Chapter 11
“No matter how hard you strive, it’s futile.” Winter’s voice dripped honey–sweet venom. “Whatever I desire, Father, Mother, even dear Valdrin… they place it at my feet.”
“Such devotion–something you’ve never known, have you, sister?”
Winter’s smile turned cruel, her mask slipping to reveal the predator beneath: “I wonder if you’ll even live to see me at the Gathering?”
Her eyes held dark knowledge. She knew. She’d always known.
Ravenna met her gaze with ice. “Even if you stand there, your lack of skill will make you nothing but a mockery.”
Winter’s face darkened. With no witnesses, her innocent facade crumbled completely. “Worry less about me, sister, and more about your precious packmate. I hear she’s in quite the trouble.”
Ravenna’s blood ran cold. “What have you done?”
“Oh? You don’t know?” Winter’s false innocence returned. “Your dear Lyra came to confront me. I merely mentioned to Father how… uncomfortable she made me feel. And you know Father’s ways – a few whispers of territory violations, and she’ll spend years in the dark cells.”
Ravenna’s claws struck before she could think, raking across Winter’s face. “You’re mad!” “If you want to destroy something, destroy me! Leave her out of this!”
Winter merely laughed, touching her healing cheek. “But you care for her. You have so little left for me to take… she’s all that remains.”
“Blame yourself, sister. Your love for her sealed her fate.”
Winter’s smile remained angelic, masking the monster beneath.
Ravenna raised her claws again, but this time she was thrown backwards as Valdrin materialized between them, his power crackling through the air as he shielded Winter.
What are you doing?” His snarl echoed off the stone walls. “What has she done to deserve your attack?”
In an instant, Winter transformed – her face crumpling as tears spilled down her cheeks. “Alpha, Please, don’t blame sister, I spoke carelessly and upset her.”
It’s fine if she strikes me… I don’t feel the pain.”
Winter clutched her chest suddenly, her breath coming in desperate gasps, playing the dying wolf perfectly.
part of a
Valdrin’s face twisted with rage. “Have you lost your mind, Ravenna? Look what your violence has
done to her condition!”
But Ravenna wasn’t listening. Her only thought was reaching Lyra, warning her to flee before her father’s hunters found her.
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She reached for her communication crystal, but Valdrin knocked it from her hand. “Have you no heart? Winter’s life hangs by a thread, and you’re concerned with messages?”
The crystal shattered against the stone floor, its light dying instantly.
Valdrin seized Ravenna’s arm, his grip bruising. “Winter’s condition is critical. The ritual must begin
now.”
Winter clutched at Valdrin’s ceremonial robes, making a show of labored breathing. But her eyes met Ravenna’s over his shoulder, gleaming with triumph.
Pure theatre.
Ravenna wrenched free, desperate to reach the healer’s station to send word..
But Valdrin’s iron grip returned, his superior strength leaving no room for resistance. “You’re not
now. The ritual begins immediately!”
backing ou
Ravenna struggled helplessly as they dragged her toward the ritual chamber. “I won’t refuse the ritual, I swear! Just let me send one message. Please – just one message!”
Valdrin ignored her pleas, assuming she sought to delay.
Pack warriors strapped her to the ritual stone. Through her tears, she begged: “Valdrin, I beg you. One message, that’s all. Please…”
His face remained stone as he ordered: “Administer the sleeping herbs.”
As the cold mixture entered her veins, Ravenna felt consciousness slipping away. Her world grew dark at the edges.
Inher final moment of awareness, she looked at her mate, tears falling freely. “Valdrin… I will never Jorgive you.”
Chapter it
In the darkness, the Moon Goddess’s voice echoed, cold and ancient: “Trial failed. Your heart’s sacrifice will condemn this vessel. As you wished, Moon–Blessed one, I shall grant you a new form, new Trial, with a different pack. Your spirit shall continue its journey…”
