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I was one lion's bite away from being torn in half, all because I was a wolfless omega, desperate enough to beg a ranking wolf to take me to the mating ball. His price, steal a ring from a lion's mouth. The whole pack came to watch me die. The lion lunged and almost bit my head off until Alpha Damon entered the arena, riding another lion. His beast struck the lion and saved me. Then without a word, Damon killed the ranking wolf. He stood before me and warned the entire pack. Don't you dare touch her again. But why would the most powerful alpha risk everything to save a wolfless girl like me? What did Damon see in me that the entire pack had missed? It was the eve of the mating ball, the night every unmated wolf had been whispering about for months, the night when the full moon would peak and fated mates would finally be revealed. It was sacred, romantic, life-changing, for everyone but me, because I was the wolfless runt of the red moon pack, too weak to shift, too useless to matter. Without a wolf, I would never have a mate, never feel the sacred pull towards some destined other half waiting to claim me beneath the moonlight. It would always just be me, Talia, a lowly orphan, an Omega slave, the girl they kept alive just to torture and abuse for their own amusement. Hey, it's a living, kind of. They forced me to stay in the packhouse dungeon with nothing but a cot, a cracked washbasin, and one blanket that smelled like mildew and regret. Home sweet dungeon. And tomorrow night, while every beautiful she-wolf in the pack dressed in silk and waited for fate to choose her, I would attend the mating ball too, as the servant carrying their wine. The night before the ball, I was summoned to Princess Marcy's chambers, the cruel pack princess, my greatest tormentor, cunning, beautiful, vicious. Hold still, mutt. She sneered, driving a dress pin into my wrist. I bit the inside of my cheek and kept my eyes on the marble floor. Do not scream. Screaming only made it worse. Marcy stood on a raised platform in front of three golden mirrors, her blonde hair shining down her back, her mouth painted rose pink, her eyes cold and pleased with themselves. Her expensive gown clung to her body like it had been bullied into submission. Silver silk, diamond beading, a long train, basically everything I would never touch unless I was being forced to bleed on it. Nora, Marcy's best friend, knelt beside the hem with a handful of pins and a smile that made me believe she had been a hyena in a past life. She slid another pin through the fabric and into my forearm. I sucked in a breath. Nora glanced up. Marcy smiled at me in the mirror. Careful, Nora. If she yelps, we'll have to start over. Sorry. Not sounding sorry at all. She's just so stabable. I kept my hands steady against the dress. Good servants were still. Good servants were silent. Marcy turned slightly, admiring herself. Well? Nora clasped her hands. You look perfect. I know. Marcy's gaze slid to me. Tauja. I swallowed. This was a trap. You look beautiful, princess. Her hand cracked across my face. Pain burst across my cheek. Too slow. Yes, princess. Nora giggled. Marcy stepped off the platform and circled me slowly. Poor Tauja. The mating ball is tomorrow. And you'll be there with all those happy couples all alone. I stared at the floor. You know what happens when the full moon peaks, don't you? Fated mates revealed. Hearts racing. Wolves howling. True love. Destiny. Marcy leaned close. But not for you. My throat tightened. No wolf, no bond, no mate. No one to ever look at you and say, mine. I kept my face blank. Marcy touched my chin with one sharp nail, forcing my gaze up. You'll die alone, little rat. Her smile widened. Then she waved one jeweled hand. Wine. I turned toward the table, where a crystal decanter sat beside three goblets. Behind me, Nora asked, Why the new dress, anyway? You already have about two hundred. Marcy laughed under her breath. This dress is special. I reached for the decanter. This dress is for Alpha Damon. My fingers froze. Something stirred inside my chest. A sudden warmth unfurled beneath my ribs. Strange and sharp. Alpha Damon. The name echoed through me. I didn't know him. I had never seen him. But everyone knew of him. Alpha Damon of the Dark Howlers. The strongest Alpha in the realm. The most powerful. The most feared. The man every she-wolf wanted. And every Alpha hated neither. They whisper low when