Asena
I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, a small smile playing on my lips.
I kept replaying Alpha Ruel's compliment in my mind. The warmth in his voice, the way he'd looked at the ward knot as though I'd given him something precious.
"Just when I thought I'd lost hope that there could be good Alphas," I murmured, leaning over the sink and splashing cold water on my face.
The cool water felt refreshing against my skin, washing away the tension from earlier. My hand moved unconsciously to the place on my arm where his hand had briefly rested when he'd tried to push me away from the twins.
I caught myself in the mirror, and immediately, the smile waned.
Why was I acting like a pathetic fool?
Even as I muttered those words to myself, I still found myself wondering what Alpha Ruel would say during his introduction tonight. Would he be as kind in front of a crowd as he'd been in private?
My stomach fluttered at the thought, and I pressed my palm against it, confused by the sudden nervousness.
Just then, the bathroom door swung open.
Luna Evelyn—my stepmother—appeared in the doorway, phone pressed to her ear. She was speaking with animated excitement to whoever was on the other end, but the moment she saw me, she paused, and her smile slipped into a cold mask.
"Let me call you back," she murmured before removing the phone from her ear.
She swept into the bathroom in her deep burgundy gown cut low enough to show her ample cleavage. Immediately, I turned off the tap, wiping my hands on my dress as I moved away from the sink. I folded my hands in front of me and bowed low.
"Luna," I greeted quietly.
She ignored me completely, gliding past as though I was invisible. She went directly to the mirror and set her handbag on the counter without a word. She examined her reflection, adjusting her hair and jewellery while I remained silent, waiting for her to break the silence.
"Do I want to know what you're doing in my bathroom in my pack house?" she finally asked, pulling out a tube of deep red lipstick.
It was the visitor's restroom, but I didn't mention that.
"The Alpha asked me to come fetch our guests—the young Alphas. I was pressed and decided to relieve myself here. I'm sorry, Luna," I said softly.
Her eyes flicked over me in the mirror before she leaned in to apply the lipstick. "You're dressed nicely today. Looking to seduce someone?"
As always, one of the few advantages I had over my stepmother was keeping my wits about me whenever she made her subtle, insulting jabs. She had my father's ear, and one wrong word from her could land me in the dungeon or see me disowned by the pack entirely.
"Thank you, Luna," I said with a soft smile, ignoring her second question.
She finished applying the lipstick, pressed her lips together to set the colour, then turned to face me.
"Is it true you received a direct invitation from the Council to attend the Festival of the Seven Moons?"
I lifted my eyes slightly and saw she wasn't asking out of concern.
"Yes, Luna," I nodded.
She didn't say anything more. Instead, she turned to the mirror and finished fixing her makeup before tossing her jewelled handbag carelessly in my direction.
My reflexes kicked in, and I caught it before it hit the ground.
I followed her out of the bathroom, ensuring there was enough distance between us.
~~~
The great hall was already packed with people when we arrived.
Pack members of different ranks, with their families, mingled in groups, talking and sipping wine. The scent of roasted meat, spiced food and heavy perfume hung in the air.
This was the opening event that would usher in the festival proper, when the Alpha would make the formal announcement.
Thanks to the network of gossips and rumour mongers, nearly everyone in the room already knew Black Seed Pack was hosting the Festival of the Seven Moons.
I followed Luna Evelyn silently through the throng, weaving between elegantly dressed pack members until we reached the place where my father and my half-sisters stood.
My half-sisters were dressed beautifully. Tamara wore gold, Paula wore deep green, and both of them were already looking past their mother toward the Alphas standing a short distance away.
I looked too, and my breath caught.
The Moss twins looked devastatingly handsome in matching dark suits—Harl's with silver accents, Hakan's in midnight blue with gold embroidery. Their hair was slicked back, showing off their well-proportioned features.
The people around them stared in awe, and I couldn't blame them. They looked like oracles sent by the Moon Goddess herself.
