Luna Seraphina, Alpha Desmond, and Jack hurried down the long, dimly lit hallways. Their footsteps echoed sharply off the floors as they approached Eugene’s study. Desmond and Seraphina led the way, their eyes flickering with determination, while Jack followed reluctantly behind.“Jack,” Seraphina’s voice cut through the silence, her tone laced with irritation, “you really think it’s acceptable to waste time like this? We’re on a tight schedule, and you didn’t even check the study for the elixir after you were supposed to.”Jack glanced at her, his eyes narrowing, but he kept his voice calm and polite. “I understand your frustration, Luna Seraphina, but I’ve been handling preparations for the Moon Festival. You know how important it is. It’s a lot of work.”Desmond, walking beside Seraphina, grunted dismissively. “The festival? You think that matters right now, Jack? Eugene’s elixir is more important. You should’ve checked the study first, not gotten distracted with petty celebrat
The late afternoon sun spilled golden light across the floor of Becca’s room, painting soft patterns through the white curtains that danced in the gentle breeze. A quiet energy filled the room as Mira fastened the final pin into her hair, looking at her reflection in the mirror with a soft smile. She looked beautiful in her moon-silver gown, a color that shimmered when she moved, adding to the glow in her skin. The faint sounds of violins being tuned floated in from the distant ballroom, carried up the stairs by open windows and echoing laughter.Becca stood by the wardrobe, carefully slipping into a deep emerald dress with gold designs at the sleeves and neckline. Her fingers worked quickly, but her eyes held a trace of apprehension. The dress clung to her form with just the right amount of grace, and her long hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, the last bits still damp from her earlier bath.“You’re awfully quiet,” Mira said, turning and giving her friend a look. “Not h
The ballroom was alive with music, the sounds of violins and piano strings mingling with the soft chatter of the guests below. Becca stood at the top of the staircase, hands trembling slightly as she smoothed the fabric of her gown. It was beautiful—too beautiful for someone like her, she thought.Her face was composed, yet inside, her heart hammered like a war drum. She hated this feeling, the overwhelming sensation that everyone was judging her. Her eyes moved to Mira, who was adjusting her own gown.“You look amazing,” Becca said quietly, a nervous smile on her lips as she attempted to ease the tension in her own chest. “I still can’t believe this is happening.”Mira turned to her, a bright but nervous smile on her face. “You too, Becca. You look like you belong here. Don’t worry, we’ve got this. Together.”Becca squeezed Mira’s hand as they walked toward the top of the staircase. She could feel Mira’s palm sweating in hers, the anxiety almost palpable in the air between them
Luna Seraphina, Alpha Desmond, and Jack moved through the crowd with a shared sense of triumph, their faces adorned with smiles.Desmond's broad shoulders held the weight of authority. His walk was confident, almost predatory, as if he had just claimed something precious. Luna Seraphina walked beside him, her regal aura matching her composure.Jack, on the other hand, felt the creeping tendrils of guilt wrap around him. His face was expressionless, a mask he had perfected, but inside, his heart churned. Jack swallowed, wishing desperately to be anywhere but here.Luna Seraphina leaned toward Desmond, her voice barely audible above the soft hum of the crowd. “Do you think he’ll come tonight?” she asked, her tone dripping with amusement.Desmond’s smile widened, a cruel edge to it. “Eugene?” he asked, his voice mocking. “He’s too scared to show his face, Seraphina. He knows what’s coming. By the time the full moon reaches its peak, he won’t be able to control himself. He’ll be a mo
The golden chandeliers blazed above the ballroom, casting warm glows upon shimmering gowns, ornate masks, and regal suits. Becca stood beside Mira, locked in polite conversation with the charming and soft-spoken Lady Aveline.“...And what I’ve envisioned,” Becca said earnestly, “are smaller healing centers set up across the various towns. Clinics that don’t require permission or status to enter—just wolves helping other wolves.”Lady Aveline’s green eyes sparkled with interest. “That’s such a noble vision, my lady. It’s rare to hear someone in the Alpha’s court speak of the commonfolk with such passion. And it would certainly raise the morale across the districts.”Mira smiled, proud of Becca’s poise and clarity. “Luna Becca has always been someone who sees people beyond titles,” she added.Before Aveline could respond, a pair of elegant arms swept around her from behind. A rich, familiar laugh laced with subtle poison interrupted their calm.“Darling Aveline, I was wondering wher
The heavy double doors of the Alpha’s study groaned slightly as Max pushed them open, revealing the spacious, dimly lit room within. The thick scent of cedarwood and a trace of something sharp—anger, maybe—hung in the air. Becca stepped in first, Mira close behind her, and Max followed them silently. The atmosphere was tense, as though the walls themselves had soaked in the fury of the man pacing before the wide window.Alpha Eugene stood stiffly, his back to them, his shoulders tight with frustration. The pale moonlight filtering through the tall windows struck the side of his face, outlining his clenched jaw. His hands were balled into fists by his sides. His chest rose and fell heavily, controlled but strained.When he heard the door close, he turned—and the moment his eyes landed on Becca, his expression darkened further."Max," he growled, his voice sharp. "I told you I didn't want to see anyone. Especially her."Becca stopped in her tracks, her heart tightening at the sheer
