The man's chest puffed slightly. A few wolves in the crowd nodded reverently.
"And now," Aldric said, "I am graced once more to announce the Moon's chosen vessel. The blessed who shall walk the path laid before her. The one Lunara has touched."
Serena's fingers tightened around the fabric of her skirt. She inhaled slowly. The hush around her grew heavy.
The blindfolded young woman rose and stepped forward, hands extended slightly as if feeling the air. The older woman beside her knelt, placing her palms against the woman's back and whispering something Serena could not catch.
Then Aldric raised his hands once more.
"Today," he said, "we reveal the face of the Moon's chosen."
Serena stiffened. Something like anticipation twisted in her stomach.
Around her, wolves leaned forward, breaths held. The trembling woman with the handkerchief clasped it to her breast now, lips moving in a silent prayer.
