Evelyn’s POV

They need something to focus on, my wolf said suddenly. A way to get their attention.

I looked around and spotted the demonstration platform in the center – about ten feet high, where instructors usually showed techniques. From up there, I could see the whole field.

I dove back into the chaos, weaving between panicked kids. Little Tommy, Bella… these sweet children looked terrified, not understanding what was happening to them.

Just like me when I was fourteen. That fear when my wolf awakened early – I knew exactly how they felt.

I reached the platform and took a running jump. My hands caught the edge and I pulled myself up, flipping onto the surface.

“Kids! Look here!” I shouted as loud as I could.

My voice carried across the field, but only a few children glanced up. Most kept running around wild.

Need something stronger.

Then I remembered – during training sessions, I always used a specific whistle to gather them. Our signal for “come together.”

I put my fingers to my lips and blew hard.

The sharp sound cut through the noise. Several kids stopped what they were doing, looking around confused.

I whistled again, longer and louder this time.

“It’s Evelyn!” a girl suddenly yelled.

More children stopped and started searching for where the sound came from. When they saw me on the platform, recognition flickered in their eyes.

“Evie?” A little boy looked up at me, tears streaming down his face.

“Yeah, it’s me.” I kept my voice gentle but firm. “Come over here, all of you.”

Some kids started moving toward the platform hesitantly, but plenty were still freaking out.

“Listen up,” I raised my voice so everyone could hear. “I know you’re scared right now.”

I crouched down to look less intimidating. “Remember that breathing thing I taught you guys?”

It was basic stuff I’d shown them during regular training – how to control their breathing when they got worked up.

“Remember…” several children answered quietly.

“Good. Let’s do it together.” I started demonstrating. “Deep breath in… one, two, three, four… now let it out slow… one, two, three, four…”

Some kids began copying me. Their movements were still shaky, but at least they were paying attention now.

“That’s perfect. Let’s do it again. Breathe in… and out…”

More children joined in. Their breathing started getting steadier, and the crazy energy in the air began to calm down.

But a few kids were still losing it, including that seven-year-old boy who’d been smashing equipment.

“Tommy,” I called his name directly. “Look at me.”

He stopped swinging the wooden stick and stared up at me, confused. His eyes were red from crying.

“Remember last week when you told me you wanted to be the strongest warrior?”

He nodded.

“Real warriors don’t destroy stuff. They control their power. Think you can do that?”

Tommy hesitated, then nodded hard.

“Then drop what you’re holding and come here.” I held out my hand.

He looked at the stick, threw it aside, and slowly walked over to the platform.

The other hesitant kids saw Tommy and started putting down their makeshift weapons too, gathering around me.

Soon most of the children were clustered around the platform, looking up at me. Still scared, but trusting.

When did they get here? My heart started racing.

Shit!

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