THE GIRL WITH THE WOLF MARK

eated, her amber eyes never leaving Fid

t always accompanied the werewolves' presence. Elder Thorne stepped forwa

n?" he asked, his voice stead

interest that the elder visibly wilted. "She is more than acceptable," she replied, her accen

response. Usually, the emissaries simply nodded their acceptance and departed with

ed forward, suddenly finding his voice. Was it concern for his daughter that finally broke his s

wing her worth?" She circled Fidira once more, this time reaching out to lift a stran

's just a girl," he stamme

to describe what she is." She turned her attention back to Fidira, studying her mismatched eyes wi

ack of fear. "No," she answered simply. "My mother d

ed back at Madison. "How predictably human," she murmured, "to f

aller one leaned down to whisper something in her ear, his eyes constan

ressing the town at large. "The moon rea

ceremony is complete? Our town's obligati

o sharp for comfort. "Your town's obligation, yes. For now." Her gaze re

al and respectful compared to the usual way tributes were claimed. "I

fore. A murmur of confusion rippled through the crowd. Maxwell shifted uncomfor

treated her as an unwanted burden. Whatever unknown fate awaited her with the we

rly, placing her han

. "Then let us depart," Lyra said, satisfaction evident in her voice.

orward. "Wait!" he called out, his voice cracking.

contempt. "The others were not like her," she said simply. "And as for

e two male werewolves falling into step behind them. As they reached the boundary where the torchlight

ed into the shadows, leaving behin