The moon was low in the sky, and its magical light made the old forest look like it was from another world. Aurora's heart was beating fast as she stood at the edge of the clearing with the alphas she had picked by her side. Their breaths mixed in the cool night air. The moment of truth had come, and it was the result of all the trials and secrets that had led them to this crucial point.

Damien's eyes, which are usually hidden by darkness, met Aurora's with a mix of strength and weakness. "We've come this far," he whispered, and the rasp in his voice made her shiver....