Chapter 21: The Final Demonstration
The sacred amphitheater buzzed with nervous energy.
Nearly the entire Silverpine Pack had gathered beneath the towering pines.
Elders sat on the raised stone platform, their faces carved with centuries of tradition.
Younger wolves clustered in tight groups, whispering. Selene stood beside Harlan like a queen waiting for her rival’s execution, her silver-beaded braid gleaming and her amber eyes sharp with anticipation.
Elena stood alone in the center of the clearing, heart hammering but back straight.
She wore loose black clothes designed to shred during the shift.
Luke stood several paces away, every muscle coiled with protective tension. His amber eyes never left her.
Harlan’s voice boomed across the clearing.
“Today the pack will witness w
