The courtyard was still shaking with noise when Elder Marcus raised his hand for silence. But the silence didn’t come easily. Wolves were howling Bella’s name, chanting it as though she were already their Luna.

Bella stood in the circle, swaying slightly. Her body screamed with exhaustion, her palms were raw, but she didn’t collapse. She wouldn’t give them the satisfaction. Her glowing eyes flickered once, then dimmed again, leaving her breathless.

Lydia was on her knees, clutching ...