Clear Dreams
Liam Hurley's favorite thing to say to me is, "Don't worry."
Don't worry. Once he consolidates his power and ends the internal strife of the pack, we'll reveal our relationship.
Because of that, I waited for two years.
Don't worry. We'll hold the bonding ceremony as soon as his mother accepts me.
I waited for another three.
In the fifth year, at the banquet celebrating Liam's rise to Alpha of the Ashmoon pack, his mother, Elana Gibson, unclasps the moonstone necklace from around her neck in front of everyone.
Liam told me long ago that passing down the moonstone necklace is the Ashmoon pack's official ritual for acknowledging a Luna.
I figure Liam won't be telling me not to worry this time.
"Here, let me put this on you."
Elana walks right past me and gently fastens the necklace around the neck of Lilith Powell, Liam's assistant.
The whole banquet hall falls dead silent.
Elana pats the back of her hand with a warm smile. "Lilith is so sweet and kind, and she's been a massive help to Liam. She has a special place in my heart."
I hear someone whisper, "What about Freya?"
Liam lowers his voice. "My mother cherishes bonds. Lilith really has done a lot for me, so don't take it personally. Don't worry, okay? Next month, I'll take you to pick out a better moonstone necklace that's way more valuable than that one."
As the crowd scatters, Lilith strokes the necklace and gives me a smug smile. "Freya, are you jealous? Elana says this moonstone has been passed down for seven generations in the Ashmoon pack."
I tell her I am.
Just then, my phone buzzes in my pocket. "Have you made up your mind? When are you coming to Nordravia?"