night descends. The Alpha no one can defend against. The moon first marked his fearless soul. And crowned the wolf destined to rule. Kings may guard their golden thrones. Yet tremble when his name is known. Every rogue has learned too late. You cannot outrun your fate. The moon remembers his name. Alpha Damon. The wolf of kingdom fear. The dream every heart holds dear. The moon remembers his name. He's coming to the mating ball. To meet me. And when the moon peaks, I will claim him as mine. My father insists upon it. Once Damon and I bond, the Red Moon Pack will be untouchable. Nora sighed. Imagine being chosen by him. I don't have to imagine it. I was born lunar material. Alpha Damon won't be able to resist me. There it was again. That name. The warmth in my chest pulsed. Hard. My hand jerked. Red wine splashed across Marcy's perfect silver dress. For one second, no one moved. I stared at the spreading stain. Dark red blooming over all that moonlit silk. Oh. Oh, this was bad. Marcy looked down. Nora gasped. Marcy's head snapped up. You dumb, clumsy rat. The goblet shattered against the floor. I dropped to my knees. Princess, I'm sorry, I didn't mean- Her foot slammed into my stomach. Air left my lungs. I folded over, coughing. Marcy grabbed the decanter and poured the rest of the wine over my head. Cold liquid soaked my hair, my face, my worn work smock. Nora laughed from beside the mirrors. I gasped. Please stop. Marcy went still. My stomach sank. Slowly, she crouched in front of me. Did you just tell your pack princess what to do? No. I only- George! My blood went cold. George came fast. He always did when Marcy called. He was a gamma warrior, built like a wall, and almost as emotionally complex. He glanced at Marcy's ruined dress, then at me. His mouth curved. Problem, princess? This thing ruined my gown. George grabbed me by the neck and hauled me upright. My feet barely touched the floor. I struggled for air, struggled to break free. Wait, please! George dragged me through the open glass doors, to the open balcony. Cold night air slapped my wet face. The courtyard sprawled below us. Directly below us, the iron gates gleamed under the nearly full moon. The gates with the long black spikes. George shoved me over the balcony rail and held me there by my neck, choking for breath. My body dangled in open air. I tried to scream, but no sound came out. My hands clawed at his wrist. Please, George! Marcy stepped to the edge, Nora beside her. Do you know how important that dress was? Marcy asked. I am sorry. I sobbed. I will fix it. Marcy's eyes glittered. That dress was supposed to help me secure Alpha Damon. My father will be very disappointed. Alpha Damon. The mysterious stirring in my chest surged again. I gasped. Princess, I don't want to die. Her gaze dropped to the gates below, then back to me. Do you have any idea how much that dress cost? More than your life. George. She lifted her chin. Let her go. George opened his hand. For half a breath, I hung there, weightless. Then I fell. The balcony ripped away above me. Wind tore past my ears. Nora's laughter scattered into the night. And as the iron spikes rushed up below, Alpha Damon's name rang through my skull again, from somewhere deeper. Older. Until the gates caught me. Pain exploded through me. My body jerked against the iron spikes. I couldn't scream. I couldn't breathe. Blood slid hot over cold metal. My fingers twitched uselessly against the gate. Above me, the balcony had gone blurry. The moon hung huge and silver in the sky. Moonlight spilled over me, soft as a blanket. Was this it? Was I dying? My vision dimmed at the edges. Then a voice spoke. Soft. Ethereal. You are more than you know, my girl. The voice played through my mind. My eyes fluttered. I felt my heart stop. What was happening? Was this what death was like? Full of riddles? The voice brushed through me like moonlight through water. The peak of the full moon. Fate's true plan will begin to unravel. He is coming. What did it mean? What plan could fate have for me? How could I possibly be more? And who was he? The moonlight brightened. The pain slipped away. And I fell into darkness. A long, cold nothing. Quiet. Almost peaceful. Until I woke up coughing. Which was surprising. Dead girls usually stayed dead. I was almost positive about that. I shot upright and immediately grabbed my stomach. No spike. No hole. No blood. I patted my side. My ribs. My chest. Everything was attached. How was that possible? Without