learing where the Pack gathered in a wide circle around the bonfire. Sparks

ar on her wrist pulsing in time with the rhythm of the drums. She could feel the forest breathin

er that morning, her silver eyes bright. "

under the moonlight, feeling the air charged with someth

he ritual. Children darted between the adults, their eyes bright, the older ones helping to light smaller fires,

ecklace of carved bones resting against his collarbone. His hair was loose tonight,

he said, stoppin

ing his gaze. "I don'

small smile. "That's the b

olling her eyes. "Th

sing the tightness in her chest.

rved wooden wolf Tano had given h

air behind her ear. The touch was gentle, gr

alone," he

the drums falling silent as

choing through the trees. "Tonight, we honor the spirit that

oftly, a ripple of reverenc

e smiled. "And tonight, we welcome o

but there was no judgment, no fear in their gaz

, Elara," Nan

r to the center of the circle, the fire's warmth kissing

slow, steady, matchin

er Elara's scar. "Tonight, you will not fear

f herbs into Elara's hand,

Nana Isha

ng the scent of the herbs, th

nds clearer. She could hear the crackle of each spark in the fire, the whispe

, their bodies a language older than words. Elara watched, her body swayin

rs, and for a moment, it was only them, the

whispered, his voice al

eyes, letting t

ancing across the grass, her arms lifting to the sky. The scar on her wris

est, bright and clear, and the Pack echoed

around her. She felt the moon above her, watching, b

mbrac

breath syncing. His hands found hers, steady and warm, guiding he

d laughter washing over them, the drums

't know she had built breaking apart, letting in light

, voices rising together, calling to the moon, to

head, and she h

her bones, her spirit, her blood. It was a call, a promise, a declar

less, laughing, tears streaming down her face. Kael knelt

aid, his voice rou

tears, smiling so w

his thumb brushing away a tear she

er to her feet, embracing her, voices ov

a crown of woven grass and flowers

lace it on her head, laugh

whispered, pullin

he stars. Nana Isha sang old songs, her voice soft and strong,

ough that their shoulders touch

she said, h

s eyes reflecting the

. For eve

out, taking her hand in his, his thum

" he said. "You chose

nder, something strong, something that made her feel li

alized he

lara lay on her back, staring up at the stars,

ders still touching, the silence

e beautiful,"

d, his eyes on her.

ght, and she turne

ld was still, the nig

, gentle kiss to her forehead,

alone, Elara,

is words sink into her, letting the promise

a soft song under the stars, a promise that they were togeth

r on her wrist, feeling it pulse so

was

was

was