The first bell of the Triple Moon Trial sounded at dawn.
It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t ceremonial. It came from nowhere and everywhere at once low, ancient, vibrating through bone instead of air. Raya felt it before she heard it. A pulse behind her eyes. A tightening in her chest. Her wolf stirred uneasily, pressing against her ribs like it wanted out.
Around her, the pack stilled.
No chatter. No movement. Even the wind seemed to pull back, as if the forest itself was watching.
Jax was the first to step closer.
He didn’t touch her. He never did when it mattered most. His presence was solid enough, shadowed, protective in that quiet way that made her feel claimed without a mark. His gaze skimmed her face, sharp and searching.
“You don’t have to prove anything,” he said under his breath.