The ballroom glowed in warm candlelight and the radiant shimmer of magical orbs that hovered delicately in the air. It was a scene of splendor and elegance, wolves in finely tailored garments moving with grace across the polished marble floor, the sound of soft violins painting an air of civility over the tension that buzzed underneath. Becca walked beside Eugene, her arm securely linked with his, and both wore soft smiles as they mingled with the crowd.Eugene’s expression was calm, almost serene, but Becca could feel the tension in his muscles. Every step he took was calculated. Every breath measured. Yet she kept herself close to him, their linked arms serving not just as a show of affection but as an anchor. An assurance.Behind them, Max followed a few feet away, his posture stiff and his face furrowed in deep worry. Mira walked beside him, her gaze movinv from couple to couple before landing on Max. The concern etched into his features wasn’t subtle."Max," she said softly
The music of the ballroom had begun to rise in pace, a graceful but commanding melody moving through the air. Lights flickered softly against the high golden ceilings, and the scent of expensive cologne, perfume, and sweet wine saturated the space. Amidst it all, Jack moved like a man with a mission.He scanned the crowd, eyes sharp, his lips thinned. Alpha Desmond had vanished. One moment, he was at the stairs, watching Eugene and Becca with that sinister smile curling at his lips. The next, he was gone. Slipped into the crowd like a serpent through grass. Jack’s instincts were prickling. Something wasn’t right. He pushed past a group of laughing elders, muttering polite apologies, but his mind was already turning.That was when it happened.Jack turned a corner a little too quickly and collided into someone."Oh!"A gasp escaped the woman as red wine splashed down the front of her pink satin gown. She blinked, stunned. Jack’s eyes widened, horrified."I’m—I’m so sorry," Jack s
Luna Seraphina led Desmond through the crowd of dancers and guests, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. Her movements were poised and elegant, but there was an undercurrent of tension in the way she walked, as though she knew tonight would mark the turning point in their plans.She brought him to a quiet corner of the ballroom, hidden from prying eyes. The heavy curtains shielded them from the chaos of the night, offering them the privacy they needed.Desmond exhaled sharply, letting the weight of the conversation hang in the air. "I’m making progress with Eugene. He’s close to snapping. The cracks are showing. But Becca... she’s in the way," He muttered, his voice a low growl.Seraphina's gaze flickered to his, her lips curling slightly at the edges, her eyes narrowing with purpose. "I’ve been thinking the same thing," she replied softly, her voice almost a whisper. "She's a threat to everything we've worked for. If we don’t remove her tonight, Eugene will remain
Becca led Eugene through the murmuring crowd, her hand still in his, guiding him toward one of the private rooms tucked away from the bright lights and curious eyes of the ballroom. The heavy door clicked shut behind them, sealing them in a hush of velvet shadows and quiet tension. As soon as Becca let go of his hand, Eugene took a step back, his chest rising and falling sharply.Then he exploded.“I should have ripped his head off,” Eugene growled, his voice low and guttural—less man and more beast. His fists clenched and unclenched as he paced the room like a caged predator. “I stood there, Becca, watching him smirk like he owns the godsdamned world. The way he looked at you, the way he talked down at me in front of everyone… if I hadn’t held myself back—”“Eugene—”“I wanted to kill him.”Becca froze. She had never heard Eugene talk like this. The calm, composed Alpha who always seemed to be in control now radiated pure, unfiltered rage. His voice carried the kind of fury that
The music of the ballroom had begun to rise in pace, a graceful but commanding melody moving through the air. Lights flickered softly against the high golden ceilings, and the scent of expensive cologne, perfume, and sweet wine saturated the space. Amidst it all, Jack moved like a man with a mission.He scanned the crowd, eyes sharp, his lips thinned. Alpha Desmond had vanished. One moment, he was at the stairs, watching Eugene and Becca with that sinister smile curling at his lips. The next, he was gone. Slipped into the crowd like a serpent through grass. Jack’s instincts were prickling. Something wasn’t right. He pushed past a group of laughing elders, muttering polite apologies, but his mind was already turning.That was when it happened.Jack turned a corner a little too quickly and collided into someone."Oh!"A gasp escaped the woman as red wine splashed down the front of her pink satin gown. She blinked, stunned. Jack’s eyes widened, horrified."I’m—I’m so sorry," Jack s
