DEREK
The drumbeat stopped.
There was a moment of eerie silence, broken only by the creak of a torch swaying in the breeze.
Elena and I stood shoulder to shoulder at the edge of the staging area, staring at the enormous painted sign: WELCOME, LAST PLACE TEAM.
I could hear snickering from behind us. I didn’t need to turn to know that most of the Moonstone pack—and probably half the Council guests—were already gathering to witness our impending doom.
Elena turned her head slowly toward me. “I don’t like that smile on my mother’s face.”
“She looks far too pleased with herself,” I agreed.
A voice called out, crystal-clear. “Attention! May I have everyone’s eyes on our most dedicated team—the ones who didn’t let speed get in the way of deep bonding!”
Groans and laughter erupted. I glanc
