Chapter 42: Ceremony

The morning of the ceremony was bright and clear. The sky was nearly cloudless, just thin whisps of clouds hanging like strings across the blue expanse. It felt almost ironic. Lavinia could feel the weight of the plan ahead of her pressing hard on her shoulders, but the day itself seemed entirely open. Isaac joined her at the window. Had they been at the manor, he would have suggested a walk. But today wasn't about that.

As the two of them dressed, they thought only of the struggle ahead. Isaac took off the silver ring he wore on his right hand and threaded it through a ribbon. He tied it around Lavinia's neck. "Keep it tucked under your gown."

"Will that actually work?"

Isaac shrugged. "It will be better than nothing. And in all the days we've spent here I have not seen a single member of the pack wear silver. Even their tableware is made of a different metal."

Lavinia touched the ring. It was far too large for any of her fingers. It was an element solely for protecti