#Chapter 185: Rite

Kayla The night air wrapped around me as I stepped outside, cool against my exposed skin beneath the thin white silk of my dress. The Blood Moon Revelry was in full swing, the expansive garden behind the Nightshade manor transformed into a primal celebration. A massive bonfire blazed in the center, flames leaping toward the darkening sky, casting flickering orange light across the faces of the revelers. All around me, people were already dancing, their bodies moving in rhythm with the pounding drums. The women’s white dresses flowed like liquid moonlight, the men’s bare chests gleaming with sweat and painted symbols that seemed to glow in the firelight. The scent of smoke mingled with sweet incense and the earthy smell of the forest beyond. I moved through the crowd, acknowledging pack members with nods and smiles as they parted respectfully for their Luna. Despite the cramping that still occasionally rippled through my abdomen, I felt oddly light, as if the Blood Moo