Moonlight poured over the sacred altar, bathing the Temple in silver.
The Elders sat in a perfect circle. I stood in its center, atop the ancient Marking Rune—a symbol carved by the Moon Goddess herself, invoked only once in a lifetime.
“When the bond is broken, she must choose where it burns anew.” The Moon’s voice echoed in the chamber, low and holy.
Rogue Kael stood at my left—steady, silent, ever present.
Alpha Vincent stood at my right—disheveled, red-eyed, desperate.
“Isabella,” he whispered, voice cracking. “Let me make it right. Just one chance.”
I closed my eyes. My old mark pulsed weakly in my chest, flickering. The new one trembled, waiting.
This was the Moon’s Re-Marking Trial. I had to choose.
No one could choose for me.
Just as the ritual was about to begin, a sudden
