POV: Elara
The moon hung high in the night sky, its pale glow casting long shadows across the clearing. Tonight was the Bonding Ritual, one of the oldest traditions of Talon Pack—a ceremony meant to reaffirm the unity of the pack and strengthen the bonds that held us together. But as I stood at the center of the gathering, the tension in the air told me this night would test us in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
The pack had assembled in a large circle, their faces illuminated by the flickering light of a central bonfire. Wolves of all ages stood shoulder to shoulder, their expressions ranging from eager anticipation to quiet wariness. My gaze swept over them, lingering on the clusters of younger wolves who whispered excitedly, and then on the older ones whose eyes held doubt instead of trust
