The sacred clearing behind Silverclaw’s stone hall had only been used twice in the last hundred years.

Once for a Luna’s ascension.

Once for a warrior’s farewell.

Today, it would be used for something new.

Something old.

Something forbidden in most packs.

A naming ceremony before birth.

Not just a declaration of intent — a binding of magic, blood, and identity. A protection rite that would carve my child’s name into the world itself.

“Ember,” I had whispered.

And now the world would know her too.

Preparing the Circle

The moon hung low and full, casting pale gold light over the trees.

The circle was marked with ancestral runes in...