The White Wolf's Requiem

Vera Morgan, my mate's lover, said the Moonlight Power of the White Wolf's pups was pure, and that moon stones soaked in the blood from their hearts could keep a pregnancy from failing.

So Rowan Black, my mate and the Alpha of the Blackrock Pack, gave the order. I, Elara Dale, nine-month pregnant with twin babies, the Luna and a White Wolf from the Moonborn Clan, the white wolves who served the moon goddess, was tied to an operating table by the warriors, and they cut my twins out of my belly.

I was overwhelmed by the agony surging through me.

I then fell to my knees, weeping, and begged him. "The babies are premature and underdeveloped. If you take the blood from their hearts, they will die. I am the purest White Wolf of the Moonborn Clan. Take my heart instead. Please, just don't hurt the babies..."

Rowan, however, said nonchalantly, "It's only a few drops of blood. It won't kill them. Consider it penance for your jealousy of Vera."

I looked at his cold face. My wolf, Serane, let out a despairing whine.

That night, before my children could even open their eyes, their lives slipped away from the little openings on their chests.

I held my children's bloody bodies and went to Larkin Olson, the Elder of the Blackrock Pack.

"You saved me back then, and I repaid the Blackrock Pack with my Moonlight Power. My children are gone now. It is time for me to leave."