Petal's Pov

The moon was a white flame in the sky, cold and merciless.

Everything in the clearing pulsed with her light, the trees, the wind, even the dirt beneath my bare feet. My wolf stirred restlessly, sensing what was to come. The air shimmered faintly, thick with power and fear.

I stood in the circle drawn by Aslaan’s own hand, silver dust and ash marking its borders. Around us, the pack watched in tense silence. Some bowed, others whispered prayers, all too afraid to speak aloud.

At ...