My hand trembled in Kaelen's as we approached the sacred stone circle nestled deep within the woods of Silver Lake territory. The moon hung above us, impossibly large and luminous, bathing everything in its silver glow. Steam rose from the thermal pools, creating an ethereal mist that danced around ancient standing stones carved with symbols I couldn't decipher.
"Remember," Kaelen murmured close to my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine despite my anxiety, "we can leave anytime. Just squeeze my hand three times."
I nodded, swallowing hard as we reached the edge of the clearing. True to his word, Kaelen had timed our arrival perfectly. Most of the pack was already in the water, their heads and bare shoulders visible above the steaming surface. Others were in various stages of disrobing or anointing one another with oils near the water's edge.
