rey

yes shone with the thrill of success. She had done it. Elder Elara, after much

e whispered, pressing the tome into my hand

es. The script was archaic, but the language was direct. And there i

ders. Using a ceremonial blade of pure silver, they would each slice open their palms a

ce that caused werewolves excruciating pain, bu

tual was designed to be a mutual agony, a deterrent. For me,

hisper of gratitude. I closed the book. "You've do

ertha... she hasn't brought any fo

re my asset's loyalty beyond mere sentiment. "My

a small, sterile, metal vial. It contained a clear, viscous liquid. I

y on the spot. "A single drop can give a person strength f

e of awe and skepticism. But her trust in me, this new, stran

. A warm flush spread across her cheeks, and the exhaustion

f electrolytes, glucose, and fast-acting stimulants

I just put a finger to my lips

them. Loud, boisterous laughter from outside, followed by

and unwelcome, f

more than this entire cabin. Her posse of sycophants, including a vapid-looking girl I recognized as Lana

ctively moved to stand be

f to her nose in a theatrical gesture of disgust. "It sm

ered appr

took in my "sickly" appearance, and a look of

to see if you were dead yet. Kane is planning the ceremony to officially name me as

. I simply lay there, my breathing shallo

me for tears, for curses, for jealous rage. My utter i

a conspiratorial whisper. "Do you know what Kane said to me, the night he rejected you? He said he couldn't

wl escaping her throat. Bertha immediately s

ly, I

y head, my gaze traveling past Flor's triumph

ming words that we

ess..."

ng slightly, assumin

.it's beautiful." A pause. "A pity

e, so disconnected from the situation, that it didn't register as a

cking, theatrical coughs and allowed my head to fall b

disappointment. The show was over. She turned on her

. The stench is

, laughing, I allowed a tiny, c

n delivered. The c