Elara POV
The Moonfire came back at midnight.
I'd been expecting it. Waiting for it. The trial wasn't over. One night survived. Two more to go.
I felt it start in my chest. That familiar burning. Silver fire spreading through my veins like liquid light.
Not as violent this time. Not as shocking. Like the fire recognized me. Knew me. Had become part of me somehow.
I sat up in bed. Closed my eyes. Let it come.
No point fighting it. No point running from what needed to happen.
What do you fear?
The question echoed through my mind. Same as before. But deeper now. More insistent. Like the fire knew I hadn't told the complete truth last time.
Images flooded my consciousness. Not destruction this time. Not death. Not pain.
Belonging.
I saw myself with the pack. Accepted. Part of something bigger. Kaelen's mate. The Alpha's partner. Protected. Safe. Loved.
The image was beautiful. Perfect. Everything I'd ever wanted.
