The castle doors opened to a rush of warm night air — scented with cedar smoke, firelight, and something sweet I couldn't quite name.
Music thrummed in the distance like a pulse. Low, sensual, magnetic. Like the whole world had leaned in to listen.
And Nightfang?
Nightfang glowed.
I froze on the steps, my breath catching in my throat as the valley spread out before me, bathed in a thousand flickering lights. There were string lanterns hung from towering pines, fire pits crackling along cobblestone paths, and soft-glowing orbs that floated lazily through the air like enchanted fireflies. The streets were lined with sleek black cars and chrome bikes, some humming faintly with hidden power, others parked like they'd roared in from a dream.
People moved in groups — laughing, dancing, glowing with the kind of easy confidence that felt like sunlight on skin. They were beautiful. Brazen. Shimmering with tattoos and moonlit skin and clothes so tight and tiny, they could barely qualify as outfits.
Cherry purred in my head.
"Oh, baby. Shadowmoor could never."
And she wasn't wrong.
Shadowmoor felt like a bad memory compared to this place — all cold stares and tighter rules and judgment that sank into your bones like sleet. But Nightfang? Nightfang moved like a secret rhythm. Like freedom. Like velvet and danger and joy wrapped up in a kiss.
"Holy shit," I breathed.
"Right?" Chloe grinned, looping her arm through mine like we were on a runway. "We don't do boring here."
Daisy came up on my other side, her soft wrap floating behind her. "Welcome to Nightfang, baby."
I didn't know where to look first. A girl with a shaved head and glowing green eyeliner passed us by, laughing into a boy's neck. Two men leaned on a polished motorcycle, one with his shirt open and glitter smeared down his chest. A tall woman in nothing but a leather harness and silk pants strolled by and winked at me.
I blinked.
Cherry squealed.
"We've been gay-pirated. And honestly? I'm fine with it."
"Daisy," I hissed. "Did she just—"
"She totally did," Daisy grinned, squeezing my hand. "You're hot, babe. Get used to it."
We passed another group — a trio of girls in silver heels and translucent skirts, all of them turning to look. One of them, a gorgeous woman with dark curls and a top made entirely of chains, let out a low whistle.
"Well damn, girl," she said, eyeing me from head to toe. "Serve."
I flushed to the tips of my ears. "Th-thanks."
Chloe nudged me with a smirk. "See? You're a menace."
"I feel like a fishnet fever dream," I muttered.
"Exactly," Cherry whispered smugly. "A sexy one."
The deeper we went, the more alive everything felt. Laughter spilled from a rooftop bar to our left. A shirtless boy strummed a guitar on the corner, surrounded by girls who were definitely not listening to the music. Someone drove past in a black convertible with LED lights pulsing beneath, bass shaking the street. It wasn't chaos — it was curated rebellion. Gorgeous, glittery anarchy wrapped in good vibes and wolf energy.
Daisy pulled me toward a glowing stand tucked beneath a tree where a heavily pierced man handed out colorful drinks that shimmered in tall glasses.
"Try this," she said, handing me one that looked like liquid dusk — dark purple with flecks of silver.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Don't ask questions," Chloe grinned, already halfway through hers. "Just drink."
I hesitated. Took a sip.
Warmth bloomed on my tongue, trailing down my throat like honey and spice. My toes curled in my boots.
"Oh wow," I breathed.
"Told you."
We kept walking, the music getting louder now — primal, magnetic, calling. The path ahead widened into a clearing lit by a giant bonfire, flames crackling high into the night sky. People danced around it barefoot, hips swaying, arms lifted like they were casting spells. Others lounged on oversized cushions, sipping drinks and glowing like gods.
It looked like something out of a dream. Or a fever fantasy.
Or a rebellion where glitter was mandatory.
Cherry gasped.
"It's like the Met Gala and a cult had a baby. I want in."
As we approached, a girl with neon hair waved us over. "You're new," she said, pointing at me.
"Guilty," I said.
"You look amazing."
My face flushed again. I was starting to feel like a lightbulb. "Thank you."
Chloe whispered in my ear, "See? Told you. You're already the main character."
I looked around — at the bonfire, the dancers, the way the stars looked closer here, like they wanted in on the fun — and for the first time in what felt like forever, I didn't feel like I was shrinking.
I felt like I was expanding.
Like maybe I belonged here, under this wild sky with a drink in my hand and starlight on my skin. No expectations. No whispers. No Ronan.
Just me. Glowing. Alive.
"I think I like it here," I whispered.
Chloe grinned. "Good. Because it's just getting started."