جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 10

The entire Mooncrest Pack had gathered to celebrate my sister’s future. Music filled the pack hall as wolves laughed, danced, and raised their glasses. Long tables covered with food and wine stretched across the room, while silver decorations reflected the warm glow of hundreds of candles. Tonight was about Selene and Kael. My sister stood at the center of the hall beside the man she had been promised to since childhood. Almost every eye was drawn toward them, and I couldn’t blame anyone for staring. Selene looked beautiful. Her dark hair fell neatly over her shoulders, and the silver dress she wore caught the candlelight whenever she moved. She looked exactly like the woman Mooncrest expected to become its future Luna. Someone beside me leaned closer. “They look perfect together.” “They do,” I replied. And I meant it. Selene was more than my older sister. She had always been the person who protected me when I was younger, especially when other children teased me for being to

By the next evening, Selene had changed completely. She had spent most of the afternoon preparing for the Luna council dinner, and judging by the number of dresses scattered across her bed, she had considered every possible way she could make the right impression. I stood near the wardrobe while she held two dresses against herself and studied her reflection. “The silver or the blue?” “The blue,” I said without hesitation. She turned slightly, examining the dress from another angle before looking at me through the mirror. “You’re sure?” “Very.” A pleased smile appeared on her face as she placed the silver dress aside. “Good. I trust your opinion more than anyone else’s.” I managed to smile back, but something inside me tightened. She trusted me. That was exactly why I couldn’t tell her the truth. Selene sat on the edge of her bed and smoothed the blue dress across her lap. “This dinner is important. The council members are going to discuss my responsibilities as Luna, and I

By noon, we were already approaching the first village. It was one of the smaller settlements on Mooncrest’s northern border, surrounded by thick trees and narrow paths that eventually led toward the eastern forest. I had visited the village several times with Selene when we were younger, and back then, it had always seemed peaceful. Today, something felt different. The streets were unusually quiet, and the few villagers standing outside their homes watched us carefully as we passed. Most of them lowered their heads when they noticed Kael, showing the respect expected for their Alpha. Selene rode beside him, looking every bit like the future Luna she had spent her life preparing to become. I followed a short distance behind them, accompanied by six experienced guards whom Kael had insisted on bringing after the council meeting. As we entered the center of the village, an elderly man hurried toward us. “Alpha.” He bowed respectfully. Kael dismounted and looked at him. “You’re t

The journey back to Mooncrest was painfully quiet. Selene rode beside Kael while I stayed behind them, staring at the road ahead. Nobody mentioned what had happened in the village. Nobody mentioned the strangers. But I couldn’t stop thinking about the same words. Ask your mother. I had heard those words before. Not from that man. From myself. There had always been things about my childhood that didn’t make sense. Questions I had asked and never received proper answers to. Why had I never known my mother’s family? Why had no one ever talked about where she came from? Why had my wolf remained silent for most of my life? I had always assumed those things were unrelated. Now I wasn’t so sure. When we reached Mooncrest, Kael went straight to the council chamber. I followed him. “Where are you going?” Selene asked. “With Kael.” She frowned. “You should rest.” “I need answers.” She looked at Kael. He didn’t say anything. That seemed to worr

Selene found Kael before breakfast. I knew because I saw them through the window of the hallway. They were standing outside the council chamber, speaking quietly. Selene looked upset. Kael looked serious. I stopped before they could notice me. I shouldn’t have listened. But when I heard Selene say my name, I couldn’t walk away. “Is this because of Liana?” Kael was silent. Selene laughed bitterly. “You don’t even have to answer.” “Selene—” “No.” She shook her head. “I’ve watched you since we came back from the village. You barely look at me anymore.” Kael sighed. “That’s not true.” “It is.” Selene folded her arms. “Our wedding is in a few weeks, Kael.” “I know.” “Then tell me what’s happening.” He looked away. I expected him to deny everything. Instead, he said, “Things have changed.” Selene went completely still. “Between us?” Kael didn’t answer immediately. Then he nodded. “Yes.” Her face fell. “Is it her?” I held my