h and narrow, let in a sliver of moonlight that painted the floor in pale streaks. Liora sat on the edge of a narrow cot, her borrowed cloak still wrapped tight

his ears and the way his movements carried a quiet grace, at odds with the raw strength of the wolves around th

ng the tears she'd fought to keep at bay. "He rejected me, Torin. In front of his entire pack. Selys promise

e. "Kael's a fool, Liora. But he's not the entirety of this pack, nor of Selys's will. You felt that p

ut found only earnestness. "It wasn't enough for him,

s have been at odds with the other clans for years, and the Void's whispers have only made it worse

ice sharp with bitterness. "A human wh

gger than his pride." He stood, brushing dust from his knees. "Get some sleep, Liora. Tomorrow,

faintly, a cruel reminder of Kael's rejection. She closed her eyes, willing herself to sleep, but her mind replayed the moment-his cold words, the pac

llage's destruction, but a figure-a woman with eyes like black stars, her voice a hiss that promised oblivion. You c

he moonlight fainter now. A soft knock at the door pulled her from he

ckles and wary brown eyes. She carried a tray with a steaming bowl of stew and a hunk of bread. "I'm

of the bowl grounding her. "Than

ed. Most think you're trouble." Her eyes flicked to Liora's silver h

of herbs and venison surprising her. "And wh

And I think Kael's wrong to push you away. But he's our Alpha, and his word is law." Her

. The weight of that truth settled heavily as she followed Mira through the stronghold's winding halls. The air

y seven figures: Kael, Sylva, and five others Liora didn't recognize. Their eyes turned to her as she entered, a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and o

ms to be Selys's chosen, yet she brings no proof beyond a flicker of ligh

the Void. It's not a tale-it's real. It burned my village, killed my family. Sely

pack's warleader-leaned forward. "Visions are cheap, gi

nt glow enveloped her hands. "Does this look cheap to you?" she snapped. The air in the chamber

ice low but firm. "You're in our st

e. You can reject me as your mate, Kael, but you can't reject the goddes

for silence. "There's truth in her words," Eldra said, her voice raspy but commanding. "I've fe

ed the moment. "Let me prove myself. Give me a task, a

t. "A trial," he said slowly. "Very well. The Fangwood holds an ancient shrine to Selys, guarded by spi

wood's spirits don't take kindly

isted, but she nod

. "The Fangwood's no small challenge," he warned. "Those spirits are fi

spite the fear gnawing at her. "Not f

d. "I'll help you prepare. Me

. She pushed it down, focusing on the trial ahead. The Moonstone, the Fangwood, the spirits-whatever a