The storm raged outside the Blackthorn lodge, wind howling through the pines like angry spirits demanding justice. Inside the great hall the air was thick with tension, the fire in the massive hearth crackling loudly as if feeding on the emotions swirling among the pack. I stood at the center of the room, my hands clenched into fists at my sides, tears already stinging my eyes from the weight of what we were about to do. Victor paced slowly around me, his gold eyes locked on the prisoner chained to the stone pillar, his face a mask of controlled fury. The pack formed a tight circle, their breaths heavy, many with tears glistening on their cheeks as they watched the scene unfold.
Lisa knelt on the cold floor, her wrists bound with silver chains that burned her skin, faint smoke rising from
