r eyes sparkling with excitement. She stepped closer, smoothing the fabri

wolf and, hopefully, your ma

about for weeks. Today wasn't just about getting my wolf-it was about the pos

ond was about more than just a crush. I wanted someone kind and d

le. "As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, my v

ing mine reassuringly befor

lights were draped along the trees, casting a golden glow over the lively crowd gathered there. Almost

y greeted my parents with respect and offered me congratulations. At first, I managed to smile

o waver, a familiar hand gra

d with a grin, dragging me toward the food table. Relief washed

," she said, grabbing a pl

d, laughing. "You c

g me with her elbow

o feed a small family. With our plates in hand, we found a

as I took it all in. Some people were gathered around tables, chatting and laughing. Others were dancing to

't it?" Susan said

eart swelling with a mix

blurring together in a haze of music, laughter, and a

she said, her voic

heart thudded in my chest as I realized the moment was

~

essed in flowing silver robes that shimmered under the moonlight, stepped forward. In her hands, she carried a silver knife and a ceremonial bowl

ase. My heart pounded against my ribcage as t

e crowd stood in rapt silence. The atmosphere grew heavy, charged with anticipation. When th

pered, her voice steady but h

so many eyes. Reaching her, I inhaled deeply, trying to calm my nerves. She tur

own language, the words weaving a strange melody that sent shivers down my

arm blood trickled from the wound, pooling in the ceremonial bowl she held beneath my han

s. Her movements were deliberate, almost hypnotic, as she swirled the blood

her hands toward the moon. Midnight was seconds away, the air

k struck

ilarating feeling of my wolf awakening. I waited for the sur

hing ha

s began rippling through the crowd, their excitement shifting

ing? Why isn'

spite the unease settling over the pack. Five minutes pas

She turned to the crowd, her expression solemn and

ILD HAS

silence, each one landin

moved. No one spoke. I felt the weight of hundreds

owned out the world around me. My blood ran cold

w

bearable than the last. My vision blurred, and f