(Kael's POV)I used to think light couldn’t be soft. That fire only burned, only destroyed.But tonight, the garden glowed with a hundred gentle flames that didn’t devour, they danced, swaying softly.And for once, I let myself watch them without fear.The palace garden had been transformed. Petal-lanterns hung on the weeping willow-trees, like flowers turned to blossom wrong-side outwards, their sheeny skins trembling gold and blushing in the air. And little bells were jingling down all the walks, and their chorus mingled with the wandering talk of great lords and ladies, and with the skipping skip of children after ribbons. There were floating candles in shallow pools, and the reflection of the candles dangled like they, also had hearts.It was the sort of loveliness that made you hurt.The type which was as false as promises from nobles seeking political positions.I moved through it carefully, trying not to be seen. My robe for tonight, as insisted by Alaric, was cream with silver
“The moons are never wrong. Only our hearts are.”The tea was already cooling when the King finally spoke.They sat tucked under the moon pavilion’s overhanging roof—a place spun from pale wood and silver vines, all woven together like a spell somebody started centuries ago. Those vines had been coaxed for ages to twist into arches, and today, jackpot: moonflowers everywhere. Ivory-petaled, sweet-scented, fluttering open in the filtered sunlight as though the magic of the festival had moved them.Breeze suddenly drifted past, brushing against the porcelain teacups set on the lacquered table. A lone petal spiraled down and landed in the King’s cup. He didn’t move or try to get it out.“They say the moons will touch at their highest point tonight,” he murmured.On the opposite side Grandma, the Dowager Queen to-night, once a Lady of Whispers in youth, looked down into her cup. She held it in her hands, and seemed to talk to it, as though it could speak to her so long as she listened to
(Kael’s POV)I wasn’t exactly allowed to wander. But Aaron wasn’t one for rules… okay, at least not when it came to mine.“We’re stretching your legs,” he had said, already pulling me towards the door. “Getting some fresh air. Doctor’s orders.”“Doctor’s orders?” I gave him a look, trying to suppress a smile.“I’m the doctor,” he smirked. “And your nurse. And your unpaid therapist. And your emotional support Alpha.”“Sounds like you’re in the wrong career,” I murmured, letting him tug me gently toward the outer hall.He didn’t respond to that, just tightened the scarf around my neck like I’d blow away if the wind decided to flirt with me.By the time we stepped outside the palace, the air hit me like perfume and heat and too much sound at once. I blinked against the sun and smoke. The streets were alive.Color. Color everywhere.Ribbons as long as veins of joy, crept between roof to roof. Purple and gold, waved mightily over our heads, crimson were narrower, and was entangled in-betwe
(Alaric's POV)The palace had always been too quiet in the mornings. It was the kind of quiet that didn’t soothe, it pressed against your skin and echoed through your thoughts. I stood on the east balcony, hands resting loosely on the marble railing, watching the sky turn from blue to golden. A quiet festival morning. One that should’ve felt warm, promising.But I didn’t feel peace.Not when I was this close to losing the one thing I wanted to keep.Kael.The name alone stirred something so fierce inside me, I had to exhale just to keep myself from shaking.Tonight would be the Double Moon Festival. There would be music, feasts, dancing, and wishes. Everyone would light a lantern and offer it to the moon with a prayer. They’d smile. Toast. Celebrate. But I only had one wish to make:That I never have to hide my mate again.I thought I could protect Kael by keeping things quiet. Keep him safe from the vultures, the press, the court, the claws of my family. But what kind of safety was t
A fancy breakfast at the East Chamber was a matter of formality, though uninvited guests did not look to be entertained. The long table stretched beneath a canopy of flowering glass windows, the light tinted a soft gold-blue through centuries-old stained panels. A warm breeze whispered in through the open arches, carrying the distant scent of cedar and roses.The table was quiet.Too quiet.Except for the small, repetitive clink of Amora’s spoon stirring her tea. She wasn’t drinking it. Just stirring, and smiling at no one in particular… one would think she's mentally challenged if they're not used to being around royals and fake smiles.Alaric sat at the far end, back straight, jaw set. Beside him, Casian looked as pleased as a kicked dog, one cheek still blooming with a purplish hue that hadn't yet faded, and a faint mark along his collarbone where Alaric’s knuckles had kissed him days ago.It was healing, of course—werewolf blood was swift in healing and mending. But not fast enoug
“There you are, child,” she said, her voice warm like worn wool. “Come. Sit. The porridge is just right.”“Shouldn't we rub the balm first?” Elara asked who nodded in agreement. She turned to Kael, “Dear, this would be your first time having this family tradition.”Kael smiled faintly as Grandma reached for the small clay bowl of balm, its rich scent filling the warm air, something like crushed lavender, wild mint, something sacred to the family. She sank gently to her knees, her joints cracking softly, and took Elara’s foot in her hand with reverence.“You gave life,” she said, voice deep and quiet. “And so, life honors you first. You're the daughter of a strong wolf, from a sacred bloodline. No evil shall befall you.”She rubbed the balm slowly into Elara’s skin, thumbs working in small, patient circles, humming a tune that Kael didn’t know but somehow recognized. A lullaby passed down, perhaps. Or a prayer.Elara didn’t speak, her eyes were wet and shining, but her shoulders were s