The forest was still cloaked in morning mist as I stood at the edge of the clearing, breathing in the earthy scents of damp soil and pine. This was it. The start of our journey. Onyx's hand found mine, his thumb tracing gentle circles over my knuckles.
"Are you ready for this, my bird?" His voice was a low rumble, yet I sensed the undercurrent of excitement thrumming through him.
I nodded, blinking back the tears suddenly stinging my eyes. "As ready as I'll ever be."
We turned to face our pack, their forms blurred in the silvery fog. I knew each one by scent and heartbeat. They were family. And we were leaving them behind, to go adventure, to find the places where our souls longed to be. As much as this was home, the witchstone sang from within my soul, beckoning me forward to learn m
