= Mikael =
The second night of the bonding ceremony had always been the most dangerous.
Not because of blood.
Not because of enemies waiting in the dark.
Because of choice.
The first night had secured Amara’s place within the pack—at least publicly. The blood ritual had been deliberate, strategic. It allowed the elders and the warriors to witness something tangible, something ancient and undeniable. When the bond sparked beneath our skin, when the Moon answered, even the skeptics had been forced into silence.
It was the safer route.
For the pack.
For her.
But tonight?
Tonight was not about blood recognizing her.
It was about whether we chose each other.
The venue for the second night was held in the largest hall in Veyrath—the Hall of Oaths, carved from the same dark stone tha
