Chapter 21: Blood and Victory
The circle of pack members tightens around them like a noose, their faces alight with anticipation for violence that will determine Ella's place in their rigid hierarchy. The bioluminescent moss beneath their feet seems to pulse brighter in response to the tension crackling through the air, as if the very forest recognizes that something significant is about to unfold.
Lyra steps into the center of the makeshift arena with the confident grace of someone who has never known defeat in combat. Her amber eyes gleam with predatory satisfaction as she begins to circle Ella, every movement calculated to intimidate and unnerve.
"The rules are simple," Lyra announces, loud enough for the entire gathered crowd to hear. "No weapons, no outside interference, no mercy.
