The full moon rose heavy and pale over Ironfang, casting a cold gleam on the slate rooftops of the Alpha estate.
It was the last full moon before the twins' eighteenth birthday, and the first since they had been publicly named heirs.
A celebration had been ordered.
A spectacle, more like.
Everly stood on the edge of the grand hall, pressed against the stone wall behind a golden serving cart, her eyes lowered, hands folded, body still.
She blended into the shadows like a ghost. A girl who wasn't there.
The hall was a vision of blood and silver. Crimson banners lined the rafters. Candles dripped wax from high sconces. Wolves in tailored black coats and gleaming jewelry prowled through the crowd, exchanging clipped pleasantries and hungry glances.
She knew them all.
Alphas from allied packs. Elite warriors. Moon Council envoys.
Power, condensed into one room. And not one of them saw her.
Not really.
Everly had been tasked with refilling drinks. A quiet job. One the Luna gave her, likely a silent attempt at mercy. Being on her feet all night was better than being mocked on the floor with the other servant girls.
Still, her bruised rib ached with every breath. Kyran had elbowed her that morning during training, calling it a "lesson in respect."
She hadn't said a word in return.
"He's weak beneath the noise," Selene murmured from somewhere deep inside. "Loud wolves die quickest."
Everly's lips nearly twitched.
She adjusted the crystal pitcher in her hands and moved silently between tables.
The twins sat at the center dais. Kalia gleamed like a weapon in a silver gown, her obsidian hair twisted into a crown of braided knots. Kyran wore black, always black, with a blood-red pendant pulsing faintly at his throat.
Everly could feel his eyes on her as she passed, but she didn't meet them.
Not even when he smirked.
"Look at our little human pet," Kalia said loudly, raising her glass. "Still pretending she belongs among wolves."
A few laughs scattered through the nearby guests. Everly's heart thudded, but she kept walking. Kept breathing.
Kept swallowing everything she wanted to scream.
Kalia's smile didn't fade. "She probably hopes one of the warriors claims her. Poor thing. Doesn't even smell like anything."
Everly's steps didn't falter. She moved like a shadow. Like someone who had heard it all before.
Because she had.
"Soon." Selene's voice was more breath than sound. "Your truth will cut deeper than their cruelty ever could."
---
The festival burned on.
Dancers filled the floor. Wine flowed like blood. The Alpha made a speech, long and dripping with pride. Kalia curtsied with lethal grace. Kyran basked in attention he hadn't earned.
And through it all, Everly stayed quiet.
Stayed still.
Until the bell chimed.
Twelve slow tolls.
The room fell silent.
This was the moment they had all come for.
The Moon Oath.
Each pack heir would step forward and receive the blessing of the full moon, a tradition said to help fated mates begin to recognize each other. Sometimes it happened right away. Sometimes it took years. But the ritual marked the beginning.
Everly stood at the back of the hall, beside a curtain, watching through the thin veil of fabric.
The seer stepped forward, an old woman cloaked in blue, blindfolded, but powerful. Her voice echoed like winter wind.
"I call the heirs of Ironfang," she said. "Step forward and receive the mark of Luna's grace."
Kalia stepped first. Then Kyran.
They each placed their hand on the moonstone altar. The room was deathly still.
White light shimmered from the stone. A faint breeze stirred from nowhere.
Gasps echoed as a silver pulse radiated through the floor.
Somewhere in her chest, something seized.
Everly's hand flew to her ribs.
It was like being pierced by cold fire.
Her eyes widened.
Kyran…
He turned his head.
And looked straight at her.
Not at the curtain.
At her.
Their eyes locked. For one suspended moment, the world ceased.
Everly felt the bond snap.
Not gently. Not beautifully.
It yanked.
Raw.
Immediate.
Real.
Selene rose in her like a sudden flame.
"Mate."
Everly didn't breathe.
Couldn't breathe.
Kyran's face twisted, not with wonder, but with disgust.
"No," he muttered, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.
He stared at her like she was poison.
Then louder: "No."
Heads turned.
Eyes followed his gaze.
She was exposed.
Frozen.
Kalia stood slowly. "What is it, brother?"
Kyran bared his teeth.
"That thing," he growled. "That human. She's…"
The words died on his tongue.
The room was stone-quiet.
Everly stood still, her soul howling silently beneath her skin.
"It begins," Selene whispered.