“What do you mean? How can you not be prepared for the unification ritual?” my father’s voice boomed. I held my ground. “Chiara is not ready!” I said.

My father angled his head to the side, looking me up and down like I had lost my mind. His eyes spelled disapproval and doom.

“Chiara is not ready? What does that mean? You did mate with her last night, didn’t you?” he asked. Each question heightened his level of disbelief and worry. The Elders were set to begin the unification ...