Description

The full moon rose like a silent judge over Shadowpine Pack.Silver light spilled across the ceremony grounds, washing the ancient stone circle in pale glow. Torches burned along the perimeter, flames bending with the restless wind. Wolves gathered in formal lines warriors in the front, elders seated on carved wooden chairs, ranked families behind them.And at the center of it all stood Ayla Ravenwood.Alone.Her white ceremony dress moved slightly in the cold night breeze. She kept her chin lifted, even as whispers brushed against her skin like thorns.“Half-blood.”“Hybrid.”“Unfit.”She had heard worse growing up.But tonight was different.Tonight was the Mating Ceremony.Tonight,