Chapter 1

The moment the mind-link snapped shut, the echo of his rage still pressed against my skull.

“See?” Selene’s voice dripped with contempt inside the shared link. “Low-blood trash always thinks they can steal what isn’t theirs.”

I said nothing.

That diamond was my mother’s bride-gift, the Moon’s Tear. That diamond wasn’t just a jewel.

It was my mother’s bridal heirloom—the Moon’s Tear.

When our pack was on the brink of collapse, she pawned it to secure the foundation of what would become the Silvermane Dominion.

And now… it was sitting on another she-wolf’s claws.

Five years ago, I chose Kael over everything.

I severed ties with my family, abandoned my name, and walked away from the Northern Reaches without looking back.

My father, the Chairman of the Lycan High Council, declared I was never to return to the ancestral territories in the Northern Reaches, and I was forbidden from using my birthright name again.

But a few days ago, everything changed.

My brother reached out through a private channel.

After surviving a rogue attack, my father had finally relented.

He forgave my defiance. He wanted me home for the Howling Moon gathering.

And the Moon’s Tear was my key back in.

As the departure neared, our steward couldn’t find it.

Kael, usually so controlled, flew into an Alpha’s rage. He accused the steward of theft and banished him on the spot.

I didn’t want an innocent wolf punished. I suggested calling the pack patrols.

Kael vehemently refused.

Now I knew why. The thief was him.

The she-wolf at the claw-care salon whispered to me through the pack link, “Lady Elara, we can try to arrange a private room if this bothers you.”

I looked up and smiled. “It doesn’t. I’m quite looking forward to what happens when the patrols arrive.”

The other female snarled, her hand flashing out to strike the attendant’s face.

“A servant’s mind is only fit for serving!”

“Are you deaf? I’m the one who minds!”

I stood, placing myself between them. “You have no right to strike her.”

She bared her teeth, a mocking smile. She tossed a stack of credits on the floor. “I have every right. My mate says in the Greyrock Pack lands, I can strike whoever displeases me!”

“Consider it an honor. The credits on the floor? More than she makes in a year.”

I raised my hand to return the blow, but the attendant, crying softly, grabbed my arm.

“Please, Lady Elara, don’t…”

“If she truly is Alpha Kael’s mate… the Silvermane Pack… I can’t afford their anger.”

Selene looked down her nose at me, triumph in her eyes. “I love seeing low-born trash like you try to fight. It’s so entertaining when you fail and have to beg for mercy.”

“Fine. I’ll allow you to share this space.”

Her comm-stone chimed. Kael’s voice, warm and indulgent, filled the air.

“Who’s upset my little wolf?”

Selene’s voice turned to a simpering whine. “Just some pauper she-wolf who can’t afford gem-dust for her claws. She’s so desperate she’s trying to claim the diamond you gifted me is hers! She even called the patrols, saying I stole it!”

“I want you here now, with the proof of purchase. Make her suffer.”

His reply was dripping with affection. “Of course, I’m on my way.”