I stepped forward, voice carrying across the clearing. “Taryn, Justin. You have demonstrated strength, intelligence and loyalty. But there is one final test.”
The guardians shifted their massive forms, surrounding the clearing with a protective circle. Their golden eyes gleamed, and the air seemed to vibrate with anticipation. “You must feel the bond of the pack.” I continued. “Not just the physical bond, but the spiritual connection that Moonflare relies on. We will observe how you respond to our energy, to our presence and to our unity.”
Both Taryn and Justin stepped forward again, this time slower, deliberately. I could feel them reaching outward, sensing the threads of the Moonbound connection that pulsed between Asher and me, extended through the guardians, and spread across the pac
