THE NIGHT BEFORE THE SKY BREAKS
The moon was almost whole.
Not yet swallowed by shadow, not yet claimed by the coming eclipse — but swollen, bright, watchful.
Elara stood at the balcony of Kael’s chambers, her fingers gripping the cold stone railing as wind moved through her hair. The entire pack was restless tonight. She could feel it in the air — the tension, the whispers, the anticipation of what tomorrow would demand.
Tomorrow, the ceremony.
Tomorrow, the eclipse.
Tomorrow, the truth.
Behind her, the door closed softly.
She didn’t turn immediately. She didn’t need to. She felt him before she heard him.
Kael.
His presence settled into the room like gravity itself.
“You shouldn’t be out here alone,” he said quietly.
She almost smiled. “I’m not alone.”
He stepped closer.
The
