Chapter 43 Ritual

• THE AIR IN THE temple felt alive, thick with the smell of old stone, rare magical plants, and a sharp, metallic scent that seemed to come right from the Blood Moon itself. Outside, the world was painted in a strange, otherworldly red, the deep crimson light sneaking in through cracks in the cavern walls, bathing everything in colors of magic and destiny. Selene and Waldemar stood right in the middle of the temple, in front of the old altar, where they had carefully placed the special things needed for the ritual: the shimmering Moon-Kissed Willow Sap, the colorful Hydra Scale, and the dark, pulsing Shadowbloom Nectar.
• They were ready. As ready as any two people could be for something so unknown and dangerous. Their night of sharing everything, of showing their deepest fears and true feelings, had gotten rid of the last bit of doubt between them. It had made their bond strong, unbreakable, even though they were still scared and knew how much they loved each other. Now, only the ritual was left.
• Waldemar stood next to Selene, his big hand finding hers, holding on tight and steady. His golden eyes, reflecting the red moon, looked serious, but they also showed a deep, solid trust. He had faced his biggest fears, and here he was, ready to let go, ready to risk everything for her. Selene looked at him, and they shared a silent promise. No matter what happened, they would face it together.