a wolf, I shouldn't be able to heal. I looked around. I was lying on the stone altar of the moon temple. Mist curled around white pillars. Dawn painted the sky pale gold. The temple sat silent in the grove beyond the packhouse. Old and sacred. And very far from the front gate where I had definitely died. Or almost died? How did I get here? No answer. Someone must have moved me. Saved me. But why would anyone save a useless omega like me? The words from the moonlight echoed in my mind. At the peak of the full moon, fate's true plan will begin to unravel. I swallowed. Whose voice was that? What did it mean? What plan could there possibly be for me? A worthless runt. I sat up, looking around. Mist drifted between the pillars. The temple was quiet. This place was where they found me as a baby. Abandoned under the full moon. Wrapped in a blanket with my name stitched into it. Talia. That was all I had. No parents. No background. No explanation. Just a baby left at the moon temple like an unwanted offering. And now here I was again. Healed. Alive. Why? I stumbled toward the moon pond at the center of the courtyard. Its surface was still and silver, reflecting the fading moon above. I leaned over. And gasped. My eyes were shining silver. Not gray. Not dull. Silver. Bright as moonlight. I stumbled back, clutching my chest. The color flickered. Then faded. My normal eyes stared back from the water. Plain. Frightened. Mine. What is happening to me? I look over, noticing the rising sun crept through the tree line. My stomach dropped. The mating ball. It was tonight. There was still so much to prepare. If Alpha Edward realized I was missing, if I was shirking my responsibilities, he would have me impaled all over again. I had to get back. I picked myself up and ran. Back through the grove. Back toward the packhouse. And though I didn't know it yet, I ran back toward my fate. By the time I slipped back into the packhouse, the sun had already started climbing over the mountains. I crept through the servant's entrance, holding my breath like that would make me invisible. No one shouted. No one screamed. Maybe no one noticed that I had been gone at all. What happened last night? Who had saved me? Whose voice was that in my head? And what did they mean when they said I was more than I knew? Because as far as I knew, I was an Omega slave that Marcy used as a pincushion. Surely the voice must be wrong. Sorry, mysterious incorporeal voice. I slipped into the kitchen and shut the door behind me. For one blessed second, it was quiet. No Marcy. No Alpha Edward. No Nora cackling like a well-dressed demon. Just me. The long stone counters. The copper pots overhead. And the mating ball feast waiting to be made. Alpha Edward and Luna Layla had put me to work in the kitchens as soon as I was old enough to stand. I scrubbed grease from stone floors until my knees split open. Stood over boiling pots until my face burned. Kept stirring even when my arms shook so badly I could barely hold the spoon. Eventually, I learned how to cook. Not because anyone taught me. Because messing up meant punishment. And with the mating ball tonight, and Alpha Damon himself arriving, Edward would expect everything to be perfect. I grabbed an old apron and tied it tight around my waist. I lit the hearth. Then the stove. Then the ovens. Soon the kitchen filled with warmth, steam, and the comforting smell of work. Garlic. Rosemary. Butter melting in a copper pan. Onions softening until they turned gold. I started with braised lamb because it needed hours. I rubbed the meat with crushed herbs, salt, pepper, and roasted garlic before searing it until the whole kitchen smelled rich enough to make my stomach ache. I was only ever allowed the leftover scraps when dinner was over. Next came the sauce. Red wine. Stock. Thyme. Bay leaves. Dark cherries. A little honey I stole from the pantry. Next, I rolled pastry for mushroom and goat cheese tarts. Whipped cream for lemon custard. Chopped pears for spiced compote. And started a mountain of sugared almonds. The kitchen was the one place I could lose myself. Stir. Chop. Season. Do not think about iron spikes. Do not think about silver eyes. Do not think about a mysterious voice telling you fate had plans. Fate could get in line. I had lamb in the oven. Still, my thoughts drifted to the mating ball. Tonight, the ballroom would glitter with silver garlands and moonflowers. Noble she-wolves would arrive in gowns made of silk