The ritual ground remained silent after Ryker’s command. Hundreds of wolves watched the center of the clearing, waiting to hear the Alpha’s final instruction. The warrior holding the glowing brand stood frozen with the heated iron raised in both hands. The metal continued to burn red against the dark night air.
Mira remained bound to the iron post beneath the moonlight. Her shoulders ached from the ropes that held her arms back, yet she refused to lean against the post for support. She kept her posture straight as she faced the crowd.
Ryker stood only a few steps away.
His voice had been calm when he issued the command to prepare. The entire pack understood that the next words would determine how the ritual ended.
Halric watched him closely. “You have delayed long enough,” the elder sa
