Morning sunlight filtered through the forest canopy when Ava finally woke.
Her body felt strangely warm.
The crushing pain of the broken bond had faded, replaced by a faint but steady energy flowing through her chest.
Slowly she sat up.
Memories of the ceremony rushed back instantly.
Kael's cold voice.
The laughter of the pack.
The rejection.
Ava clenched her fists.
Then she noticed something unusual.
A faint silver symbol glowed on her wrist.
It was shaped like a crescent moon surrounded by delicate runes.
Her breath caught.
When she touched the mark, warmth spread up her arm.
Suddenly the forest seemed clearer.
She could hear birds flying far above the trees.
She could smell the distant river flowing through the valley.
Even the movement of small animals hidden in the grass felt vivid.
Her senses had sharpened dramatically.
"What is happening to me?" she whispered.
The mark pulsed softly in response.