The torch was placed on the pyre. I watched, along with the large crowd as it ignited. Elder Marcus muttered something and the two men pushed it away.

As it floated on the lake, I couldn't help the dark thoughts that clouded my mind. Xavier was given a proper ritual, but I wondered if the fire would be hot like the flames he would meet if he went to hell.

I glanced beside me at my mate. Quinn had his blank gaze on the burning pyre. It was so eerie how the fire reflected in his eyes.

I reached for his hands and he blinked, turning his gaze to me....