Moonfire: The Alpha's Chosen

wed with golden light, swaying in the summer breeze. Music drifted through the air-drums, flutes, and the steady beat of the pack's

yone, ex

wasn't that anyone didn't recognize her-they did. That was the problem. Lyra Thorn was the only wolf in

ered near the bonfire

e will take pity on her,"

s just here to

ned, but she kept her gaze fixed on the flames that licked high into the

ars seemed brighter, the moon fuller, and sometimes-just sometimes-the Moonfire itself appeared. A column of white flame that descended from t

wolf's paws hit the earth, to hear her soul sing in harmony with the beast inside her. Bu

g. He was tall and broad, his presence commanding silence from the crowd. His silver-

t, we honor the Moon Goddess, who gave us strength, who gave us the bond o

r. Lyra felt the vibration deep in her c

us," Rowan finished, rai

ur sprouting, snarls filling the air. Dozens of wolves stood on four legs now, their pelts gleaming in the firelight, their

od alone. Huma

ore anyone noticed her sham

g again

erful wolf, her pelt pure white, her presence commanding. She shifted back to human

her like a predator. "Or maybe you're still waiting for a mira

curled into f

what? You'll glare at me

uld answer, th

n it cut the laughter short. The drums faltere

seemed to bow before it. And then-like lightning without thunder-

The bonfire hissed and guttered, its orange flames pa

pounded. Every wolf had dreamed of this moment, prayed to be cho

the clearing like a living thing, brushing across fur and flesh. Wolves bow

uched

t. She staggered back, choking on air that burned like molten gold. Heat seared

t the ground as the flame w

every vein, every nerve, every breath. Her heart thundered, her

ho

side her, echoing through her sou

aware of voices shouting, her uncle's roar of disbelief, Elara's s

asping for breath. Her body trembled, sweat soaking he

ned her eyes, th

wn, now burned with silver fire-t

ng erupted

en chosen!" s

e! She's never

dess doesn't

s. He grabbed Lyra by the arm, hauling her to

?" he demanded, voi

ody still shook, every nerve raw from t

was twisted with fury. "She's nothing but a cripple. S

elder whispered, awe-struc

her right there, tear the fire from her veins with his bare h

"Lock her away until dawn. We will

ar, suspicion, hatred. The crowd that had mocked her hour

all, Lyra caught a final glimpse of the sky. The Moonfire was go

in her life, she felt

f had a

ermere would ever