretch ahead. My pulse beat in sync with the tempo of my footsteps.
Emerald darted ahead on my left. Her pace was quick, but I could tell she was testing it—still holding some back. I was too.
