tone courtyard. The wound on her arm, where the Fangwood spirit's claws had grazed her, throbbed beneath the torn sleeve of Mira's cloak, but the pain was a distant echo compare

s fixed on her, a mix of curiosity, suspicion,

eath the morning sun. Liora's silver hair caught the light, amplifying the Moonstone's radiance, and for the first time, she felt the weigh

possible, Liora. Let them see it." Mira nodded vigorously, her

. She straightened, the Moonstone's warmth steadying her, and followed Torin toward the council chamber. The heavy wooden doors creaked open, revealing the sam

s met hers, and the bond flared, a jolt that made her heart stutter. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his jaw betrayed a storm within. Sylva

, her eyes narrowing. "The spirits deemed you wo

s proof of Selys's will. I faced the Fangwood's spirits, overcame their tests, and claimed it

hrough the noise, sharp and mocking. "A human with a shiny rock? You think

er hand, channeling her magic through the stone. A pulse of moonlight erupted, illuminating the chamber, the runes on the walls flaring in resp

The seer's truth. The Void stirs. I've felt it i

of pine and iron filling the air. "You've proven your magic," he said, his voice a low growl. "But the pack needs more than tricks. T

he said, meeting his gaze. "But not alone. The bond Selys forged ties us,

ened, but a shadow of doubt flickered in his eyes. Before he could respond, the doors burst open, and a scout stumbled in,

anize the warriors. Torin, prepare the defenses." His gaze flicked to Liora,

rmory. "We'll need weapons and a plan," he said, his voice grim. Mira followed, her sm

rged, steadier now, the stone amplifying her light. Torin handed her the runed dagger, his eyes steady.

voice trembling. "It's a healing salv

in to the eastern wall, the Moonstone's glow cutting through the dawn's dim light. Below, the pass teemed with Void-tou

ose," he ordered, his voice tight. The bond flared, a mix of command and someth

coiled, its form sizzling, but others charged. Kael swung his sword, cleaving through one, while Torin loos

st broke through, its claws slashing toward her. Kael shoved her aside, taking the blow on his arm, his growl of pain echoi

g for a moment. "You saved me," Kae

reath ragged. The bond pulsed, no longer

dership, they drove the beasts back, their howls fading into the pass. As the last shadow fell, the courtyard

r," he said quietly. "Pe

en back, but its presence lingered, a shadow on the horizon. And with Kael's words,