and ambition. The unmated males would stand around pretending not to be nervous while absolutely being nervous. And when the solstice moon reached its peak, the mate bonds would awaken. Some girl would gasp. Some wolf would turn across the room like he'd been struck by lightning. They would see each other. Know each other. Belong to each other. I knew that would never be me. No one would turn toward Talia, the wolfless dungeon rat, and whisper, Mine. No one would take my hand. No one would pull me into the dance and look at me like I mattered. Still, my eyes drifted toward the broom leaning beside the pantry door. I couldn't help myself. Swept up in the fantasy. I grabbed the broom, held it upright, and dipped into a ridiculous curtsy. Good evening, mysterious, handsome wolf, I whispered. Why, yes. I would love to dance. No, I'm not usually covered in flower. This is a special occasion. I spun once. The broom spun with me. For one stupid, dangerous heartbeat, I let myself imagine it. A warm hand at my waist. A deep voice laughing softly. Someone looking at me and not seeing a servant. Not seeing a freak. Not seeing someone easy to break. Someone kind. Someone who chose me. Then cruel giggles sounded behind me. I froze. The broom almost smacked me in the face. Slowly, I turned. Princess Marcy stood in the doorway. Nora was beside her. Behind them stood three more noble she-wolves. All dressed in silk robes. Hair pinned for the ball. Eyes bright with the kind of excitement people only got when they were about to ruin someone else's day. Marcy's smile spread. Well, she said. I guess some cockroaches just don't stay dead. Her gaze dragged over me. Cruel and dismissive. I wonder how much time the pack healers wasted putting you back together this time. My grip tightened around the broom. Nora covered her mouth. Was she dancing with the broom? So pathetic. That might be the only thing desperate enough to touch her. Another said. Heat crawled up my neck. I was cleaning, I said. Marcy arched a brow. Were you? Yes, princess. With your eyes closed and your mouth smiling. Marcy stepped closer. Were you imagining the mating ball? The music? The moonlight? Some poor wolf forced to dance with you? Nora laughed. Disgusting. No one would ever want you. Marcy said softly. Let alone be cursed with you as a mate. I looked down. The broom was yanked from my hands. Before I could react, Nora swung it into my ribs. Pain cracked through me. I stumbled into the counter. Someone grabbed my hair. Someone kicked the back of my knee. I hit the floor hard. Marcy's foot came down on my hand. I cried out. A pot of water simmered there. Steam rolling up in thick waves. My stomach dropped. No, I whispered. Marcy forced my head down toward the pot. Heat slapped my face. No, I screamed. Please, no. Marcy saw my face and smiled. Oh, don't look so frightened. It's not like you could get any uglier. The girls laughed louder. Marcy shoved my face toward the boiling water. Heat blasted my skin. My heart thundered. And something deep inside my chest stirred. Ancient. Alive. My eyes flashed silver just for a moment. When the kitchen door slammed open. What the hell is going on? Alpha Edward's voice cracked through the room like a whip. Everyone froze. Marcy released me so fast I hit the floor. Nora and the girls scattered out of the room. Alpha Edward stood in the doorway. Dressed in formal black. Luna Layla stood beside him in emerald silk. Her expression pinched with disgust. Not at Marcy. Not at her treatment of me. But at the mess. Obviously. Luna Layla's gaze swept over the spilled water. The broom. My shaking body on the floor. Then to Marcy. Marcy. She snapped. We have discussed this. Beating omegas in the kitchen hours before Alpha Damon arrives is the image you want for this pack? Luna Layla hissed. Is that Luna-like? Marcy's mouth tightened. She ruined my dress. Alpha Edward's cold gaze landed on me. I lowered my eyes. Oh. He said. This is the brat who ruined the dress? Marcy crossed her arms. Yes. A grave error. Edward said. My stomach sank. He stepped closer. He raised his hand. About to hit me. A hit I had felt so many times in my life. But then. He lowered it again. Then. The omega will clean it. Marcy blinked. What? Edward's eyes stayed on me. As your new hand made me. The room went silent. Marcy turned toward him. That runt? She's an embarrassment, Daddy. Enough. Edward snapped. Marcy stiffened. He lowered his voice. Alpha Damon arrives for the