7

SHADOW

“Agh!” I grunted in frustration.

Zarah was losing her patience with me. I’d been trying to light up a candle for three hours, but it didn’t even smoke or create a spark. I did exactly as she asked, but nothing was happening.

I exhaled, trying to concentrate or swore I had given up.

“Shadow.” She stopped me.

“I can do this.” I closed my eyes again.

“Yes, you can, but your heart and mind are not on the task— they’re everywhere. With your mate, your pack, and those hunters. You’re wasting your energy and my time if you don’t focus. If you want to learn—”

“I want to learn. I need to learn.” I glared at her. “What do you think I’ve been doing for the last couple of hours if not trying my best? But maybe this isn’t for me. Maybe I shouldn’t use my gift.”

She shook her head. Disappointment flashed over her face. “This is why you’re failing because of your desperation to learn quickly. I thought Aira was the hardest I had ever taught, but you’re worse.”

“Ouch. You just hurt my