The day stretched long, filled with the rhythm of pack life. Training bled into chores, chores into errands, and still Selene could not escape the whispers that followed her everywhere.
By midday, the sun had burned away the morning mist. Warriors lounged in the yard after drills, stretching sore muscles, while pups darted between their legs in bursts of laughter. The air smelled of pine resin and roasting meat from the kitchens, but beneath it lingered something sharper—the prickling awareness that tonight would not be like any other.
Selene carried a bundle of training staffs back to the armory, Mira chattering beside her.
"I overheard the cooks," Mira said, lowering her voice dramatically. "They're preparing for the ceremony feast. Venison stew, spiced bread, blackberry tarts. Apparently, even the elders are dressing in their finery."
Selene arched a brow. "Since when do you eavesdrop on the cooks?"
"Since they gossip louder than the pups," Mira quipped.
Selene shook her head but couldn't help smiling faintly. Mira had a way of dragging light into every corner. Still, the weight in Selene's chest didn't lift.
Everyone was waiting. Watching. Wondering who fate would tie her to.
As they passed the yard, a sharp laugh cut through the air.
"Well, if it isn't the birthday girl."
Selene stiffened before she even saw her. Lilith Veyra, daughter of the Delta, leaned against the fence with a cluster of she-wolves trailing like shadows. Lilith's golden hair gleamed in the sun, her green eyes bright with the satisfaction of a cat cornering a mouse.
"Careful," Lilith purred, her gaze sweeping Selene from head to toe. "The Moon Goddess might decide to punish the rest of us by tying you to someone important. Imagine—our Luna tripping over her own feet in the hall."
Her little court tittered behind her.
Selene gritted her teeth, tightening her grip on the bundle in her arms. Mira bristled instantly.
"At least Selene wouldn't stab her mate in the back the first time she got bored," Mira shot back.
Color flared in Lilith's cheeks. For a moment, her eyes darkened, but she smoothed her expression into a smile sharp as glass.
"Enjoy your big night, Blackwood," she murmured. "Because tomorrow, no one will care."
She turned on her heel, her shadows trailing.
Mira muttered curses under her breath until they disappeared into the crowd. Selene exhaled slowly, forcing her shoulders to ease. She was used to Lilith's jabs—jealousy thinly disguised as scorn—but they cut sharper today.
"Don't listen to her," Mira said, fierce loyalty in her tone. "You'll see. The Goddess doesn't make mistakes."
Selene wanted to believe that. She wasn't sure she did.
---
Later, as the sun dipped lower, Selene found herself in the library. The pack's collection wasn't vast, but shelves of worn tomes and scrolls lined the walls, smelling faintly of dust and ink. She ran her fingers along the spines, searching for distraction, when a voice startled her.
"Still hiding?"
She spun, heart leaping, only to see Beta Elias leaning casually against the doorway. His dark hair was threaded with gray, his kind eyes crinkling as he smiled.
"I'm not hiding," Selene said quickly.
Elias raised a brow. "You've been disappearing into these shelves since you were a pup. Don't lie to me."
Heat crept into her cheeks. She sighed, leaning against the nearest table. "I just needed… quiet."
Elias stepped inside, his expression softening. "It's a heavy thing, waiting for the Goddess's will. I remember the night I found my mate. I was younger than you. Terrified, if I'm honest."
Selene looked up at him. "Did you know immediately?"
"Yes," Elias said simply. "It's not something you question. It's like breathing. You just… know."
Her chest tightened. She wanted to ask more—to ask if it hurt, if it ever disappointed, if it could destroy you as easily as it could complete you. But the words lodged in her throat.
Elias's gaze softened further. "Whatever happens tonight, Selene, remember this—you are your father's daughter. Strong, stubborn, and more capable than you realize. Don't let anyone, not even the Alpha, make you feel small."
Her throat ached with unspoken gratitude. She nodded, unable to form words.
Elias inclined his head and left her to her thoughts.
---
By the time twilight settled over the packlands, lanterns were being strung between the beams of the hall, golden light spilling across the grass. The scent of venison and spices filled the air, music drifting from the musicians setting up in the corner. Warriors donned clean shirts, women braided their hair with ribbons, children chased each other underfoot.
Selene dressed slowly in her room, fingers fumbling with the laces of her simple blue gown. It wasn't fine silk like Lilith would wear, but it fit her well, the fabric brushing her ankles, sleeves loose around her wrists. She left her hair in its braid, tugging a ribbon through the end.
Lyra stirred, restless.
We're close, the wolf whispered. I can feel it.
Selene's heart stumbled. She pressed her hands against the dresser, staring at her reflection. Was she ready for this? Could anyone be?
Mira burst into the room without knocking, spinning in a green dress that barely stayed on her shoulders. "Well? How do I look?"
"Like trouble," Selene said, smiling despite herself.
"Good." Mira grinned. Then her gaze softened. "You look beautiful, Sel. Don't be nervous."
"I'm not nervous," Selene lied.
Mira only smirked knowingly.
---
The hall was already filling when they arrived. Lanterns cast everything in warm glow, laughter and chatter rising over the music. Elders sat at the head tables, warriors crowded the benches, children darted between legs. Selene felt eyes on her immediately—curious, speculative, assessing. She forced her shoulders back, chin lifted.
Her gaze caught on the far end of the hall.
Alpha Damien stood near the dais, speaking with the elders. His presence dominated the space without effort, his storm-gray eyes unreadable, his dark suit tailored to his broad frame. For a moment, as his gaze swept across the hall, it snagged on hers.
Her breath caught.
Lyra surged, her voice a growl of recognition. Mate.
Selene's hand trembled at her side. She tore her eyes away, heart hammering.
Not yet, she thought desperately. Please, not yet.
But fate was already circling, closing in.