mating ball. When the moon peaks. You will make him yours at any cost. Nothing. And I mean nothing. Will get in the way of you claiming him as your Alpha. Do you understand me? Marcy's jaw clenched. Yes, Father. If you are to be a Luna. He said. You will learn to act like one. His gaze flicked to me. Use her. Then. As soon as they had arrived. Alpha Edward and Luna Layla left. I pushed myself up. I'll get to cleaning the dress right away, Princess. I moved toward the door. Marcy reached it first. Click. The lock turned. My blood went cold. Slowly, she faced me. You just keep surviving things you shouldn't. She crossed the kitchen and grabbed me by the throat. My back hit the counter. You are still a lowly, wolfless rat. She hissed. But now. Now you officially belong to me. I clawed weakly at her wrist. Princess. I don't know how you survived that fall. She whispered. But I'm glad you did. That was not comforting. Because after I claim Damon tonight. I'm going to give you to him as a wedding present. My blood turned cold. Marcy smiled. As a chew toy. Then, suddenly. The warmth in my chest exploded. My eyes flashed with silver light. A pot of water burst apart on the stove. A kettle shrieked, lifted off the counter. And flew into the wall with a deafening clang. Steam filled the air. Copper pans rattled overhead. What was happening? Was... I doing this? Marcy screamed and stumbled back. What the hell was that? She snapped. I didn't know. That was sort of the problem. My eyes flickered back to normal. Just as Marcy's gaze cut toward me. For one terrifying second. I thought she might see it. That she might realize the exploding pot. The flying kettle. The rattling pans. Were somehow coming from me. What was awakening inside me? And what would Marcy do to me if she found out? Then, from the hallway. Luna Layla's voice rang out. Marcy. Come now. We must prepare for Damon. Marcy's eyes stayed locked on mine. This isn't over, freak. She whispered. Then she unlocked the door and swept out. The kitchen went quiet. Except for the hiss of steam. And my own very loud, very panicked breathing. I slid down the counter and landed on the floor. What just happened? I crawled toward a fallen copper pot. Its surface was dented. But shiny enough to catch my reflection. My eyes were glowing silver again. Bright. Wild. Impossible. I slapped a hand over my mouth. Okay. I whispered. That is not normal. Had I caused the kitchen explosions? How? Was I secretly some sort of appliance witch? What was awakening inside me? Then the voice came again. Soft. Warm. Amused. Not a witch, my girl. I froze. Who said that? I did. The voice came from inside. Oh no, I whispered. It finally happened. I finally snapped. You haven't snapped, Talia. That is exactly what a hallucination would say. A gentle laugh filled my mind. My name is Liesli. I am the moon's breath within you. Your divine light. I gasped. Liesli? I asked. Are you... My wolf? I pressed one hand to my chest. The warmth beneath my palm pulsed. Yes, Talia. I am your wolf. The world stopped. My... wolf? How was it possible? I stared at my reflection in the dented pot. No, I whispered. I don't have a wolf. I'm wolfless. You were never wolfless, Liesli said gently. I was always here, waiting. At that moment, I felt something new spring up inside me. Not just scary silver power. I felt... hope. Tears filled my eyes before I could stop them. All my life, they had called me freak. Runt. Broken. Nothing. And now there was a voice inside me saying I had never been alone. Warmth spread through my body. Soft and golden. I gasped. In the pot's reflection, I watched the bruises on my cheek lighten, then disappear. Liesli was healing me. Actually healing me. I touched my face, stunned. I let out a choked laugh that turned into a sob. I have a wolf. We have each other, Liesli said, smiling within me. For the first time in my life, the kitchen did not feel empty. Neither did I. I pushed myself up and returned to the counter. Because emotional revelations did not cancel feast prep. As I cooked, Liesli kept me company, talking softly in my mind. She liked rosemary. She always approved of more garlic. She had strong opinions about Nora, most involving biting. I liked her immediately. But the questions kept clawing at me. Liesli? Yes? Why did you stay hidden away all this time? The warmth in my chest dimmed. For your own protection, Talia, Liesli said. There is great power within us. More power than your body was ready to