Chapter 48. The Eve of Becoming

The valley pulsed with life, the very air humming with anticipation. From the stone terrace outside her chamber, Mira watched it all unfold—an entire pack preparing for a union they believed would shape their future. The wide square below had transformed into a canvas of celebration. Lanterns swayed between poles wrapped in braided garlands, their lights casting soft amber glows on the cobbled pathways.

Wolves—both young and old—darted through the square with arms full of ribbons, bushels of firewood, platters of food, and bundles of evergreens scented with pine and dried lavender. Music drifted faintly in the breeze, just a hint of it, a warm promise of what was to come.

And somewhere at the heart of it, tomorrow, she would stand.

Mira leaned against the carved stone railing, her arms wrapped around herself despite the late summer warmth. Her fingers brushed the amulet at her chest—a delicate silver talisman etched with runes, cool and constant against her skin. I