Page 53 of Collar Me Crazy
"Sonya said during the sunset blessing," Callum said. "When the whole town is gathered in gratitude."
"It's actually perfect timing. The community's joy should amplify your bond while providing cover for the ritual itself."
"Assuming we can get through whatever the Void throws at us," Emmett said grimly.
"We will." The certainty in Ryker's voice surprised even him. "Because you're right about connection making us stronger. All of us."
Footsteps approached again, and this time Sonya appeared through the trees, her brown eyes immediately finding his across the glade. The sight of her made his wolf settle into contentment, and Ryker realized that Varric was right—fear had been making him weaker, not stronger.
"I thought I might find you here," she said, moving to his side with natural ease. "How's the prophecy analysis going?"
"We're making progress," Ryker said, noting how the other men relaxed when she joined them. Her presence somehow made the entire discussion feel more manageable. "Turns out the sacrifice might not be what we thought."
"What do you mean?"
"We think it means sacrificing isolation for connection. Fear for trust." He met her eyes, seeing understanding dawn intheir brown depths. "Choosing to claim each other completely, without reservation, even knowing the risks."
"That doesn't sound like sacrifice to me either," she said softly. "That sounds like the only real choice."
"Which brings us back to logistics," Callum interjected, though his tone was gentle. "How do we protect you both during the claiming?"
"The same way we've been protecting each other all along," Sonya said, looking around at the gathered men. "Together. As a community."
"The seven couples form a defensive circle," Varric said, nodding. "Their combined bonds create a barrier while the eighth completes."
"Alright then," Callum said, satisfaction clear in his voice. "We have a plan. Defensive perimeter, synchronized timing, and absolute trust in each other."
"And if the prophecy's sacrifice requires something more?" Sonya asked quietly.
Ryker reached for her hand, their fingers intertwining with practiced ease. "Then we figure it out knowing we are doing whatever it costs.”
Around them, the Council Glade seemed to hum with approval, as if the ancient stones themselves recognized the rightness of their decision. The prophecy might speak of sacrifice, but sitting here surrounded by people who'd chosen to stand with them, Ryker felt like they were gaining far more than they were giving up.
Ryker finally felt like he truly belonged somewhere. And that belonging might just be the key to everything.
31
SONYA
The afternoon air carried the scent of cinnamon and woodsmoke as Sonya worked alongside Freya, weaving protective herbs into the garlands that would decorate the Thanksgiving celebration. To any casual observer, they were simply preparing for a festival. In reality, they were fortifying the town's defenses with every carefully placed sprig of rowan and sage.
"Pass me the ironwort," Freya said, her hands glowing faintly green as she infused the decorations with protective magic. "We'll need extra shielding around the main gathering area."
Sonya handed over the requested herb, noting how the other women worked with similar purpose throughout the square. Cora was enchanting the strings of lights to pulse with cleansing energy. Katniss and Sera documented the placement of each magical element, creating a tactical map disguised as a social media post. Even Twyla was contributing, her fae heritage allowing her to weave illusions into the very air that would make the celebration appear perfectly normal to any unwanted observers.
"This feels different than our usual preparations," Moira said, approaching with an armload of blessed candles. "More like we're preparing for war."
"Because we are," Sonya replied, tying off another garland. "The decorations, the food, the celebration itself—it's all camouflage for what really happens."
"Are you nervous?" Freya asked, her green eyes serious. "About the claiming, I mean."
Sonya forced herself to answer honestly. "Terrified. Not of being with Ryker, but of getting the timing wrong. If we complete the bond too early or too late?—"
"You won't," Cora interrupted, joining their work circle. "I've watched you guide strategy, seen how precisely you coordinate magical energy. You'll know the exact moment."
"What if my visions are wrong? What if?—"
The question died as the world tilted sideways.
