One day remained until the wedding. Guests from other packs had started arriving, filling the grand hall with voices, footsteps, and the rustle of furs. Only one person remained: Father.
His presence was crucial for my plan. If he didn't come today, I knew he would arrive the next day without fail. Father hated being near the barbaric ways of the werewolves, and the Bloodmoon Pack was far from civilized in his eyes. That made his eventual appearance all the more strategic.
I sat on the edge of the window seat, a small board game spread out on the low table before me. Lara leaned over, whispering the names of each arriving pack as I placed pieces on the board to mark them.
"This is going well," I murmured to myself, a small, triumphant smile tugging at my lips. Everything was unfolding according to plan.
"The Gonfer came?" I asked, popping a juicy piece of fruit into my mouth.
"Yes, my lady," Lara replied, leaning closer. "I was surprised. They almost never show themselves."
I chewed thoughtfully, my mind racing. "So it's true. The Bloodmoon has connections to the Gonfer?"
Lara's eyes flicked to mine, her expression careful. "My lady, I forgot to tell you something…"
"What?" I asked, setting the fruit down.
"I heard that the Gonfer helped take care of the Alpha when he was a child."
I blinked, confused. "What?"
"Yes, my lady," she whispered, her tone serious. "Lady Rosella of the Gonfer was meant to be his mate."
The words settled over me like a cold shadow. Another woman. Another reason for the tension I had been facing. I began to piece it together.
"They believe you stole her place," Lara continued softly. "They think you don't deserve it."
I exhaled slowly, my fingers tightening on the edge of the table. "Ah," I murmured. The puzzle pieces were falling into place. The bullying, the cold glares, the constant comparisons it wasn't just jealousy. It was history, pride, and misplaced loyalty.
"Did she come here often?" I asked, curiosity sharpening my voice.
"Yes, my lady," Lara replied. "All the maids and servants adored her. They thought she was beautiful, and… well, they weren't subtle about comparing you to her."
I blinked. They didn't just dislike me they saw me as a thief of something they held sacred. Their hostility had a reason, a history rooted deeper than I had imagined.
Lara leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "My lady, she had pale white hair and bright blue eyes. Compared to her, you're… so alive. So full of color. The maids always said that."
I laughed softly, the sound light but edged with curiosity. "Lara," I said, my mind already spinning, "I want to see this Rosella for myself."
Lara shrugged. "You will, my lady. She's here somewhere, though she's been keeping to herself mostly. But the others will make sure you notice her soon enough."
I leaned back in the chair, crossing my arms. The weight of the upcoming wedding pressed down on me, but a spark of excitement flared inside. This wasn't just a test of endurance anymore; it was a game of observation, strategy, and influence. Every glance, every whispered comment, every small act could be turned into leverage.
The hall outside was noisy now, filled with the sound of arriving guests. I could hear the shuffle of furs, the laughter of young warriors, and the deep, commanding tones of pack leaders asserting themselves as they entered the grounds.
Lara moved to the window, scanning the arriving guests. "The Valen are here, my lady. And the Kyrian pack, as expected."
I nodded. Each pack had its own reputation, its own politics. Watching them interact with the Bloodmoon would give me insight. Every detail counted. Every subtle action could tip the balance in my favor during the wedding.
I took another bite of fruit, savoring the sweet juiciness, and let my gaze wander over the crowd. They didn't know me, not truly. They didn't understand the depth of the Sect's reach, the patience I could wield, or the fire that burned quietly beneath my calm exterior.
"Lara," I said, my tone sharp with focus, "make sure no one interferes with me while I observe. I want to see every reaction, every subtle shift in loyalty."
"Yes, my lady," she replied obediently, though I could see the worry lingering in her eyes.
I leaned back, closing my eyes for a brief moment. Tomorrow would test me. Not just the ceremony itself, but the strategy I had been cultivating quietly, like a hidden blade beneath a velvet glove. The Harvest Moon was near, and with it, the culmination of everything I had been preparing for.
Lara touched my shoulder gently. "My lady, do you think Father will come today?"
I opened my eyes, gazing out at the sea of werewolves and their leaders. "He will. And when he does, he will see exactly what I've planned. Everything will unfold in our favor."
Lara smiled faintly, though unease still flickered across her face. "You truly think you can control it all?"
I smirked, a confident glint in my eye. "Not control it all. But control the part that matters."
As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows over the grounds, I felt a thrill of anticipation. Tomorrow, under the light of the Harvest Moon, all the players would gather, and the game would begin.
And I intended to win.