cent of damp earth

ct took over. I expected to be back in the packhouse du

de a massive, dark tent. A fire crackled in a brazier near

as completely healed, not even a scar remained. But underneath my

o

e like a physical blow. The agonizing snap of my bond with Damie

d-eyed monster who ha

aring a simple, clean black tunic that swallowed my frame. An

You're

g vibration that seemed to s

head toward

ut of the sh

the firelight, he looked even more terrifying than he had in the dark. His sharp features were carved from ice

ce was hoarse, but I forced it t

loser. His boots made no sound on the furs. "A d

pack. The

ng into fists at my sides. "You forced

the furs. He looked down at

life. The venom of a Lycan is the only thing powerful enough to counteract the poison of a

aking a choice away from me. But deep down, I knew he

y a whisper. "Why would the Ly

alloused hand catching my chin and tilting my fac

murmur. "The locket you wore-the one that shattered when I marked you-was a

... she said it was

ic the moment I touched it. You are a Moon Bless

head. "You're lying. I've never felt any

ing. "It kept you weak. It kept you safe from those who woul

crossing his ar

p," he c

I

rdening. "If you are going to be my Q

word hit me

entire life being beaten down by people li

" Kael

rupted in my chest. It wasn't jus

egs trembling, but I didn't fall

my voice low, "

, dark, and undeniably satisfi

murmured. "The f

mistake for any other wolf-and

ling back the canvas flap. The pale morning light spilled

in my chest. "What

orning light caught his crimson eyes

e said. "I will tear down his walls, take his

never believed possible. But I also saw the darkness in Kael's eyes. He wasn't doing this out of kindnes

eapon?" I asked, my voice tigh

ee slow steps toward me, closing the distance

warm against my ear, his vo

ing now. You are mine. The Moon Goddess herself tied our souls tog

, his eyes bur

a fraction. "Damien is. And tomorrow, I will hand you the knife to g

ought of Damien's cold eyes. I thought of Seraphina's cruel smil

t to be a vi

, my voice steady. "Preferably

, revealing a flash

rl," he

to the condescending

Regain your strength. Because

lone with the crackling fire and the he

feel the phantom pain of the rejection,

cient. Somet

ife, I wasn't afraid of the da