The moonstone lay dull and lifeless in the elder's hands. "This..." The elder frowned. "Perhaps I erred. Let me try again." He raised the stone once more, chanting with deeper reverence. Still, no response. Worse-clouds suddenly veiled the moon above, plunging the altar into shadow. "What's happening?" Murmurs rippled through the crowd. "Why has the Moon Goddess withheld Her blessing? Could She be rejecting Jacob and Isabella as Alpha and Luna?" Liam's face turned ashen, sweat beading on his forehead. "Elder, was the ritual performed incorrectly?" The elder shook his head, bewildered. "The rite was flawless... yet the Moon Goddess's rejection is undeniable." Alpha Arthur staggered to his feet, his voice trembling. "This... this cannot be!" Chaos erupted among the pack. Desperate, Liam clutched the elder's sleeve. "Try again! There must be some mistake!" "Jacob," the elder's tone grew heavy, grave. "The Moon Goddess does not err." His eyes locked onto Liam's, sharp and penetrating. "What have you done to profane Her will?"