CHAPTER THIRTY SIX - Blood Remembers Its Source

"It is, Alpha," Vanessa replied, allowing her voice to catch. "I went out at dawn to continue the search in the eastern quadrant. I..." She paused, clutching the bundle tighter. "I found something you need to see." Interest flickered across Christine's regal features. She dismissed Marcus with a subtle nod before gesturing Vanessa forward. "Show me." With carefully trembling hands, Vanessa unwrapped the cloth bundle, revealing Aria's bloodied jacket and the silver pendant. The items still radiated the magical death signature from the ritual, filling the room with an unmistakable energy that even non-witches could sense. Christine's breath caught audibly as she recognized the items. "Where did you find these?" she demanded, rising from her chair. "By the river, about three miles east of our main borders," Vanessa explained, her rehearsed story flowing smoothly. "There were signs of struggle. Animal tracks. Large ones. And..." she swallowed visibly, "so much blood on the rocks and in