My eyes searched the room until they landed on Ruel, who stood slightly apart from the twins.
He wore a deep wine-red suit that accentuated his long, athletic build. His dark hair was styled simply, falling slightly over his forehead in a way that made him look approachable, almost innocent. Where the twins radiated coldness and power, Ruel radiated warmth.
He was speaking to a few elders from the pack, and they were laughing about something. He had a small smile at the corner of his lips. As he lifted his hand to make a gesture, something caught the light from the chandelier overhead.
My heart began to pound.
There, on his left wrist, just below his jacket cuff, was the ward knot I'd given him.
He was wearing it.
My steps slowed for half a second, and at that exact moment, he looked up.
Our eyes met across the crowded hall, and I felt heat rush to my cheeks. I smiled before I could stop myself, and in response, his lips curved into a small, private smile before he turned back to his conversation.
I quickly looked away, my heart hammering as I took my place beside my half-sisters. They were whispering excitedly to each other, completely oblivious to my presence.
"Stop it," I muttered under my breath. "Focus, Asena. You have thirty-three days before you leave this hellhole. Focus."
Just then, my father climbed onto the raised podium at the front of the hall. The crowd gradually quieted, all eyes turning toward him.
"Good evening," he began, his voice carrying easily across the space. "Thank you all for gathering here tonight. I know we've all heard the news, and it is my pleasure to officially announce that we have been selected to host this year's Festival of the Seven Moons and the Rite of Verification. This tradition has united our packs for generations."
Applause rippled through the hall.
"The Council has selected Black Seed Pack for this great responsibility," he continued, "and we intend to make this a festival to remember. This year, because we want to make things more interesting, the Council has approved an addition."
The hall went very quiet.
"After the Rite of Verification, there will be galas every evening, and attendance is mandatory for anyone without a mate—regardless of rank or station. I encourage you to mingle without fear, speak freely and open your hearts to love."
The hall erupted into excited whispers, and I saw several young pack members exchanging hopeful glances.
"This is the first of its kind," Alpha Riven said, raising his hand for silence. "And by the end of the festival, two women will stand beside the new Lycan King and Alliance Leader as their chosen Lunas."
The hall exploded with cheers and applause.
Alpha Riven gestured toward the Alphas. "Now, I'd like to give the nominated candidates for the position of the Lycan King and Alliance Leader, the opportunity to introduce themselves."
The Moss twins went first, of course. They stepped forward together, a united front of charm and charisma.
I scoffed quietly as Harl began speaking, his voice smooth as silk. He talked about honour, duty, and the sacred responsibility of leadership. Hakan followed, equally eloquent, speaking about unity and strength.
All around me, girls were fawning. I could hear my half-sisters whispering breathlessly.
"They're so handsome," Paula sighed.
"And powerful," Tamara added, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I heard the twins share one mate. Can you imagine? Being fucked by both of them at once?"
I rolled my eyes.
I couldn't believe those rude, cruel men could pretend to be so charming. But the crowd ate it up, applauding enthusiastically as the twins finished their introduction.
Then it was Ruel's turn.
He stepped forward, and I noticed that every girl in the room seemed to lean forward slightly, as though pulled by an invisible thread. Even the mated women watched him with interest.
The twins were good orators, but Ruel had a way of putting everyone at ease.
"Thank you for the warm welcome," Ruel began, his voice filled with sincerity. "I'm honoured to be here among you. Black Seed Pack has shown incredible hospitality, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this sacred festival in your company."
Nearly everyone in the hall had a smile on their faces. Even Alpha Riven looked pleased.
"I want to encourage anyone who wishes to speak with me to do so without fear or hesitation," Ruel continued. "True leadership isn't about standing above others—it's about standing beside them. So please, don't be strangers. I look forward to—"
A loud cry rang out from the back of the hall.
"ROGUES!"
For a split second, no one in the room understood.
Then the panic hit like a wave.