CLAUDE
I didn't say anything. Instead, I pressed my lips together as she stepped back and gave me a smile. The elder undid the cloth and stepped back.
"You know what must be done. Together, you will run in your wolves under the full moon and, after, complete the bond."
I gave a nod, and with my hand still clasped in Ava's, we walked down the stairs. The pack congratulated us as we made our way through them. I finally forced a smile, murmuring a few thank-yous here and there, but the mask barely held together.
Once we were in the woods, the noise of the pack fading behind us, I let go of her hand. I needed the space, the air.
"I'm not going to give up on you," she said, her voice syrupy sweet, but the grip she had on me was anything but gentle.
"You should. I've told you
