Cassandra>
The village came into view through the trees — torches were lit despite the early hour, ribbons strung between the houses, and what looked like the entire pack gathered around a wide stone circle at its center. The moment we crossed into the clearing, a wave of noise rose up to greet us, wolves turning, pointing, calling out to their neighbors.
Dominic dismounted first, then reached up and helped me down, and we walked into the ceremony together, side by side, in full view of his people for the very first time.
I spotted Sarah near the front almost immediately, her face lit with open delight. Gideon stood beside her, his arms crossed as usual, but there was a small flicker of emotion visible in his eyes, something close to approval if I may be so bold.
There were three ot
