The sun dipped lower in the sky as the group returned to the estate, the weight of the ancient texts heavy on their minds. Lily’s heart raced with the knowledge of what was to come, her hands trembling as she tried to steady herself. The ritual—it was her only hope to lock away the power inside her, but the risk loomed like a shadow, dark and suffocating. If something went wrong, if she failed… it could be the end.
Eric hadn’t let go of her hand since they left the archives, his protective presence a constant reminder that no matter what happened, he was there with her. But even his warmth couldn’t chase away the chill that had settled in her bones, the fear that gnawed at her insides.
They reached the estate just as dusk settled in, casting long shadows across the grounds. The pack was
