Erasing the Luna
The ceremonial dance was announced after the last wine cup had been cleared.
Rhea heard the words and felt the hall sharpen around them.
A dance, Elder Briar called it, as if music could soften the cruelty of what the council had arranged. A display of harmony between Alpha and the candidate. A demonstration of grace, trust, timing, and public composure. An old rite gesture meant to show the pack which woman could move beside power without stumbling, which woman could accept the Alpha’s lead without breaking rhythm, which woman could become beautiful proof that order had returned.