Chapter 92

One by one, the wolves started to break free. The axe moved toward the boy again. I finally understood the test—it wasn't about control; it was about doing what was necessary.

I let my wolf out. When I spoke again, my voice sounded ancient.

"Kneel."

The command hit like thunder. Every wolf dropped into the snow instantly. The earth vibrated from the force of it. The boy looked at me in awe, and Seraphine actually smiled.

Blinding light burst from the marks on my arms. Agony flooded my veins, and the vision shattered.

I opened my eyes and I was back on the stone circle. The ritual arena returned: the moonlight, the rogues, and the biting wind.

My knees hit the black stone hard. The rogues exploded into shouts. I looked down at my arm—a second glowing white rune was pulsing on my skin.

The second trial was over.

The old witch hovered over me.

“She passed!” she straightened and shouted toward the throne,