THE FORSAKEN LUNA'S JOURNEY

ldering sage bundles were lit, or purification rituals performed, the acrid tang of blood and se

y vigil. Solemn faces were cast in the flickering glow of torchlight, eyes haunted by the memories of unspeakable horrors witnessed. Snuffling pups clu

staggering weight. I had railed against the cruel inevitability of death many times in my role as the pack's healer, desperately scram

f the weathered tin cups cradled in his hands, the other he lifted in a silent toast before taking a swig of its steaming conten

c haze shrouding my thoughts. His normally twinkling hazel eyes were dull,

o focus on the cup clutched between my palms. "Abou

ve the whispers making their way through the ranks." He paused, shooting me a sidelong look. "That so

disbelief. "Me? That's utterly preposterous! You

en thick as thieves since we were mere pups tumbling through

and I had been mere babes at our mother's hips when the old traditions designated us as Kin-Mates -

as a lifelong commitment viewed as the greatest Honor amongst our kind. Having Eth

...you have to admit, my somewhat...unorthodox abilities likely breed mor

nly mend physical wounds through ancient magic, but to soothe the very essence of a werewolf's prim

the aftermath of such inexplicable slaughter, my unique gifts coul

table. I could practically see the wheels turning b

e who view your particular talents with...trepidation. Especiall

with Victor beside Jalen's broken body, I couldn't purge the seed of doubt and betrayal that had taken root. My trust

ons about my involvement?" My tone came out sharper tha

t's just say...between the escalating unrest rippling through the pack and the ever-growing lis

ion as alpha, Victor could not afford to ignore any potential threat to his dominance - even the completely baseless allegations against his own f

as the horrible realization washed over me in jagge

t matters is the perception - and right now, too many eyes are shifting in your direction, 'Lena. If he doesn't take decisive action soon to a

e ubiquitous reek of death still clinging to the air. My heart pounde

goat. And unless the true culprits behind these horrific massacres were caught, it was only a matter

d a frisson of dread t

uickly gained his feet beside me, face set in a grim mask of determination. "We have to prove

resence as he studied me carefully for several agonizing

ghost of his usual roguish grin making a fleeting appearance. "But you're not

he reassurance of Ethan's solidarity. No matter what darkness lay waiting in the days ahead,

nst the rising tide of suspicion and mistrust now aimed squarely at me. Until the real architects behind this campaign o

e face of fear or indecision. We would shed light on the tr

we would not rest until