The moon was high, golden and sharp against the dark sky, casting long silver streaks across the trees. Laughter rang out from the fire-lit clearing as couples danced barefoot on the soft earth, the rhythmic drumbeats echoing deep into the woods.
It was a night of celebration—my sister’s bonding ceremony. Lilah and Kael were to be officially recognized as mates tomorrow, and tonight was for wine, music, and rituals.
I should’ve been happy.
But I couldn’t breathe.
I stood near the edge of the gathering, glass of berry wine trembling slightly in my hand as I watched Kael through the flickering firelight. Tall, broad-shouldered, his dark shirt half undone at the neck, sleeves rolled up as he talked with an elder. He hadn’t danced with Lilah yet. She was still off mingling, glowing in a so
