The moon hung heavy and full in the night sky, casting an ethereal silver light over the clearing. My heart hammered against my ribs as we approached the ancient oak tree. Dozens of pack members had already gathered, standing in a loose circle around the tree. Their eyes glowed with quiet intensity in the moonlight — some curious, some assessing, a few openly wary.
I tugged at the hem of the simple white ceremonial dress Liv had given me. It flowed to my ankles and felt far too delicate for what was about to happen.
"Liv," I whispered urgently as we walked, "who exactly is the Alpha? You've barely told me anything about him. Is he strict? Nice? Old?"
Liv kept her gaze forward, but I caught the slight tightening of her jaw. "You'll meet him soon enough. Just focus on connecting with Magna tonight."
"That's not an answer," I pressed. "And what about the Luna? Is she here? I haven't heard anyone mention her at all."
Liv hesitated, then squeezed my hand. "There isn't a Luna… yet."
Her words sent a strange chill down my spine. Yet. The way she said it felt heavy with meaning I didn't understand.
Before I could ask more, the crowd parted. Simon stepped into the center beside the tree, and something in the air shifted. Every wolf in the clearing seemed to stand a little straighter, their attention locked on him. He wore a dark ceremonial robe that somehow made him look even more imposing. His eyes found mine immediately, steady and reassuring, but there was a commanding presence rolling off him that I hadn't fully noticed before.
Jonah moved to stand beside Liv, and she leaned into him. I stayed close to her side, still scanning the crowd.
"Where is he?" I whispered again. "The Alpha. Is he late?"
Liv didn't answer. Instead, she gently guided me forward until I stood directly across from Simon under the massive branches of the oak.
Simon's voice rang out, deep and resonant, carrying easily across the clearing. "Tonight, we welcome a daughter who was taken from us far too young. Meghan has returned to her pack. Tonight, she will meet her wolf face to face."
Murmurs of approval rippled through the group. My palms were sweating.
I leaned toward Liv again. "That's nice and all, but where is the Alpha? Shouldn't he be doing this?"
Liv gave me a small, nervous smile. "Just breathe, Meg."
Simon stepped closer to me, his presence grounding even as my anxiety spiked. "Are you ready?" he asked softly, only for me.
"No," I admitted. "I still don't understand half of what's happening. I don't even know who your Alpha is, and apparently there's no Luna? This is insane, Simon. I feel like everyone's keeping something big from me."
His expression softened with something that looked almost like guilt. "Trust me a little longer. I promise everything will make sense soon."
Before I could argue, the pack began to chant — low, rhythmic words in a language I didn't recognize. The moonstone around my neck grew hotter and hotter until it felt like a brand against my skin. A sharp jolt of pain ripped through my spine, and I gasped, doubling over.
"It's starting," Magna's voice whispered excitedly in my head. "Let me in, Meghan. We were born for this."
My bones felt like they were cracking and reshaping. I cried out, fear flooding me. Strong arms caught me before I hit the ground — Simon's arms.
"I've got you," he murmured against my hair. "I'm right here."
The pain intensified. I could feel fur pushing through my skin, my limbs lengthening and changing. Panic clawed at my throat.
"Simon — the Alpha — where is he?!" I gasped between waves of agony. "Why isn't he helping?!"
Liv's voice was tight with emotion. "He is helping, Meg. Just let it happen."
I didn't have time to process her words. Another brutal wave hit me, and everything went white.
When the pain finally ebbed, I was no longer standing on two legs. I looked down at sleek black paws tipped with silver. My wolf form was powerful, graceful, and fast. I shook out my fur, overwhelmed by the explosion of scents and sounds.
Simon knelt in front of me, eyes shining with pride. He rested his forehead against mine. "Beautiful," he whispered. "Absolutely beautiful."
The pack howled in celebration. I tilted my head back and joined them, the sound tearing from my throat — raw, free, and powerful.
But even in my wolf form, questions still burned in my mind.
Who is the Alpha?
And why do I feel like the answer is standing right in front of me?