"Not just of Marcus," I realised, the bracelets warming against my skin. "Of the fear he represented. The shame."
Maison's hand found mine, his touch gentle but grounding. "How do you feel about tomorrow now?"
I considered the question seriously, searching my newly lightened spirit for any lingering doubts about the ceremony. "Ready," I answered truthfully. "More ready than I've ever been."
The twins exchanged one of their silent communications, some unspoken agreement passing between them.
"There's something we want to show you," Jackson said. "If you're not too tired."
"What is it?" I asked, curiosity overriding my fatigue.
"A Steel pack tradition," Maison explained. "Something we do the night before an Alpha claiming ceremony."
Intrigued, I followed them through the quiet compoun