withstand. I nearly dropped the spoon. Power? How could I, a lowly runt, ever have power? Liesli's voice softened. You are more than you know, Talia. You come from origins this world has tried to bury. Secret origins. My pulse kicked. The Moon Temple. Is that why I had been abandoned there as a baby? All will be revealed tonight at the mating ball, Liesli continued softly. When the full moon peaks, Fate's plan will begin to unravel. Your true self will start to awaken when he arrives. My grip tightened around the spoon. What did she mean? How could Fate possibly have a plan for me? And who was he? But Liesli said nothing more. And I didn't press. Because having her was enough. Not being alone was enough. My eyes had faded back to gray. But something had shifted. The hand of destiny had begun to move. And tonight, beneath the solstice full moon, everything would change. What was coming? What would happen tonight under the full moon? Suddenly, the kitchen door swung open. I jumped, nearly dropping a tray of sugared almonds. George stood in the doorway. Of course he did. He was Marcy's favorite attack dog. Broad shoulders, dark hair, permanent scowl. The kind of man who looked like he had been carved out of bad decisions and protein powder. Let's hope this time he didn't throw me off a balcony. Alpha Edward wants you, he said. My stomach tightened. That was never a sentence anyone wanted to hear. I wiped my hands quickly on my apron. I'm in the middle of… George crossed the kitchen in three strides and grabbed my arm. Apparently, we were skipping the part where I pretended I had a choice. He yanked me toward the hall. As he dragged me down the corridor, I wondered why George always did everything Marcy told him. Fetch Talia. Hurt Talia. Hold Talia over a balcony and drop her onto the front gates. Normal workplace duties. What dirt does she have on him? I thought bitterly. Inside my chest, Leasley stirred. She has more than just dirt. What do you mean? I whispered under my breath. George jerked me harder. Stop mumbling. Leasley's voice lowered. I can sense something within him, twisted, hidden. He reeks of a secret. I looked at George again. He didn't exactly look emotionally deep enough to have secrets. But Leasley was certain. Something clung to him. Something sharp. Something painful. What was he hiding? And what did it have to do with Marcy? George shoved me into Alpha Edward's study and released me so abruptly I almost fell. Alpha Edward sat behind his desk, dressed in formal black, his silver cufflinks gleaming. Everything about him looked polished. Controlled. Expensive. Except his eyes. Those looked like they were deciding where to bury me. How are the preparations for the ball going? He asked. Is Marcy ready? I thought back to moments ago, when Marcy had nearly drowned me in scalding water. Did that count as ready? It's going well, I stammered. Preparations are... being prepared. His stare sharpened. Do you know why I made you Marcy's handmaiden? He asked. I lowered my gaze. No, Alpha. Because you are disposable. My mouth went dry. I could hear Leasley growl low within me. Marcy must be perfect tonight. He continued. Her hair, her dress, her entrance, the food, the timing, everything. When Alpha Damon arrives, he will see her as his Luna. He will choose her when the full moon peaks. I stayed silent. You will make sure of it. Yes, Alpha. He stepped closer. Because if Marcy does not end this night bonded to Damon, it will be your head. My pulse slammed. You will attend to her now. He said. And you will not leave her side unless she dismisses you. Yes, Alpha. His gaze flicked over me with disgust. Then clean yourself up. You look like something dragged from a well. I bowed low. Yes, Alpha. The second the door shut behind me, I ran toward Marcy's chambers, my heart pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat. Disposable, I whispered. Leasley growled softly. He will pay for that one day. What did that mean? How could I, a lowly servant, ever make anyone pay? Was Leasley right? Could I really be more than I knew? The closer I got to Marcy's door, the more my stomach twisted. From outside, I heard a sound inside. A breath, a laugh. Something like a low male groan. What was going on? I should have turned around. I should have pretended I had never arrived. But Alpha Edward's threat rang through my mind. If Marcy failed tonight, it would be my head. So I opened the door. And there she was. Marcy, the Pack