Tessa/jessica pov.
Midnight came faster than I expected. Before I even realized it, Zane, the wizard, and I were already standing around the altar the guards had prepared. The moonlight poured directly over the center, bright and cold. It made the whole place feel still, like the world had paused just for this moment.
The wizard lifted his hands and began chanting the ancient mantra. His voice was steady, echoing through the quiet space. Every word hummed through my chest. I watched him closely at first, tension crawling up my spine. After everything with Adrian, trusting anyone felt dangerous. But Zane had checked the cage before we came here. He assured me Adrian was still locked inside, unable to shift or escape. I forced myself to breathe and focus.
“Place her there,” the wizard sai
