Chapter 7. Moonblood Ceremony

The tower’s great doors shuddered open at the very first pale hint of dawn, admitting a gauzy ribbon of light that crept across the cold stone floor like a cautious guest. From somewhere beyond, the measured cadence of heavy footsteps advanced, each echo resonating against the vaulted walls. Lora rose stiffly from the narrow cot where not a minute of rest had come her way; the fine, translucent robe draped over her shoulders clung coolly to taut skin, its designers doubtless proud of how “elegantly helpless” it made her feel.

Two attendants glided in, their identities entirely obscured by pristine white hoods that swallowed every feature. They neither spoke nor produced a sound more distinct than a gentle nod in her direction—an unspoken summons born purely of the Alpha’s iron will. Lora found herself lifting her chin in answer, though the gesture felt limp in the chill air.

Together they moved through the tower’s twisting corridors, stairs spiraling upward on one side a