"There's more," Nyx continued. "The elders are in chaos. Some are saying this is too dangerous. That a human with this much shadow essence could threaten our way of life if the mating fails."
I stood in one fluid motion. "When do I leave?"
"You don't, yet. There's a council meeting at dusk. They're debating whether to honor the match or reject it altogether."
Anger flared in me, shadows responding by darkening around my body. "They asked for a volunteer. I stepped forward. They can't back out now."
Nyx rose beside me. "Varkolak, this isn't just about you anymore. A human this powerful is unprecedented."
"Take me to the council."
The council chamber buzzed with agitated voices when we arrived. Shadows danced and whirled around the circular stone room, reflecting the emotional state of the elders.
"The risk is too great!" Elder Moro slammed his fist on the ancient stone table. "What if she can't control her power once awakened? What if she turns against us?"
Elder Kora's quiet voice somehow cut through the chaos. "What if she is exactly what we've been waiting for? The savior of our people?"
I stepped forward, and the chamber fell silent. All eyes turned to me.
"You asked for a volunteer," I said. "I gave my word."
Draven emerged from the shadows at the far side of the room. "Your word means nothing compared to the safety of our tribe."
"Since when are you concerned with anyone but yourself?" I shot back.
Elder Kora raised her hand. "Varkolak, you don't understand the magnitude of what we've discovered. This human woman's shadow essence is dormant but immensely powerful. If awakened improperly, it could consume her, and possibly you as well."
"All the more reason I should be the one to go," I insisted. "My control is stronger than most."
Draven sneered. "Your arrogance will be your downfall."
"Enough." Elder Kora's voice held the weight of centuries. "The council will vote. Those in favor of honoring the match and sending Varkolak to the human?"
One by one, hands raised. First Kora, then three others. Five remained down, including Moro and the younger elders.
Five against five for a tie.
Elder Kora's eyes found mine. "The decision falls to you, Varkolak. Knowing the risks, do you still wish to proceed?"
I didn't hesitate. "Yes."
Draven pushed away from the wall he'd been leaning against. "Then you're a fool."
"Perhaps," I acknowledged. "But I gave my word."
Elder Kora nodded solemnly. "Then it is decided. Preparations will be made for your journey to the human world. The Sacrarium awaits you at dawn."
The council disbanded, shadows swirling as elders departed. Only Nyx remained with me in the chamber.
"Are you afraid?" she asked softly.
I considered lying, but couldn't. Not to her. "Yes."
She touched my arm, her fingers cool as night air. "You should be. This human is unique. The seekers say she works with light magic."
My head snapped up. "What?"
"She's a photographer. Captures light with machines. Yet shadow essence flows through her."
