The moon hung heavy above the clearing, larger and brighter than any night Aria had seen before. Its silver light drenched the stone circle of the sanctuary in a pale glow, washing over blades of grass like sacred fire. The very air pulsed with energy—as if the earth itself was holding its breath.
Tonight felt different.
Tonight, everything would change.
Aria stood alone in the heart of the Circle, her bare feet pressed against the ancient runes carved into the stone. Her hair whipped around her in the rising wind, her wolf close beneath her skin. Restless. Watching. Waiting.
