The Luna's Silence: Price of the Allied Throne

The smell of roasting venison and pine resin filled the air of the Iron-Claw pack lands. It was a smell that promised a night. The Full Moon Festival was about to start. For any Luna this would be a night to remember. For me it was the day of a five-year deal. Or maybe the first day of a new life.I stood on the balcony of the pack house. I was fixing the silver brooch at my neck. Below me hundreds of wolves were gathered in the clearing. They were. Having a good time. The sound of their laughter bounced off the mountainside. I had worked hard to make the Iron-Claw pack what it's today. When I first came here the pack was struggling. They were hungry. Their homes were falling apart. Now they were the pack in the Northern Reach."The plans for the midnight feast are all set Luna " a voice said from behind me.I turned around to see Silas, the pack's lead beta. He looked at me with respect. It was respect that I had earned, not just given to me. "Thank you Silas. And where is the Alpha?

The sun came up. It did not bring any warmth. It just cast a light across the guest room. The light showed all the dust particles floating in the air. I had not slept all night. I sat in a chair watching the horizon. I felt the bond between the Iron-Claw wolves and me starting to break.As Luna I was connected to the Iron-Claw wolves. I could feel their presence in my mind.. That morning the connection felt weak. The Alpha, the one who made that bond strong, was busy with the woman in his room.I got up. My joints made a popping sound. I did not put on my Luna clothes. Instead I wore a traveling dress made of charcoal wool. I pinned my hair back with a clip. I did not wear any ornaments.Today was the day the contract ended. I went down to the dining hall. Usually I meet with the kitchen staff at this time.. When I entered everyone stopped what they were doing. The omegas and servants looked at me then quickly looked away.The head cook, Marta, came to me. She looked hesitant. "Luna I

The transition from the freezing mud of the border to the warmth of the Royal Carriage felt like a dream. I was in and out of consciousness remembering Caspians look and feeling wrapped in furs that smelled of ozone and old cedar.When I finally opened my eyes the stone of the Iron-Claw cells was gone. I was lying in a bed made from one piece of white birch covered in linens that felt like liquid against my skin. The air here was thin and sweet with a pitched hum that made the warmth in my chest feel good.I sat up gasping as my muscles hurt."Be careful little star " a man said. "Your body has spent five years holding back a lot of power. It takes time to get used to the light."I looked toward the window. Three men were standing there, each big. They seemed to take up all the air in the huge room. They were giants compared to the wolves of the Reach and their presence was heavy and powerful.The one who spoke was the oldest. He had hair like a winter storm and eyes that seemed deep

The kiss did not feel like romance. It felt like a storm.As Malachi's lips touched mine the world around us was filled with a lot of violet and gold light. The Contract Bond that had tied my soul to Caspians for five years broke. It sounded like a whip cracking.A loud roar echoed through the trees. I felt the sound in my chest. It did not hurt me this time. I felt light and free.Malachi slowly pulled away from me. His golden eyes looked into mine. He touched my lip with his thumb. It felt hot. My wolf howled. Not because it was sad. It was because it knew Malachi."Elowen?" a voice said from the ground.I turned to see a man kneeling a foot away. He was tall with hair and a rough face. He looked a little familiar. He was holding his chest. It looked like he was in a lot of pain.There was a woman next to him. She was hiding in the leaves. I looked very scared. She was watching the violet light from the ritual disappear into the air."Who is he?" I asked. My voice sounded strange to

I walked into the Alpha suite, the room I was kicked out of a few days ago. It looked smaller now compared to the things I had gotten back. My brother's guards were standing in every hallway wearing their armor that shone in the moonlight. The smell of pine and betrayal was being cleaned away, replaced by the smell of mountain air and the incense Malachi burned to make the halls feel pure.I stood in front of the mirror wearing a beautiful gown made of midnight velvet. Around my neck I wore the "Star of the Peaks " , a diamond that pulsed with a faint purple light.There was a knock at the door. It was not a knock but a strong one, like someone who had power was on the other side."Enter, " I said.Malachi walked in. He was wearing a black tunic with gold embroidery and he looked like the exiled king he was. He stopped behind me. Our eyes met in the mirror."The change is complete, " he said quietly, putting his hands on my shoulders. His touch felt strong like a connection between us