CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SEVEN – TRADITIONS OF THE TRADE

Alina's voice cut through the silence like a whip. "What do you think you're doing?" Cassie's heart pounded as she looked around, seeing the shocked and angry faces of the pack members. "I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-" "Didn't mean to?" Alina snarled, advancing on Cassie. "You've violated our most sacred tradition! How dare you enter the circle uninvited?" Florian rushed to Cassie's side, placing himself between her and Alina. "It was an accident. She didn't know-" "Ignorance is no excuse!" Alina snapped. "This human has no place here. She's proven she can't be trusted to respect our ways." Sorin's deep voice cut through the commotion. "Enough!" He fixed Cassie with a piercing gaze. "Explain yourself." Cassie swallowed hard, her voice shaking. "I'm so sorry. I got caught up in the energy of the celebration. I didn't realize I was breaking a rule. It won't happen again." Alina scoffed. "Of course it won't. Because you won't be allowed at any more pack gatherings." Murmurs of