A SOMBERNESS BLANKETED MOON VALLEY. It had only been twenty-four hours since the pack shared in Nikolai’s pain, and here we were again. Marching to the great oak tree, ready to take on the weight of Lourdes ’ death. At least this time, everyone was prepared for it, unlike last night.

A huge lump of guilt formed in my throat as I followed closely behind Aiden, holding a single candle to light my way. The woods were darker and more ominous as the rustle of leaves and the snapping of twigs popped like firecrackers.

The air was thick and heavy, much like the way my heart felt. I pulled in...