lence between them was heavy, broken only by the crunch of leaves beneath their feet and the dista

" she finally asked,

earn what you are," Orion r

t I

the dim moonlight, his silver eyes seemed to g

hat's what I've a

een told is a lie. There's something in your blood, Amara-something an

idn't reject me because he was afraid. He

ess smile. "Is that what you beli

n't that the truth? She had spent her entire life as an omega,

u've felt it, haven't you? The power inside you? The f

energy in the moments after Kieran's rejection. It had been terrifying

what it is,"

ned: once you awaken your true nature, there's no going back. Th

her, stripped her of her place and purpose. If there was even a chan

have to do?

ker of approval in h

pace in an ethereal glow, casting long shadows over the ancient stone altar at its cen

Amara asked, her voice

ward the altar. "The Moonfire bloodline is rare, nearly ex

word felt foreig

m her anger and sorrow during the Great War. They were her enforcers, her warriors, and her punishment to those who

rd. "And you think

think.

ould it be true? Could she really be

al will unlock your potential, but it will also test you. The Moonfire

ppens if

u d

heart pounding in

wer is not meant for the weak. If yo

te. But then she thought of Kieran, of Isla, of the humiliation she had

her voice steady despi

in the dirt around the altar, their intricate patterns glowing

nto the

to the cold stone. As soon as she stood in the cente

ocus on the flame inside you. Feel it,

ower Orion spoke of. At first, there was nothing, just the

n she f

with each passing moment. It was wild and untam

o her knees. Her body trembled as the fire surged through

said, his voice distan

as she fought to stay conscious. The fire was relentless

uddenly as it began

focus. She could see every detail of the forest, hear every soun

lowed faintly with a golden light, and a strange sym

said, a rare smile

y but her spirit stronger than ever. For th

he asked, her

m, "we prepare for what's coming. Elaria won'

w who Elaria was, but it didn't matter. Whoever stood in her w

ega wa

lace, a warr