Aurora's heart was beating fast as the moon cast a creepy light over the old forest. The source of the curse, a secret sanctuary deep in the woods, was found by the Council of Elders. Damien, Ethan, and Gabriel, the alphas she had picked, stood next to her. Their determination was clear.

"Are we all ready for this?" Ethan's eyes were bright with excitement, and his hand was tight on his sword.

Damien's jaw was set, and he didn't move his eyes. "We've already come too far to turn back now."

Usually calm and controlled, Gabriel's voice had a hint of urgency. "Time is not on our side. Every day,...