Page 102 of The Onyx Covenant

Theron’s hands join mine on the moonstone, both of us trying desperately to position it correctly. The stone grows warmer between our palms, the energy inside swirling faster.

“Remember what Melian said,” Theron says urgently. “It must be freely given in true harmony.”

Our eyes lock as understanding passes between us. Not one of us placing it, but both—together perhaps.

As Selene and some others reach the edge of the circle, Theron and I position the stone above the hollow, our fingers intertwined around its smooth surface.

“Together,” I say, and we both release it at the same moment.

The moonstone drops into place with a sound like a distant bell. For a heartbeat, nothing happens. Then light erupts from the dais, shooting skyward in a brilliant column that illuminates the entire field.

The symbols around the circle flare to life, creating a barrier that ripples like water. Those rushing toward us hit it and rebound, unable to cross.

The moonstone itself transforms, its dark surface becoming translucent, revealing what looks like swirling galaxies within its depths. The ground trembles once more, but gently this time, like a contented sigh.

Tarek’s voice booms across the field, magically amplified: “The Onyx Moonstone has chosen! The ritual is complete!”

Theron pulls me against him, his heart pounding against mine. “We did it,” he whispers fiercely into my hair. “We actually did it.”

The barrier around the Sacred Circle dissolves, allowing Kieran and Aria to join us. They crash into us in an exhausted relief.

“That,” Kieran breaths, “was entirely too dramatic.”

Aria punches his arm. “You loved every second of it.”

Beyond the circle, Selene watches us with cold hatred, Erebus a stone-faced sentinel beside her. But they can do nothing now. The ritual has spoken.

“We did,” I confirm, feeling lighter than I have in months, despite the bone-deep weariness.

“The pack Alphas will be losing their collective minds right about now,” Aria says with a wicked grin. “An Elios priestess and an Umbra Alpha claiming the prize? Historical.”

“Revolutionary,” Theron corrects, his hand finding the small of my back. “This changes everything.”

“It’d better,” I say, meeting his gaze. “After what we went through to get this damn rock.”

Kieran throws his arms around all three of us, creating an awkward group hug that somehow feels exactly right. “Onward to glory and free drinks!” he declares. “The tale of how we conquered the Harvest Ritual will be told for generations!”

As we break apart, laughing, I look across the now-open competition grounds toward the gates where we started the trials. Tarek and Melian await, their expressions difficult to read at this distance. The impossible task is complete, but the real challenge is just beginning.

And as Theron’s fingers lace with mine, I know with absolute certainty that whatever comes next, we’ll face it together.

I look down at our interlaced fingers, then up at his face—the face I once knew better than my own, the face I trained myself to hate after he broke my heart. Now, I see neither the man I loved nor the enemy I forced myself to despise, but a man standing at the same crossroads as me, facing the same impossible choice.

Together, we turn toward the entrance. Behind us, Kieran falls into step with Aria.

Around us, the last of the maze walls sink into the earth, leaving the competition grounds open and exposed. Other competitors make their way forward as well, their challenges ended with our victory.

ChapterNineteen

LYRA

Itake a deep breath as the manacle is finally removed from my wrist, the metal clasp opening with a soft click that somehow resonates through my entire body. Freedom. The raw skin beneath is tender, marked with a faint impression that will fade but never truly disappear—a reminder of everything we survived.

“There you go, miss,” says the official, nodding respectfully. “Congratulations again.”

My parents rush forward. Father’s face is a storm of emotions—pride battling with lingering reservations. It wasn’t long ago he’d been furious about Theron choosing me, a daughter of the rival pack, calling it a political stunt or worse. But now his eyes shine as he takes my hands in his.

“My daughter,” he says, voice rough with emotion. “You did it. You actually did it.”

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