Her destiny awaited. Yet like the rampant jungle seeking to consume the land, Lura’s wild nature sought to dominate her. Only by constant vigilance would she have any hope of containing it until the rite was completed. They had left it almost too late. It had become a trial to maintain the veneer of civilized behavior, yet her inner battle must remain hidden, lest anyone realize how close the danger lurked.

How much longer could she still the savage needs roiling inside her? Long enough to find her mate?

Once she was united with him and the ritual was completed, she would be safe from the calling of her predatory blood. It would be stilled. At least that’s how it had always been. She could only hope it would be no different for her.

Lura’s home, Vrotia, was a planet with lush, rich soil, located within the Virgoan constellation of stars. It lay near the hand of Virgo, remaining hidden from those adventurers who would seek to conquer its lucrative agricultural society. Its formal ruling class was matriarchal in structure; celestial guidance was provided in the form of the Priestesses of the Justynian Order.

The majority of Vrotian women were winged, their offspring always female. If the abnormality of an absence of wings at birth occurred, it was determined the female was destined to serve within the Justynian Order. Normally, these females were imbued by Vu with other gifts to compensate in service to the Gods.

Lucky women, Lura thought. The savage appetite never lurked near, threatening to turn them into the uncivilized beasts of their ancient lineage. They had no fear of being consigned to the jungle at the other side of the planet, to lose all sense of civilized, human emotion—to live only for survival as their animal instincts took control.