The raven’s blood-stained message lay on the war room table like an open wound.
“Seven days until the full moon. Bring me the heart of the silent moon, or I will begin executing one hostage every dawn — starting with the Moon girl’s brother. The choice is yours, Healer.”
The words seemed to suck all the air from the room.
Elara Voss stared at the parchment until the blood-red ink blurred. Seven days. Seven innocent lives hanging by a thread — and her own heart, the very core of her power, was the demanded price. The weight of it pressed down on her chest until breathing felt difficult.
Kai Thorn’s reaction was immediate and terrifying.
A deep, guttural growl tore from his throat — not the controlled alpha command the council was used to, but pure, primal fury. His eyes flashed molten
