Matteo and Lucas exchanged a glance when Kate lowered herself into the chair near the long table and her movements were steady, as if carrying a weight only she could feel she unfastened the strap of her leather bag.
From inside, she drew out a roll of ancient parchment its edges were darkened, as though scorched by time itself.
Lucas frowned, suspicion flashing in his eyes. "What is this?"
Kate placed the scroll on the table, her gaze unwavering. "Read it."
Before Lucas could reach out, Matteo's impatience burned through he snatched it quickly, his fingers unrolling the parchment with a snap. The candlelight quivered across the delicate ink strokes, casting a shadow that seemed almost real and his voice deepened as he read aloud:
If the three bonds are completed during the full moon eclipse, the female will gain the Moon Throne, becoming the ruler of all werewolves. Or, if the ritual fails, she will be consumed... and kill them all.
