Chapter 45: Brother's Concern
(Elara's POV)
The wind carried the weight of anticipation as we began our hike toward Sacred Moon Peak. My steps matched the rhythm of the pack around me, but my focus wavered with every heavy footfall.
The closer we got to the ceremonial grounds, the more oppressive the moon's energy became, wrapping tightly around my senses, amplifying every sound, every ripple of wolf energy nearby. Lumi stirred uneasily beneath my skin, her presence sharp and restless.
“Not nervous, are you, Little Moon?” Rhys’s familiar mockery slid through our temporary pack bond like a blade.
Of course, he wouldn’t pass on the chance to raise my hackles.
I clenched my jaw, staring straight ahead. “I’ve faced far worse than a hike up a mountain.”
“And yet,” his voice carrie
