CHAPTER SEVENTY - ANNA'S DILEMMA

Vanessa stepped forward, her voice dripping with feigned concern. "But Erik, surely you can't mean to allow a human to take part in our most sacred ritual? It goes against all our traditions!" Erik's eyes flashed dangerously. "Our traditions evolve, Vanessa, as do we. Anna has earned her place here." Before Vanessa could argue further, a haunting howl echoed through the trees. The pack members turned as one, their eyes fixed on the full moon rising above the treeline. Erik guided Anna to the moonstone. "Place your hands on the stone," he instructed gently. "Open your mind and your heart to the energy of the moon." Anna did as he said, feeling the cool, smooth surface beneath her palms. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, she began to feel a warmth spreading from her hands up her arms. The moonstone began to glow, softly at first, then with increasing brightness. Gasps of awe rippled through the gathered pack. Erik's voice rang out once more. "The moonstone accepts her!