Chapter 7 RITUAL

The pack nodded in agreement, their faces set with determination. Aria smiled, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Excellent. Our first task will be to perform a ritual to seal the alliance. It will bond our lineages and strengthen our powers."

As Aria began to explain the ritual, Kael noticed that Thorne seemed uneasy. He whispered to Lyra, "Alpha, I don't trust Aria's intentions. This ritual might be more than we're bargaining for."

Lyra's expression turned thoughtful. "I'll be cautious, Thorne. But we need to consider the benefits this alliance could bring. Let's proceed with the ritual, and we'll reassess later."

Aria handed Lyra a small, ornate box containing a powder made from the Heartwood Tree's bark. "Mix this with water, and we'll perform the ritual under the next full moon."

As the pack prepared for the ritual, Kael's unease grew. He sensed that something was off, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

The night of the ritual arrived, and the pack gathered around Aria in a clearing. Lyra mixed the powder with water, and Aria began to chant. The air around them started to shimmer, and a strange energy built up.

Suddenly, the ritual took an unexpected turn. A dark presence stirred, and Kael felt a chill run down his spine.