Ivy pov

“The trial is not complete,” the Circle said again.

Its voice did not echo this time. It stayed close, pressed into the ground beneath our feet and the air we breathed.

Lucien stood beside me. I felt the change in him since the bond returned. Not stronger. Clearer. Quieter.

Rick held my hand. He did not pull away.

“What is required?” Lucien asked.

The Circle answered, “Bloodmoon must bind itself to balance.”

A murmur spread through the pack.

“Not dominance,” the Circle ...