The days following the capture of the Council’s spy were a blur of focused, relentless preparation.
The Iron Frost had finally broken, leaving behind a pristine, glittering world of white. The skies over Nightfall were a piercing, cloudless blue, and the air was crisp and biting.
With only three days left until the full moon, Rowan decided it was time.
He didn't announce their departure to the pack. He simply wrapped Aria in her heavy white fox cloak, took her hand, and led her out the back gates of the packhouse, toward the steep, winding trail that led up the mountain.
"Where are we going?" Aria asked, her breath pluming in the cold air as they climbed higher into the pine forest.
"The Southern packs hold their ceremonies in marble temples," Rowan replied, his large hand warmly enve
