Chapter 15 - The Trial Of Blood

• Damon
• The stone circle is cold beneath my bare feet. The night air is heavy, charged with the electric tension of the battle to come. Silence reigns, disturbed only by the whisper of the wind and the muffled beat of my heart against my chest. My father stands facing me, shirtless, his body sculpted by years of fighting and domination. His golden eyes shine in the darkness, piercing my soul like two sharp blades.
• All around us, the pack is gathered, forming a perfect circle. Familiar and hostile faces watch us in silence. Alina is there, just behind the crowd, her gaze burning with concern. Her fingers are clutching the edge of her coat.