/Alora/The air smelled of smoke, blood, and betrayal. I stood in the center of what was left of the ritual grounds; the ashes of the sacred bonfire spread across the earth like a terrible metaphor for the vows made just hours before. Wolves hurried to help the injured, their frightened shouts breaking over the crackling of remaining flames. My hands were coated with filth and blood, some of it mine, not all. My breaths were short and weak, but I refused to falter."Ethan, secure the perimeter," I said, my voice as keen as the dagger strapped to my thigh. "Kayla, please prioritize wounds. "Nobody dies on my watch today.""On it," they said in unison, their expressions a combination of resolve and fatigue.Randall's presence behind me was like a shadow, his protective instincts tightening in the aftermath of the attack. His voice was low, but it carried the weight of a storm barely contained. "This wasn't a random attack, Alora.""I know," I said, turning my attention to the wolves
Last Updated : 2025-02-03 Read more