Fire

The pack grounds still smelled of smoke. Even after the torches were snuffed and the council chamber cleared, the air carried the char of what had been unleashed during the Rite. Wolves spoke in low tones as they crossed the courtyard, their eyes cutting toward the Alpha’s house, toward her.

Bella sat by the wide window of her chamber, staring at the sky. Dawn was still a smear of gray on the horizon, but she hadn’t slept. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw it—the golden fire ...