Chapter 5

The Moon Festival was in full swing.

Silver More sparkled under the soft light of the moon. Its cobblestone streets were brightened by floating candles and glowing lanterns designed like wolves and moons. Music filled the valley, creating a beautiful and eerie sound that felt both old and natural. Laughter filled the market square as dancers twirled in colorful silk and clouds of smoke.

Jayden did not have a smile on his face.

He stood at the edge of the stone balcony, watching the celebrations below with his black cloak flowing behind him. The golden crown of the Moon Throne sat on his head, but it felt heavier than usual tonight.

He was the leader. “King in the near future.”

“Still, something pulled at him.” A smell. An emotion. “A memory carried by the breeze.”

“Your Majesty,” Elias said, standing next to him with his typical icy grin. “The Council is looking forward to your final speech.” “Should I call them?”

Jayden stayed facing forward. He looked over the crowd below. “Not at this time.” “Something seems strange.”

Elias frowned as he looked in the same direction. “It’s the celebration.” The disorder disrupts tradition.

“Jayden softly said ‘No.’” “It’s her.”

He couldn't find the words to explain it, but something inside him changed as soon as the moon appeared in the sky. “A buzzing feeling in his veins.” “A rhythm in his connection.” It had been inactive for many years. “Quiet ever since Ivy went missing.”

“Now it was on fire.”

He took a deep breath, and everything around him seemed to shrink.

Jasmine.

Cedarwood.

Moonfire.

He became tense.

“It wasn’t possible.”

Ivy stayed in the shadows, her hood down as she led Aelin through the busy streets. She didn’t plan to get there on the night of the Moon Festival—fate can be unfair—but when she saw the lanterns, the fire dancers, and the huge stone palace in front of her, she realized it was too late to go back.

Aelin’s eyes shone brightly. “Mom!” “Check it out!” “Are those wolves made of light?”

Ivy gave a small smile. “Enchanting small moon.” “Old and holy.”

Cassian moved quietly beside them, keeping his hand close to the handle of his sword. “This was not a good idea.” “We should have waited until morning.”

“No.” Ivy kept her eyes focused on the tall towers of the palace. “We are here for a purpose.” “I need to meet him before the connection is lost.”

Aelin pulled her hand. “Who is it?”

Ivy stayed silent.

A loud howl pierced the darkness of the night. “This wasn't from the actors—this was genuine.” “Deep, strong, and clearly in charge.”

Jayden.

Her heart ached.

They quickly made their way through the crowd, moving between people wearing cloaks and nobles with silver masks. The air was filled with magic. Ivy became more aware of her surroundings. She sensed he was there before she saw him.

He stood by himself under the Moon Arch just outside the stage for the ceremony.

They looked at each other.

“And everything came to a halt.”

Jayden gasped.

His wolf lunged ahead, scratching at the ground. The smell, the feeling, and the core of her struck him like a whirlwind.

He whispered, “Ivy.”

“She looked pretty much the same.” She was a bit thinner now, her silver-blonde hair was longer, and her eyes seemed more careful, but she was still the one for him. She was still the one who haunted his dreams and shattered his heart.

She stood still, her mouth slightly open, and her chest moved up and down quickly.

He moved one step ahead.

She stayed still.

Later—

“Mama!” Aelin yelled, breaking free from her hold and sprinting towards the shining wolf statue by the stage.

Jayden opened and closed his eyes quickly.

The young person.

Gray hair. Eyes that are a mix of violet and blue. “The chin has the same dimples.”

Time twisted around him.

The wolf howled to show it recognized something.

Ivy quickly moved ahead and grabbed Aelin just before she could step onto the Moon Dais.

Jayden was already present.

“In the name of the Moon Throne,” he said softly, his voice heavy. “Is that your kid?”

Ivy felt a tightness in her throat. Her mind shouted to run away, but her heart told her to stay.

“She’s my friend,” she said, gently putting a hand on Aelin’s shoulder.

Jayden tightened his jaw. “What’s her age?”

“Six.”

His eyes grew darker.

Cassian moved in between them, feeling nervous and prepared. “That’s enough, Your Majesty.”

Jayden quickly turned his gaze toward him.

They looked at each other intensely. Their past together spoke for itself.

“Jayden growled, ‘You’ve been keeping her hidden.’” “You both.”

Cassian kept his eyes wide open. “We did it because we needed to.”

Jayden turned around to look at Ivy. “Why is that, Ivy?” “Why didn't you let me know?”

Ivy kept her voice calm. “Because the council would have harmed her.” “They would have used her to control you.” “I wasn’t sure if I could trust you.”

Quiet.

Jayden felt the wolf inside him moving restlessly, caught between anger and pain.

Yet he couldn’t look away from the girl.

Aelin looked out from behind Ivy’s cloak, feeling curious and brave. “Are you the king of the wolves?”

Jayden got down on his knees carefully. His hands shook. “I guess I am.”

She leaned her head to one side. “You have a scent that reminds me of Mom.” “However, it’s even more powerful.”

His throat tightened.

Ivy gently brushed her daughter’s hair. “Come here, Aelin.” “It’s time for us to leave.”

Jayden suddenly got up. “No.” Not yet. “You returned for a purpose.”

Ivy squinted her eyes. “I didn’t come here for you.”

“Why is this happening now?”

She paused for a moment. “Because something is on the way.” “Because she is evolving.” “Since Seraphine informed us.”

Jayden took a quick breath. “Are you talking about the witch?”

She says that our connection will end if we don't deal with it. “We must discover the truth.”

Jayden moved ahead. “Then remain here.” Please have a conversation with me. “Please don’t run this time.”

Ivy turned away and picked Aelin up in her arms. “We will have a conversation.” “However, that’s not going to happen tonight.” “Too many people listening.” “Too many people are watching.”

Cassian gave a short nod. “We’ll return after the moon goes down.”

Jayden did not make an effort to stop them.

He just watched as they blended into the crowd.

“For the first time in six years...”

He didn’t feel lonely inside.