The Last Dance of Peace

After breakfast, Jenna grabbed Darina’s hand. “Meetings for the boys, spa for us.”

She took Darina, Luna Elena, Cassandra, and Larissa with her to indulge in a full day of spa treatments. Darina had always loved massages, but this experience took things to another level. They started with a Moroccan bath, followed by a chocolate body wrap, waxing, a full-body massage, and finally a manicure and pedicure.

Darina looked down at her glowing, soft skin and admired her perfectly shaped baby-pink nails with a smile.

“We’re not done yet,” Jenna announced. “Time for hair and makeup.”

When her hair and makeup were finished, Darina turned to the mirror—and gasped. She barely recognized the elegant woman staring back at her. The soft lighting caught every shimmering detail of her moonlit lavender gown. Crystal embroidery sparkled like stardust, cascading along the dress and pooling in delicate layers of tulle at her feet. The illusion neckline and structured bodice framed her perfectly, while a sheer cape trailed behind her with ethereal grace. Her hair was styled in pinned waves, drawing attention to the statement earrings brushing her shoulders.

She looked absolutely stunning.

The other women were equally breathtaking: Luna Elena wore a long, dusty blue princess gown. Cassandra stunned in a sleek, black mermaid-style dress. Larissa wore a light pink tulle gown, adorned with Swarovski crystals.

And of course, Jenna looked radiant—it was her special day. She wore a flowing, ice-blue gown with a fairytale quality. The fitted bodice had a unique one-shoulder neckline, accented by a sheer drape that wrapped around her neck and cascaded like a cape. The pleated floor-length skirt flowed gracefully with each step. Her wavy blonde hair was styled in loose curls over one shoulder, paired with sparkling bracelets and statement earrings. She looked like royalty.

The ladies waited for their escorts in high spirits, excited for the night ahead.

Soon, Darina’s father, brother, Kai, Will, and Troy arrived to escort them to the ballroom. All the men looked dashing in tuxedos and white shirts—except Daniel, who wore an ice-blue shirt to match Jenna’s dress.

Kai took Darina’s hand. “You look perfect,” he whispered in her ear. “And sexy. I can’t wait to claim you and Coral,” said Blake, already at the surface, adoring his chosen mate. “Thank you, both,” Darina replied with a smile.

They entered the ballroom, beautifully decorated in red and dark blue—the colors of the pack. The room was full of werewolves, with a few guests from other species among them.

Alpha Claus stepped onto the stage, Luna Elena beside him. “Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us on this special day for the Red Full Moon Pack. Daniel and Jenna, please join us on stage,” he announced.

Once they stood beside him, Alpha Claus took a ceremonial dagger in hand and continued: “Daniel Kovac, do you swear to be a good Alpha to the pack—to put the pack’s needs above your own and to rule with fairness?”

“I swear,” Daniel replied.

Alpha Claus cut both their fingers, pressed the wounds together, and let their blood drip into a ceremonial chalice. “I hereby pass the Alpha title to you,” he declared.

A wisp of smoke rose from the cup—a sign of the Moon Goddess’s acceptance. “Red Full Moon, I present to you your new Alpha—Daniel Kovac!”

The ballroom erupted in applause and cheers. Darina's eyes shimmered with tears, proud to see her brother standing tall on stage.

Luna Elena passed her Luna title to Jenna, and the celebration began.

“May I have this dance?” Kai asked Darina playfully. “Yes, my King,” she replied in the same light tone.

He pulled her close, swaying with the music, and whispered, “Not long now until your Luna ceremony. And after that—I’ll mark you.”

He kissed the spot on her neck where his mark would go, sending a wave of pleasure through her.

“I’m sorry about yesterday,” he said softly. “I grew up with Jackie, so I want her to be okay. But it’s you I love—and you I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”

Darina answered him with a kiss, not caring that they were in the middle of the dance floor. When the song ended, they went to get a glass of champagne and joined Larissa and Troy at a cocktail table.

Reed came running over, beaming, holding hands with a beautiful young woman in a long green gown—the same color as her large, bright green eyes. Her copper hair flowed down past her waist like a waterfall.

“Let me introduce Amber, my mate,” Reed said proudly. “Amber, this is Alpha Prince Kai, Luna Princess Darina, Gamma Troy, and Gamma Female Larissa.”

“Nice to meet you,” said Darina, shaking her hand. The others welcomed her warmly. “Likewise,” Amber replied with a smile.

“I like her,” said Carol. “But she’s not a werewolf… doesn’t smell like a human or a witch either.”

Apparently, everyone had the same thought because Larissa blurted, “Are you a unicorn?”

Amber raised her brows in surprise. “I’m a Panthera.”

“We used to joke that my mate must be a unicorn—because I couldn’t find you anywhere,” Reed said with a laugh. “But you are my unicorn—beautiful and rare.” He kissed her temple, and Amber chuckled.

Darina smiled, but a strange unease clung to her. The night felt too perfect—almost like a dream. Yet something dark twisted in her chest.

She spotted Jackie only once, wandering around in a tight dress with a plunging neckline. She laughed and danced, stealing glances at Bred, who seemed more interested in flirting with a pretty omega from the Red Full Moon Pack. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

There had been no rogue sightings, and border patrol had been increased. Still, Darina couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen.

Meanwhile, Jackie clutched her small evening bag, inside of which a tiny vial was carefully hidden. “Not tonight,” she told herself with a sly smile, catching the eye of an Alpha watching her with interest. “Tonight I’ll enjoy myself—and let Darina enjoy her last days.”