Princess. In bed with… George. For one horrifying second, no one moved. Marcy's blonde hair spilled across the pillows. George's shirt was open. His hands were on her waist. George's head snapped toward me. Marcy's eyes widened, then narrowed. I didn't think. I just ran. I made it halfway down the hall before George slammed into me. My back hit the wall so hard the breath flew out of me. His hand closed around my throat. You'll pay for what you saw. He snarled. I grabbed his wrist. I didn't see anything. His grip tightened. Pain shot through my neck. You don't have to do this, I choked. Why do you do everything she tells you to? She's awful. His face twisted. And then I smelled it. Leasley surged inside me, sharpening everything. His anger. His shame. His fear. And beneath it, a bond. Not clean. Not cherished. My eyes widened. Oh my goddess, I whispered. You're her true mate. George went completely still. Leasley hissed. Careful. Too late. George's face darkened with rage. Shut up. You're Marcy's mate, I said stunned. That's why you follow her. That's why you do whatever she says. His hand shook around my throat. She doesn't care about you, I whispered. You know that, don't you? You don't have to hurt me for her. For one second, something cracked in his eyes. Not kindness. Not exactly. Pain. He looked almost human. Then his expression hardened. She will care. He growled. He lifted his hand to strike me. To end me. But silver heat blazed through my veins. Leasley. My eyes flashed silver. My hand shot up and caught George's wrist. What was happening? Who was I really? Power surged. Bones snapped. George screamed. I stumbled back horrified as he clutched his broken hand. What the hell? He gasped. How did this run? A slow clap sounded behind him. Marcy stood at the open door to her chambers. Wrapped in a silk robe. Her smile colder than ice. Well, she said. That was interesting. George turned, pain and panic twisting his face. Marcy. You're right, Dahlia. Marcy said, her gaze locked on mine. George is my true mate. The hallway went silent. My blood chilled. George looked at her like she had just handed him the moon. Marcy. He breathed. She smiled. Or at least, he was. His face collapsed. No. Marcy lifted her chin. I, Princess Marcy of the Red Moon Pack, reject George as my fated mate. The bond broke like thunder. George dropped to his knees. A sound tore out of him. Not a scream. Worse. A raw, animal cry that made every hair on my arms stand up. I stepped back, horrified. Everyone knew rejecting a true mate was agony. A wound to the soul. Some wolves never recovered. Marcy watched him writhe on the floor with mild irritation. Like he had spilled tea. I should have done that sooner, she said. But at least it's done before Damon arrives. George clutched his chest, gasping. Please. Marcy's lip curled. Did you really think I would stand beside a gamma? I deserve the strongest alpha in the realm. Damon is the mate I'm destined to have. She stepped over him like he was nothing. Get out. George stared up at her, broken. He staggered to his feet and stumbled down the hall. One hand mangled, the other pressed to his chest. For once, I had nothing smart to say. Marcy's eyes slid to me. Then she smiled. She shoved me back into her room and locked the door. I hit the floor beside a pile of silk ribbons. Marcy crouched in front of me. If you tell anyone what you saw, she said softly. Especially Damon. I will kill you. I don't want to tell Damon anything, I said. I don't even want to meet Damon. Her eyes sharpened. You won't. She dragged a dagger from the vanity. My body went cold. But if you behave, she continued, I'll take care of you once I marry him. You can be my personal pet. Her smile widened. The dagger hooked beneath the buttons of my work smock. One by one, she sliced them open. Pop, pop, pop. I held perfectly still, bile rising in my throat. Please, I whispered. Pets don't speak. The fabric fell open at my collarbone. Marcy pressed the blade to my skin. Pain bit sharp and hot. I cried out as she carved her initials into my skin. Marked like I was property. Like I already belonged to her. I tried to get away, but I couldn't break free. And then, silver fire erupted behind my eyes. Leasley's growl filled my chest. My hand snapped around Marcy's wrist. The room trembled. What was happening to me? Could I really be more than I knew? No more. I commanded in a voice that was only half my own. Marcy's eyes widened. What? I rose. The dagger