Serene
The courtyard was silent yet heavy with anticipation. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath as Roman was dragged into the Circle of Binding. White chalk runes glowed faintly on the stone floor, etched with silver dust that shimmered beneath the moonlight.
He stood tall despite the chains clamped around his wrists and ankles, his defiance flickering in the sharp angle of his jaw. But I could that he was afraid — could almost taste the fear from where I stood.
The Judicator, Azriel, spoke. “By order of the King, Roman St Cloud, you are condemned to the Ritual of Severance. Your wolf is forfeit. May the Moon bear witness.”
The Oracle appeared and surrounded Roman, trapping him in their midst. Elizabeth shivered beside me, clutching my hand so tightly her nails dug into my skin. I
