Chapter 62. Moonfall

The stars hung low over Spiritshade, scattered like handfuls of bone-white dust across the endless black. The moon was full and silver again — not bloodied, not heavy with omen — just clear, clean, and whole.

Selene stood on the edge of the great meadow that now marked the heart of Spiritshade, her bare toes sinking into the cool grass, the scent of pine and ash and blooming wildflowers thick in the air. Behind her, the stones of the settlement rose slowly into shapes: homes, gathering halls, watchtowers. Not the rigid fortresses of the old packs — but structures that curved with the land, embraced it.

Everything here was built with intention.
Everything here was chosen.

She could hear the soft murmur of voices from the fires scattered throughout the meadow. Wolves laughing. Talking. A pup somewhere shrieked with glee as it was chased in lazy circles by a packmate. Music drifted faintly,