The war room emptied quickly. Pack members ran to prepare for battle. Soon only Laura and her four Alphas remained.

The silence was heavy. Everyone knew what came next.

"We should talk about the ritual," Laura said quietly.

Lucian leaned against the wall. His arms crossed tight over his chest.

"What aren't you telling us?" he asked.

Laura felt her heart race. She had hoped to avoid this conversation.

"The ritual is more than just bonding," she said slowly. "It requires complete surrender."

"What does that mean exactly?" Dante asked.

Laura took a deep breath. "Each of you would have to give up part of your essence. Your core power....