At some point , exhaustion and anxiety had pulled me into unconsciousness . Yet when I opened my eyes again , I was not in the familiar comfort of my room . I was on the Black Moon Pack's altar . Thick silver chains bound my limbs , holding me completely immobile . And before me stood Liam , his face twisted in madness , eyes glowing red with fury . " Finally awake , my dearest Elena , " he crooned , his deranged laughter echoing across the empty altar . The area was deserted , the wind howling through the night and whipping my hair , sending chills down my spine . I scanned the altar . It was the sacred site for the Alpha Succession Ceremony , etched with dark runes that radiated a sinister aura . " You've lost your mind ! " I struggled , but the chains suppressed not just my body - they sapped my strength as well . " Mind ? No , I've never been this lucid , " Liam said , raising a sacrificial dagger that pulsed with malevolent energy . Ancient runes were carved along its blade . " This is the legendary artifact , capable of forcibly stealing another's power . With your purest Luna blood , I will gain the strength to dominate the entire pack . " A wave of fear surged through me . " You colluded with the Bloodfang Pack ? " " Of course , " he said with a triumphant grin . " Otherwise , how could I lure Kael and the entire main force away ? Now , the Black Moon Pack's elite is all on the northern front . No one can save you . " " Do you really think this will make you Alpha ? " I sneered . " Even if you kill me , the Moon Goddess will never recognize you . I know you murdered Jacob . " " Then let's see if the Moon Goddess dares defy me ! " Liam pressed the dagger to my chest , his eyes wild with madness . " Once I possess the blood of the purest Luna , I will become an unprecedented force ! " The ritual began . A strange incantation echoed in the air . The moon above bled red , casting an ominous glow over the altar . I could feel my life force being violently drained . Agonizing pain threatened to pull me into unconsciousness . " Feel it ? This is true power ! " Liam's body began to transform . His muscles bulged , his lupine instincts erupting with unprecedented intensity .