CHAPTER SIXTY NINE - SUSPICIONS GROW

The days following the pool party incident were filled with tension. Anna could feel the eyes of the pack on her wherever she went, some curious, others wary. But she held her head high, refusing to be cowed by Vanessa's tactics. It was during this time that whispers of an upcoming ceremonial ritual began to circulate through the pack. Anna caught snippets of excited conversations about ancient traditions and sacred rites, but whenever she approached, the discussions would quickly die down. One evening, as Anna was helping to prepare dinner in the mansion's expansive kitchen, she overheard two pack members discussing the ritual. "Did you get your invitation yet?" one asked excitedly. The other nodded, pulling out an ornate envelope. "Just this morning. I can't believe we're going to witness the Moonstone Ceremony. It only happens once every decade!" Anna's curiosity was piqued. She approached the two women, a friendly smile on her face. "I couldn't help but overhear. What's this M