The Forgotten Pulse of the Bond

The cellar beneath the crypt groaned.

Dust fell from ancient beams. The stones that made up the floor shivered as if something beneath them had stirred stretched after a long, deliberate sleep.

Above, the wolves of the estate slept unaware.

But below?

Something crawled.

Its fingers were pale and jointless, bone wrapped in shadow. No heartbeat. No scent. No blood. Only hunger.

Ashriel’s first herald had awakened.

And it wanted the bond bearer.

Magnolia woke with a gasp.

She sat upright in her bed, sweat clinging to her skin, breath caught in her throat. The sheets were twisted around her legs. Her nightgown clung to her damp skin.

She looked to the window.