The moment the Blood Moon’s shadow cut across the clearing, the bond snapped.

It wasn’t clean. It ripped through me like tearing muscle from bone — jagged, brutal. The tether between Hardin and me writhed for a breath longer, fighting to hold, then disintegrated into nothing.

My knees almost gave. My wolf howled inside my skull, but not for him — it was my own rage and relief collapsing over each other. The ritual fire roared higher, as if it was feeding on my choice.

Xavier pushed himself forward from where he’d been watching, jaw tight, silver eyes locked on me like he expected me to break apart right there....