Bella POV
The woods are heavy with the scent of herbs and smoke. The entire pack has gathered, excited for the ceremony. Some of the kids still discuss my win during the festival.
“We’ve been here before”, my wolf reminds me,’ it will be like last time, nothing new.”
Only, it is not. Because this time, just as Henriette said, everything is real. And I won’t be surprised by the shadows, I know them better now, and they know me.
Alex is waiting for me at the beautifully decorated altar. I take a look around - the same faces I saw last time, but now I call them differently. Now, these wolves are my family.
I faced Alex, and the High Priestess guided us through the ceremony. But when the time for the vows comes, Alex takes my hand in his.
Everyone reacts, gasping - me as well, becau
