Chapter 65. You Were Nothing Before Me

Caleb’s POV

The wind at the summit doesn’t howl tonight. It screams.

Magic rolls through the air in thunderous pulses, old, cracked, angry. Winter Mountain hums beneath my feet, its veins hot with something ancient and alive. And it’s waiting for us to choose.

I stand at the front of the ring, my hand resting on the hilt of the curved iron blade King Ezra gave me two nights ago. Not for tradition. For war. My bonded soul thrums beneath my ribs, tangled in blue and gold threads of power, her magic folds into mine.

Selena stands just behind me. To my left are Jamie and Sienna, and to my right are Zane and Rowan.

We are the future, and tonight we are leading because if we fall there will be no one to take over. No pack to lead. Mom and dad are here as well, but standing father back. All eyes are on Selena and I. They will follow us or despair. At least that is what dad said right before we stepped out here. I think he’s a little dramatic, although t