Chapter Nineteen: The Shift
The sun was beginning its descent toward the horizon when the first cars arrived.
Not pack members—they were already gathered in the courtyard, waiting for the
ceremony to begin. These were sleek black vehicles with tinted windows, moving with
the kind of precision that spoke of military training or royal guards.
Fiona was helping Siobhan with her hair when she heard the commotion outside.
Sinead immediately went on alert. DANGER? THREAT?
"What's going on?" Siobhan asked, trying to turn toward the window.
"Hold still." Fiona's hands were steady as she pinned the final curl in place, even though
her heart was racing. "You're almost ready." "But I hear people talking. It sounds like—"
A knock on the door interrupted her. Kieran entered, his face careful
