The Lost Luna

pte

her quivering when

perature so low Ravenna could almost see her breath. Two Alpha gu

stones. The full moon rode high above the treetops, its silver light illumi

r, her voice a knife. "Why should she have

per than any physical wound. She glanced at the guards. Their knives

cracked like broken glass. "I didn't

elled of disgust and malice. "Your oath means nothing to me.

shoulders bursting the seams of his leather tunic. His gaze was cold, unyielding. A

," he said, voice low and resonant. "Tel

ed onto the dais, chain of command crushing her at every s

arn you." She inhaled sharply, bracing herself. "A rogue wolf named Varek i

ghter crashed t

rough Ravenna's heart. "And we're supposed to beli

scum. No wonder your pack kicked you out." He s

. Silence fell, brit

on this warning?" h

his army. Hundreds of rogues united under his banner. I

lief, fear. Even the moonligh

do you want in return? Mercy? A

the test. If she failed here, she'

rs," she said firmly. "I ask only that you

na with brooding authority. He studied her in silence

ngs," he ordered.

ithout another word. The guard untied the ropes, and Rave

tinued. "If you lie to me, I'll feed you

dded, ches

rfang, you're under my protec

ss of stone and threat. Wolves threw her wary glances, their eyes glittering with su

eads snapped toward the trees. The fire's flame

" someon

ng back a warning. The wind carried a scent-a sobering blend

e tree line-rogues, clad in leathers of mismatched furs, face

weapons; snarls filled the

burst of bone and fur, towering over friend and foe alike. R

d a voice she'd r

t, the Beta who whispered only when necessary. He yanked he

shook, but Vale'

ed, eyes blazing. "Why ar

's testing us. Varek w

d into hers. "Then

er hand. "If you can't s

losed around the hilt-it was hea

charged the rogues. Cassidy's pack mates unleashed ma

Ravenna fo

gs shaking, and charged

ed through Ravenna's side as she was knocked o

through the haze.

ees. The world tilted on its axis

For a heartbeat,

ck of heat-and

g her face. Dazed, she looked down to see f

, but she could see. Everything was

. shi

was distant

e was howling, her own ro

moon, Ravenna, the failed Luna, fi

rything

iar. The ground trembled as a massive wolf emerged into the clearing, his eyes glowin

e. She'd recognized

s her

narl not of rage, but of dread-and his

he doin