Chapter 43

Rayne's POV

Something about the priestess’ face reminded me of a clear white pebble. The kind that you found beside a rushing river; smooth and shiny, but reeking with the scent of hardened water and years of immobility. Placid, but not so much that nothing about it interested you anymore, in fact, that was the very thing that made you wonder how long it had taken for it to become so perfect. How it had lost its edges and sharp points to become this new thing of wonder.

Her hands were folded atop each other over her belly as she stood at the entrance to the pack house, in the solemn pose that one expected from such an individual. Her eyes, clear as a new day, watched us expectantly as we approached, neither too excited nor too empty. She held her neck and shoulders straight like a sculpture, saying without words that she was not one to cower to anyone.

When Kaiden and I finally stood before her, Bradford moved to her side, looking like he hadn't slept in days. A pool of black sat unde