Pack members filled the ceremonial square in rings around the altar. Under the full moon, Caleb stood in his formal robes with Mia on his arm. Her gold gown caught every fire's light.
They had prepared for a bride in white.
I came barefoot across the sacred stones in black.
The crowd quieted row by row. Caleb's face tightened when he saw me.
Mia's hand closed around his arm. The elders looked from my black dress to the bare place where the Luna's crown should have rested.
"Elara, what is this? I commanded you to attend the ceremony, not ruin it."
I carried a severance scroll bound with thorn vines. At the foot of the altar, I tossed it before the elders.
"Eight years," I said. "That's how long I've kept this pack alive in secret."
Caleb gave a sharp laugh. "What are you talking abo
