Mated to My best friend
Wally reminded him.
The shaman gave a slow nod. "Yes. But the process wouldn't be easy. The Jewel is tied to the spirits of the past Alphas. so It resists corruption."
Wally’s jaw tightened. "Then make it suffer."
The shaman hesitated, then stepped closer to the Jewel, running a gnarled hand over the Jewel. The moment his skin touched it, the chamber’s torches flickered wildly, shadows stretching unnaturally across the walls. A low hum filled the air, the Jewel pulsing as if alive, as if sensing the darkness that sought to consume it.