ログインThe physician emerged from the chamber and closed the door softly behind her.Ethan straightened at once.“It’s nothing to worry about, Alpha.” she said calmly. “A minor sprain. I’ve applied ointment and given her medication. Three days of rest and she’ll be perfectly fine.”Ethan inclined his head. “Thank you.”The physician bowed and departed.He turned and entered the chamber.Seraphina lay propped against the pillows, her ankle wrapped, her expression carefully neutral. “What did she say?”“You’ll need three days of rest,” Ethan replied. “You’ll remain here until then. I will send word to your father so he doesn't worry.”Seraphina frowned. “Three days?” she said lightly. “But I was meant to return to Stormclaw—”“There are no buts.” Ethan cut in, final. “Rest.”He turned before she could argue further.Behind him, Seraphina’s lips curved slowly.Everything is going exactly as planned.Leo returned moments later, stopping beside Arielle. “Ready to continue?”She wiped the water f
Arielle stepped into Ethan’s chambersThe door closed behind her with a low sound.The chamber was dim, lit only by the fire and the thin wash of moonlight filtering through tall windows. Ethan stood in front of a painting, his back to her, hands braced against his back. For a long moment, neither of them spoke.The silence pressed. It Tested.Arielle took a breath and broke it first.“Are you going to look at me,” she asked calmly, “or should I pretend I’m speaking to the wall?”Ethan turned.Slowly.His gaze settled on her, not sharp, not cold, but guarded. Measuring. “Mind your tone. I'm still your King.”She inclined her head slightly. “Then forgive me, Alpha. But silence feels more dangerous.”Something flickered behind his eyes.“You heard Nyra,” he said. Then he spoke again, slower this time. “You don’t have to do this.”She blinked.“Nyra will keep searching,” He continued “The last thing I want is for you to be harmed by the beast in me.”That surprised her more than the re
What's happening? Ethan asked.Nyra bowed until her forehead touched the stone, palms pressed flat as though the ground itself were sacred.“She is the anchor.”The words did not settle. They struck.Silence fell, thick and suffocating.Arielle’s breath hitched. “What…?” The sound barely left her throat.Seraphina laughed, sharp and short, the kind that came when something was too absurd to entertain. “That’s impossible.”Ethan didn’t react. He stood utterly still, eyes fixed on Nyra like he might will the meaning out of her. “Stand up,” he said.Nyra obeyed, rising slowly. There was no fear on her face, only certainty. “The Moon Goddess has spoken clearly now,” she said. “What was hidden has stepped into the light.”Seraphina moved closer to Ethan, her shoulder brushing his arm, deliberate and possessive. “You’re wrong,” she said, cold and quick. “How can a banished Luna be an anchor? She failed her own pack, that alone disqualifies her.” Her gaze flicked toward Arielle, dismissive
The moment Ethan left the training chamber, something fractured.Seraphina turned towards Arielle,Her gaze was cold. Possessive. The look said enough: he moves, I follow.Arielle felt it but said nothing and just looked away.Seraphina brushed past her and went after Ethan, her boots echoing down the corridor.Arielle stayed where she was, then she turned to Leo. “What just happened?”He shook his head once. “I don’t know.” A pause. “But when the Gamma interrupts like that… it’s never small.”He left quickly, urgency in his stride.The hall stretched around her, too wide, too silent.Arielle tried to take a step. Pain flared up her leg. She exhaled sharply and stopped.“Drusilla,” she called.The maid appeared at once, worry already written on her face.“I need help back to my chambers,” Arielle said softly.“Of course, my lady.” Drusilla slipped an arm around her, steady and careful, and guided her away, leaving the training hall behind.Ethan didn’t bother sitting when the counci
Morning light crept through the tall windows, pale and soft, brushing Arielle’s lashes.She stirred in her sleep.Then she felt a presence, her wolf instincts were always sharp.Arielle's eyes snapped open.Ethan stood near the window, arms folded, his broad frame outlined by the rising sun. He wasn’t looking at her, his gaze was fixed outside, sharp and distant, as if he had been there long before she woke.Her heart jumped into her throat.“Alpha Ethan,” she said quickly, pushing herself upright. “What are you doing here?”He didn’t turn.“And is it proper for an Alpha to enter a lady’s chamber without summons or courtesy?” she added, irritation cutting through the lingering fog of sleep.“You were asleep,” he said. “And I wasn’t here for conversation.”She frowned, drawing the blanket closer around herself. “That does not answer my question.”Finally, he faced her. His gaze was steady, unreadable, but sharp enough to still her tongue.“You begin training today,” he said.The words
Only the elders and a few selected members of the Moon Titan pack were present at the hall.Aurora stood at the front of the altar, radiant in the icy-blue gown Celeste had chosen for her. She looked every bit of a Luna, beautiful, commanding, and cold. Arnold stood beside her, tall and unyielding, his eyes fixed forward, as though the crown already rested on his head. Elder Cyrax stepped forward. “Shall we begin? By the light of the Goddess and under the presence of the Moon we begin this sacred binding.”The hall fell quiet.“His voice echoed as he began the sacred rites. Ancient words filled the chamber, heavy with magic and tradition.”Elder Cyrax’s gaze moved to Arnold. “Arnold Ashford, do you accept or reject Aurora Vale as your wife and Luna?”Arnold’s gaze locked onto Aurora’s. A slow smile curved his lips, and he gave a single nod in approval. “I, Arnold Ashford, accept Aurora Vale as my wife and Luna.”Elder Cyrax turned to Aurora, his sharp eyes assessing her beneath