The ballroom glowed in warm candlelight and the radiant shimmer of magical orbs that hovered delicately in the air. It was a scene of splendor and elegance, wolves in finely tailored garments moving with grace across the polished marble floor, the sound of soft violins painting an air of civility over the tension that buzzed underneath. Becca walked beside Eugene, her arm securely linked with his, and both wore soft smiles as they mingled with the crowd.Eugene’s expression was calm, almost serene, but Becca could feel the tension in his muscles. Every step he took was calculated. Every breath measured. Yet she kept herself close to him, their linked arms serving not just as a show of affection but as an anchor. An assurance.Behind them, Max followed a few feet away, his posture stiff and his face furrowed in deep worry. Mira walked beside him, her gaze movinv from couple to couple before landing on Max. The concern etched into his features wasn’t subtle."Max," she said softly
The heavy double doors of the Alpha’s study groaned slightly as Max pushed them open, revealing the spacious, dimly lit room within. The thick scent of cedarwood and a trace of something sharp—anger, maybe—hung in the air. Becca stepped in first, Mira close behind her, and Max followed them silently. The atmosphere was tense, as though the walls themselves had soaked in the fury of the man pacing before the wide window.Alpha Eugene stood stiffly, his back to them, his shoulders tight with frustration. The pale moonlight filtering through the tall windows struck the side of his face, outlining his clenched jaw. His hands were balled into fists by his sides. His chest rose and fell heavily, controlled but strained.When he heard the door close, he turned—and the moment his eyes landed on Becca, his expression darkened further."Max," he growled, his voice sharp. "I told you I didn't want to see anyone. Especially her."Becca stopped in her tracks, her heart tightening at the sheer
The golden chandeliers blazed above the ballroom, casting warm glows upon shimmering gowns, ornate masks, and regal suits. Becca stood beside Mira, locked in polite conversation with the charming and soft-spoken Lady Aveline.“...And what I’ve envisioned,” Becca said earnestly, “are smaller healing centers set up across the various towns. Clinics that don’t require permission or status to enter—just wolves helping other wolves.”Lady Aveline’s green eyes sparkled with interest. “That’s such a noble vision, my lady. It’s rare to hear someone in the Alpha’s court speak of the commonfolk with such passion. And it would certainly raise the morale across the districts.”Mira smiled, proud of Becca’s poise and clarity. “Luna Becca has always been someone who sees people beyond titles,” she added.Before Aveline could respond, a pair of elegant arms swept around her from behind. A rich, familiar laugh laced with subtle poison interrupted their calm.“Darling Aveline, I was wondering wher
Luna Seraphina, Alpha Desmond, and Jack moved through the crowd with a shared sense of triumph, their faces adorned with smiles.Desmond's broad shoulders held the weight of authority. His walk was confident, almost predatory, as if he had just claimed something precious. Luna Seraphina walked beside him, her regal aura matching her composure.Jack, on the other hand, felt the creeping tendrils of guilt wrap around him. His face was expressionless, a mask he had perfected, but inside, his heart churned. Jack swallowed, wishing desperately to be anywhere but here.Luna Seraphina leaned toward Desmond, her voice barely audible above the soft hum of the crowd. “Do you think he’ll come tonight?” she asked, her tone dripping with amusement.Desmond’s smile widened, a cruel edge to it. “Eugene?” he asked, his voice mocking. “He’s too scared to show his face, Seraphina. He knows what’s coming. By the time the full moon reaches its peak, he won’t be able to control himself. He’ll be a mo
The ballroom was alive with music, the sounds of violins and piano strings mingling with the soft chatter of the guests below. Becca stood at the top of the staircase, hands trembling slightly as she smoothed the fabric of her gown. It was beautiful—too beautiful for someone like her, she thought.Her face was composed, yet inside, her heart hammered like a war drum. She hated this feeling, the overwhelming sensation that everyone was judging her. Her eyes moved to Mira, who was adjusting her own gown.“You look amazing,” Becca said quietly, a nervous smile on her lips as she attempted to ease the tension in her own chest. “I still can’t believe this is happening.”Mira turned to her, a bright but nervous smile on her face. “You too, Becca. You look like you belong here. Don’t worry, we’ve got this. Together.”Becca squeezed Mira’s hand as they walked toward the top of the staircase. She could feel Mira’s palm sweating in hers, the anxiety almost palpable in the air between them
The late afternoon sun spilled golden light across the floor of Becca’s room, painting soft patterns through the white curtains that danced in the gentle breeze. A quiet energy filled the room as Mira fastened the final pin into her hair, looking at her reflection in the mirror with a soft smile. She looked beautiful in her moon-silver gown, a color that shimmered when she moved, adding to the glow in her skin. The faint sounds of violins being tuned floated in from the distant ballroom, carried up the stairs by open windows and echoing laughter.Becca stood by the wardrobe, carefully slipping into a deep emerald dress with gold designs at the sleeves and neckline. Her fingers worked quickly, but her eyes held a trace of apprehension. The dress clung to her form with just the right amount of grace, and her long hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, the last bits still damp from her earlier bath.“You’re awfully quiet,” Mira said, turning and giving her friend a look. “Not h