Bella’s P.O.V.
It was still late in the afternoon. The soft golden light slanted through the windows of the pack house as we gathered outside, hearts pounding with anticipation. Aunt Claire had just stepped out of the war room where the ritual had concluded, her expression unreadable but eyes twinkling with something that made my pulse stutter.
“They’ve got him,” she announced. “My witches are bringing Mason back now.”
Time slowed to a crawl.
Rose was the first to react. She gasped, then bolted toward me, wrapping me in a tight hug. “Oh my goddess, Bella!”
Rachel wasn’t far behind, her arms enveloping both of us as she choked out, “He’s coming back. We did it.”
Even Ryan gave a rare nod of approval. Aiden and Blake exchanged looks of cautious hope. Matt’s hand found mine, squeezing t
