oppressive, making it difficult for Mia to breathe. The ominous storm from the previous nigh

ls. Wherever she looked, group members huddled together, conversing in hushed tones, the

low, constant hum that set Mia's nerves on edge. It was then th

ould prepare yourself, young one. The challenges that li

ond, a loud howl summoned them to the arena. Ezra gave her a quick nod an

nd anticipation. In the center of the arena, Alpha Miguel stood tall and

king onto her for a fleeting moment before moving on. Even that brief connection ignited a f

nating with authority, commanding everyone's attention. "First, we mu

e mean by "purity"? Miguel's eyes found her once more, and she could

a wave of whispers to ripple through the assembly. "Only those wh

ns of his words. A virginity test? Surely they couldn't expect her, a c

Each woman was subjected to a sacred ritual, a mysterious ceremony presided over by the Elder. On

e had endured hardships before, but the prospect of divulging her most intima

na, her legs heavy with exhaustion. The ancient Elder rega

his voice gentle and soothing.

lled the air. A strange, electric energy permeated the atmosphere, raising

he Elder's eyes flew open, his weathered

ia with an unsettling intensity. "The you

er face. Compromised? How was that possible? She was inexperienced, having

seeds of doubt within her mind. What if the ceremony was accurate? What if, through some

ea. If she was deemed unworthy of bearing t

ntense, probing gaze that set her nerves alight. They locked eyes, the world ar

ng Mia back to reality. She whirled around, her heart

o a cruel sneer as he glared at her with undisguised hatred. B

yder taunted, his smile dripping with malice. "Perhaps a mo

ing mere inches from her face. She recoiled, her heart hammering in her ears

ade the wolf's strikes. Yet with each near miss, the creature grew more determined, its at

he proceedings, his expression unreadable. Did he condone this trial? Or w

s growing sluggish and labored. The wolf sensed her fatigue, press

rlier were repeating themselves, but this time, th

startling the wolf. She whirled around, her eyes widening in disbelief as the previously

osphere stilled their tongues. Even Ryder appeared shaken, his bravado faltering as

wing tempest above them. For a fleeting moment, his intense gaze met Mia's, and she glimpse

ding voice cutting through the tense silence. "We shall