THE ALPHA'S DEFIANT MATE
“Tell me what I must do, Mother."
Her mother guided her toward the river as they discussed some things. The waters shimmered like clear crystal, reflecting the beauty of the constellations above. At the bank, smooth and translucent stones lay scattered. Beside them, a mound of shimmering silver dust floated around.
“This,” her mother said, kneeling gracefully, “is star-ash. What falls when stars shed their husks? Mixed with river stones, it becomes the only vessel strong enough to hold shadow-magic without corruption.”