“Staring at the wreckage of the life we could have had, I knew it wasn't about love or Shay or the Searchers now. It was about sacrifice and redemption, loss that could have new meaning.”

“I'll walk you to your room. I'll even sing you a lullaby . . . and maybe you could show me what makes you howl,” Connor said, a smile sliding across his mouth.“Hey!” Shay snapped out of his trance to glare at the Searcher.“Down, boy.” Connor laughed.”

“When the Elemental Cross locks the Rift, it will restore the balance of nature, returning all creatures to their true essence."Shay Frowned. "What does that mean?"I stared at Anika, stunned as the truth settled into my bones. "It means we'll be wolves.”

“Only Ren wasn't smiling. He was eyeing Connor suspiciously.“What?” Connor asked, frowning at the alpha.“That's my sister,” Ren growled.Connor stared at him. “I know. And I love her.”“Great,” Ren said. “But what are your intentions?”“My intentions?” Connor looked from Ren to Adne, frowning.Ren grinned, showing Connor his sharp canines. “When all this is over, you and I have a lot to talk about, too.”

“A growl rumbled behind us. "Could you not touch her?" Ren didn't make it sound like a question. "Bite me," Shay snarled. "Stop it. Both of you.”

“What in life is worth a sacrifice, if not love? -Bryn”

“I'm sorry, An," I said, hesitating before I spoke again. "Why did you think I turned Shay? I mean besides smelling the other wolf in the cave."Ansel raised his gray eyes to meet mine, his irises hard as flint. "Because I would have run away with Bryn if anyone told me I couldn't be with her. If she weren't a Guardian, I would've turned her, and I would've run for the rest of my life to keep her by my side."I looked at him for a long moment and then nodded slowly. He loves her. That's what love is. It must be.”