Chapter 22: The Stone Circle

The stone circle stood behind the old house in a ring of black pines.

Nine tall grey stones leaned inward around a flat altar, and the full moon hung low over the westernmost one, ready to set.

The pack made a wide ring around it, in silence.

Torin lay on the altar on his back with his shirt open.

He had insisted on walking there himself.

He had made it to the third stone before his legs gave out.

The Beta and the grey-bearded elder had carried him the rest.

I knelt at his head with my hand on his hair.

The twins stood against my side with the stuffed rabbit between them, and neither would let go of my coat.

"Mommy," Hazel whispered.

"Is Daddy going to be okay?"

It was the first time she had said it.

Torin heard it, and his eyes shut.

"We're going to do our best," I said.

The guards brought Aldric forward and stopped him at the foot of the altar.

The healer stood opposite him with a bowl of water and a cloth.

"Cut," she said, and held out a dull bronze blade.

Aldric took it.

He looked at the stones, at the moon, and at his son lying under it.

"This is not a thing I can do half," he said quietly.

"Then do it properly," said the healer.

He drew the edge across his palm and laid the cut hand flat on the altar next to Torin's heart.

His blood ran down the stone.

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