Lyla had made her choice.

There was no taking it back.

The moment the words left her lips “I’ll do it.” the energy in the air shifted. The forest responded, the ancient ruins trembled ever so slightly, and the Gate of Shadows pulsed.

She had accepted the Marked Ones’ challenge.

Now, she had to face whatever came next.

But as she stood there, feeling the weight of their expectant gazes both the Marked Ones’ approval and the pack’s unease a cold realization settled over ...