“Say the words or I’ll shoot him,” threatened Colt.

If they shed one another’s blood and spoke the words asking for the Moon Goddess’ blessing, it would induce the marking ritual. Both of them had to speak it, but I feared the gun in Colt’s hand would persuade Billie in her desperation to keep me alive.

Billie cried out as Colt gouged her shoulder. He muffled a grunt as her exposed teeth sliced his arm. Blood darkened their skin. “Mark us, Luna, we are ready to be one,” ...