A Vow in the Firelight

ROMAN

The flames from the funeral pyre reached toward the night sky, casting dancing shadows across the solemn faces of my pack. I stood rigid in my ceremonial robes, my gaze fixed on one person alone.

Vanessa.

She stepped forward when her name was called, her auburn hair gleaming copper in the firelight. The white dress she wore billowed softly in the evening breeze as she approached the pyre with her offering clutched in hand. Even from here, I could see the tension in her shoulders, the careful way she held herself.

Still avoiding my eyes after what happened at the grotto.

The priestess nodded at her. "Vanessa West, representative of the Rogue Rehabilitation Foundation. Do you wish to release something to the flames?"

Vanessa's voice carried across the hushed gathering. "I do."

She opened her palm to reveal a small wooden token. I couldn't make out what it was from where I stood, but I watched as she held it briefly to her heart before casting it into the fire.