#Chapter 162: The Moon Stone

ELENA The torches lining the path flickered like stars pulled down to earth. Each one stood tall and still, the flames flickering gently in the mountain air. The pack moved slowly, reverently, their bodies hushed in instinctive deference to the night and what it represented. Beside me, Aiden held my hand. His small fingers were curled around mine, warm and still a little sticky from the honey bread he’d insisted on having before the ceremony. His eyes, wide and curious, scanned everything. None of the wolves spoke. Not even the elders, whose joints groaned as they ascended the slope. Not the warriors, dressed in ceremonial black with Moonstone sashes across their chests. The path was sacred, and silence was part of the rite. Aiden tugged at my hand, his voice a whisper. “Why wasn’t Daddy invited?” The question pierced me more than I expected. I looked down at him and gave a soft shake of my head. “This is just for Moonstone. Now hush.” I couldn’t tell him the truth. That