The corridors of the Alpha King’s residence were quiet in the early hours, the muted light from the high windows casting long shadows across the marble floors. Celeste had barely slept, the weight of everything she had confessed to Victoria still pressing on her chest. The air in her room felt too close, too heavy, so she had wandered to the far corner near the balcony just to breathe.Outside, dawn was breaking. Pale gold light spilled over the distant rooftops, painting the city in a fragile calm. But for Celeste, peace was a stranger.She leaned against the stone railing, fingers curling over the edge. Every sound—the faint hum of the city waking, the call of early market vendors—felt distant, as though she stood apart from the world entirely. Her wolf was silent again, receding after their fleeting contact in the shower days ago.A soft shuffle of footsteps drew her attention. She turned her head slightly, heart tightening when she saw the Alpha King at the far end of the balcony.
Celeste stood quietly before the heavy wooden door, her fingertips lightly brushing against its cool, polished surface. Her heart hammered in her chest, each beat resonating like a distant drum, filled with dread and overwhelming uncertainty. She had stood in this same position countless times over the past weeks, each instance ending with her retreating back to the solitude she'd become accustomed to.Today was no different.Sunlight seeped beneath the door, casting gentle beams across her feet, but it felt cold and distant rather than inviting. Celeste drew in a slow, unsteady breath, attempting to calm the tremors racing through her. The world beyond seemed impossibly vast and intimidating, filled with people who might judge her weakness or exploit her vulnerabilities."I can't," she whispered softly, her voice breaking with defeat. "I'm not ready."Her hand dropped from the brass handle, and her shoulders slumped forward in quiet surrender. Slowly, she stepped back, retreating onc
Steam curled gently around Celeste, filling the luxurious shower chamber, fogging the smooth marble walls and mirrors. The warmth of the water cascaded over her tired body, soothing muscles stiffened by weeks of immobility. Yet despite the physical relief, her heart remained heavy, her spirit disconnected.Slowly, she slid down the tiled wall, settling on the shower floor. Drawing her knees to her chest, she wrapped her arms tightly around them, allowing the hot water to pour relentlessly over her. Each droplet felt like it carried away a piece of the darkness that had settled within her, yet she knew much remained.She closed her eyes, breathing deeply, searching within herself for that familiar spark, the presence she'd lost touch with for too long. Her wolf had always been her strength, her anchor, her companion in solitude. Now, silence echoed where once there had been warmth and connection."Where are you?" Celeste whispered softly, voice barely audible above the rushing water.S
Celeste woke again to silence.Gentle morning sunlight filtered softly through thick curtains, illuminating the unfamiliar yet comforting space around her. She blinked slowly, her mind gradually sharpening, clarity replacing the haze of lingering dreams.She pushed herself carefully upright, wincing slightly at the stiffness that protested her movement. The room, elegant and spacious, was completely foreign, polished stone, rich fabrics, and delicate, intricate carvings decorated the walls. Wherever she was, it was a far cry from any place she'd known at Redstone.How long had she been asleep?The memory of waking briefly, murmuring Lilly’s name, and meeting those dark, compelling eyes flooded back to her. The Alpha King, his gaze, that silent moment of connection, it replayed vividly in her mind.A soft knock pulled her attention to the door. She instinctively tensed, but relaxed as a gentle woman stepped inside, carrying a tray of tea and broth. She wore a calm, reassuring smile, he
The celebrations began at sunrise, bathing Redstone in crimson and gold, banners rippling in the morning breeze. Excited murmurs filled the courtyard, laughter mingling with the strains of music drifting through the cool air. Yet beneath the surface of joy and festivity lingered an undeniable sorrow, whispered quietly amongst the gathered pack members. Celeste stood near the edges, nearly invisible amidst the bustling preparations, her presence unnoticed by all. She stared numbly as Blair glided through the crowd, radiant in ceremonial white, pearls woven through her hair. Beside her stood Grayson, every inch the proud Alpha, dressed in his finest regalia. His hand rested comfortably at Blair's waist, openly claiming what had once been promised to another. What had once been promised to her. A sharp pang twisted in Celeste’s chest, grief mixing bitterly with betrayal. Lilly, her closest friend, her only anchor, had been lost, sent by Grayson and Blair's decision to battle rogues
Celeste sat along the edge of the training yard fence, her legs dangling off the wooden beam, boots tapping the post in a slow, distracted rhythm. The sun had begun its slow descent, casting a golden haze over the field and soaking the world in warm, fading light. The sparring matches had ended for the day, leaving behind scuffed dirt, muffled echoes of shouted commands, and a few discarded water flasks that rolled lazily in the breeze. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been sitting there, but the ache in her chest hadn’t lessened."You look like someone ran over your favorite book," a voice called out behind her, dry with amusement but softened by concern.Celeste didn’t need to turn around. Only one voice in Redstone could tease like that and still make her feel seen."Hi, Lilly," she murmured, forcing a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.The warrior dropped onto the fence beside her with a familiar huff, her shoulder brushing lightly against Celeste’s. She smelled of cedar,