The pack anniversary, a time of celebration and revelry that energized the entire palace, was rapidly coming. All hands have been on deck for days, and the palace is humming with bustle in every nook and cranny.As one of the palace maids, I had always had a busy existence, but the anniversary preparations added a whole new level of busyness. There was nowhere to take a break or pause to collect one's breath. Every nook and crevice of the palace needs to be decorated, making it sparkle with the occasion's enthusiasm.I was scurrying around with the other maids, draping colorful banners, laying the tables, and carrying armfuls of flowers like busy ants. In addition to the subtle hum of whispered directions and the rustling of silk garments, the aroma of fresh flowers filled the air. Every aspect had to be ideal, and each arrangement had to arouse the sense of grandeur that was appropriate for such an event.The lofty ceiling was draped with chandeliers that produced a cozy and welcomin

My small room was illuminated by the sun's first rays as they entered through my window. I woke up with an odd sense of renewal and vitality, along with a deep-seated sense of gladness. I felt something that I hadn't felt in a while, and it made me grin.The planning for the pack's anniversary celebration had taken up all of my time for several weeks. I had little free time because I was one of the palace maids and had a lot of responsibilities. But now that the celebrations were over, I had a rare opportunity for rest—a chance to take a deep breath, to think, and to reconnect with a part of myself that I had put on hold.I carefully snuck out of my room. At this early hour, the palace was empty, a tranquil haven of calm before the hustle of the day started. The familiar aroma of the forest welcomed me as I walked further into the pack's domain, calming my senses. I eventually arrived at the cave we normally practice. Master Cyrus was waiting for me. As I got closer, his keen and a

I carried a heavy burden of failure with me as I traveled to my private meeting with Master Cyrus. The effort to find the book that contained the pack's hidden path had come dangerously close to failure. My interaction with Leo had been a dangerous near-miss that might have revealed our genuine motives.Master Cyrus asked "Anna," scarcely raising his voice above a whisper. "Tell me what happened."I described the evening's activities, the stressful moments in Leo's room, and how I had just barely avoided being discovered. Master Cyrus listened carefully without showing any emotion on his face. He nodded when I was done, as though anticipating this result.He said, "Leo is no fool," with a hint of despair in his voice. "We must not underestimate him. I apologized to Master Cyrus in a voice choked with regret. "I tried my best, but I couldn't find the book."My sense of reality was restored when Master Cyrus put his steadying hand on my shoulder. He remarked, "You did good, Anna. But

I walked into my new room and was struck by the grandeur and richness of it. Contrary to the little, modest room I had previously resided in while working as a maid, the area seemed to go on forever. As my gaze moved over the room's width, I noticed how big it was. The benefits of my new position included things like the plush bedding, the opulent furniture, and the large windows that let in the moonlight.However, as I scanned the area more, I began to feel sad. This room reminded me of my room at Moondawn Pack, where my life had tragically changed. Images of loss, misery, and treachery flooded my head and threatened to drown me in sorrow.Because the space was filled with symbols from my past, I was unable to escape the terrible memories that were flooding through me. I felt like leaving this room and go back to sleep at my former room due to the fear that has found it's way into my life. However, I was conscious that doing so would entail caving in to my fears and avoiding the ch

As I walked into the meeting room with Leo at my side, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of worry. The Alpha had summoned us and the elders for an important meeting. Elders from the pack crowded the space, their emotions a mix of reverence and curiosity. I stood there, wondering what the meeting was all about and why my presence was needed in the meeting . Although, I am Leo's mate but I don't think my presence would be needed in pack meetings and that made me curious.As he started to speak, the Alpha's voice resounded throughout the room and his sentences had a strong sense of power. "I have gathered you all here today for an important announcement," he announced.The elders and others present shifted their attention to the Alpha, which resulted in a quiet in the room. Uncertainty was eating away at me as my heart raced. What possibly could the Alpha have to say to require such a meeting?Leo and I came into the Alpha's line of sight as he smiled sagely. "As Alpha, it is my