I woke up still trembling from last night.
My body felt alive, almost too aware of every nerve, every touch. The memory of Kaelen's touch lingered like fire under my skin, making me both hot and needy.
Talia appeared at my door with a quiet smile. "Good morning, Miss," she said, helping me dress. She held out a simple, ceremonial robe, soft and flowing. "Congratulations. It's finally over. You've survived everything… now comes the final step."
I nodded, heart hammering. Even after all the trials, I still felt nervous. I had no idea what this final marking would feel like, or what it meant exactly.
When I reached the council chamber, it was glowing with an otherworldly light. Wolves of all ranks were gathered, forming a wide circle around a pool of flickering blue flames in th
