The humans collapsed as their wolves were severed from them, their eyes going blank and lifeless. Not dead, I realised with Diamond's enhanced understanding, but empty. Hollow shells without the essence that made them whole.
"The goddess has spoken," I whispered, my voice carrying across the stunned silence of the clearing. "Those who betray the sacred bonds of pack and family forfeit the right to their wolves."
The spirit wolves turned to me as one, their glowing forms bowing low in submission before dissolving into motes of silver light that drifted up toward the full moon. I felt their gratitude like a warm caress against my skin, souls finally free from the corruption that had bound them to unworthy masters.
Through our mate bond, I felt my four mates' overwhelming awe and pride. Th
