Lyra’s POV
The sun went down behind the mansion, its warmth slowly disappearing behind the clouds. I exhaled with a shaky breath as I went to the clearing. I could see the pack already.
They were gathered around for a purpose. They were gathered for me.
My heart raced and swelled with pride and fear. Rhyker had mentioned this ceremony days before, in a passing, quiet moment when the pack was settling after the tension with the neighboring clan.
But now, standing here with their eyes on me, I felt every ounce of its importance, every glance and whisper lingering in the air as if I was an open book for all to read.
Suddenly I caught his scent, Rhyker's scent. Strong and sweet.
“Are you ready?” he asked, suddenly appearing behind me.
I swallowed, nodding, though my voice barely abov
