#Chapter 87: Dark Ritual

Giana's POV The stolen Swift River artifact pulsed with malevolent energy as I prepared the ritual chamber deep beneath the pack house. Ancient stone walls, carved with symbols that predated written history, absorbed the candlelight and threw twisted shadows across the ceremonial circle I'd spent weeks preparing. Blood magic was dangerous, unpredictable, requiring sacrifice and precision that few were willing to risk. The knowledge had cost me dearly to acquire, trading favors and secrets with creatures that dwelt in the darkest corners of our world. But it was the only way to ensure Raymond remained completely under my control, especially with Aurora growing more suspicious and Kane supporting her investigation. The ritual space itself was a testament to ancient power. Hidden beneath the pack house's foundation, accessible only through passages that had been sealed for generations, this chamber had witnessed dark ceremonies long before Raymond's family claimed this territory. Th