Inside me, Hator was humming, her voice blending with Sekhmet’s low, contented purrs. It was chaos — loving, claiming chaos.
Elder Beatrice began the ceremony, first thanking the gathered Alphas, then turning her attention to Luna Amber. My mother/in-law’s presence radiated quiet authority and grace, and when she rose from her seat, her mates looked like they could barely contain their pride. I caught the shimmer of a tear in alpha Alek’s eye, and it made my own throat tighten.
They loved her so much it hurt. Everybody could see it.
Amber joined me at the center. Between us, Beatrice placed a chalice — golden and old, runes etched deep into its surface. In her other hand, she held a dagger that pulsed faintly with magic. I could feel it in my skin, a prickling awareness.
She took Amber
