Mara called us back to her cabin that evening. The full moon was rising, and she said it had to be done tonight. I didn’t argue. I didn’t want to waste any more time.

Lucien walked beside me the whole way, silent. I could feel the tension in him, but I didn’t say anything. It was strange being this close to him again. The sound of his footsteps beside mine reminded me of another time, one I didn’t want to think about.

When we reached Mara’s cabin, she was already waiting outside. A ...