clattered to the floor. I am done, I said, my voice shaking, but mine. I am done being your toy. Marcy stared at me, at my face, at my pulsing silver eyes. For one horrible second, I thought she understood. Then her lip curled, fear twisting into disgust. What's wrong with your eyes? She snapped. Are you sick or something? Before I could answer, horns blared outside. The dark howlers would be arriving any minute. Damon would be arriving. Marcy's fear twisted into panic. She backed toward the door. This isn't over. It never is, I whispered. She fled. I ran until I found air. The roof, the one place in the packhouse where no one looked for me, unless they wanted to shove me off something. I stumbled to the edge, chest heaving, hands shaking. Below, the packhouse grounds were exploding into movement. Servants ran, guards lined the drive, banners snapped in the wind. Inside me, Leasley flickered. Weakly, too weakly. Leasley? Her voice came soft. I used too much. Panic punched through me. What does that mean? My time is almost up. No. When the full moon reaches its peak tonight, Leasley whispered, I will fade away, my girl. The world tilted. I pressed both hands to my chest. No, you just got here. I can't go back, I said, my voice breaking. I can't go back to being empty. Wind whipped my hair across my face. My eyes burned. I looked over the edge of the roof. Four stories down, stone courtyard. A quick end, maybe. If Leasley vanished, if Marcy owned me, if Edward killed me, if Damon chose Marcy and everything got worse, what was left? Talia, Leasley said sharply. I can't do this without you. You can, and you will. I don't want to. Silence, then warmth, faint but fierce, wrapped around my heart. I will return one day, Leasley said. When you need me most, I need you now. Until, you mustn't tell anyone about me, or they will try to sever us forever, she continued. For you are more than you know, Talia. Tonight, fate begins. All will be revealed when the full moon peaks. Your true power will begin to awaken when he arrives. What did she mean? What power could I, a worthless runt, possibly have? What plan did fate have in store for me? Who was he? And what, exactly, was he supposed to unlock? Leasley's voice faded. Promise me you will hold on for one more night. I stared over the edge. Finally, I whispered. Fine. One more night. Warmth spread through me. The sting at my collarbone faded. I looked down. Marcy's carved initials dissolved from my skin. In their place, a tiny crescent moon glowed softly over my collarbone. I touched it, stunned. Then the moonlight shifted. Silver radiance spilled through the clouds and wrapped around me. My torn work smock shimmered. The fabric mended itself, until I stood in a simple gown of pale silver, delicate as moonlight, beautiful in a way that made my throat ache. I stared down at myself. Leasley. Her voice smiled. You can't go to a ball without a gown. How did you... The moon goddess provides. Below, engines purred. Black cars rolled through the gates, sleek and dark as wolves in shadow. The dark howlers had arrived. I gripped the roof's edge and looked down as guards opened the doors. My heart slammed. The mating ball was upon us. One more night, I told myself. I only had to hold on for one more night. What did fate have in store? What would happen at the full moon's peak? Downstairs, the mating ball had officially begun. Silver garlands draped from the chandeliers. Moonflowers climbed the pillars. Crystal goblets sparkled on every table. The entire ballroom glowed beneath the solstice moonlight spilling through the glass ceiling above. Tonight the silver moon will rise to weave our fate across the skies. A full heart will pray for destiny to find its way. Candles glow. The violins sing. Moonflowers bloom as dancers spin. The grandest night the wolves have known to find the soul that's called their own. Yet one small heart still dares to dream. Perhaps tonight fate waits for me. The ancient bond will soon ignite and every life will change tonight. I moved through the crowd with a tray balanced on one hand, offering mushroom tarts, honeyed figs, and tiny lamb skewers to noble wolves who looked right through me. That was fine. Being ignored was one of my better talents. Inside my chest, Liesli stirred. Barely. Her warmth had been fading all evening, thinning with every inch the moon climbed higher in the sky. Liesli? I whispered, keeping my smile fixed as a she-wolf snatched two tarts without saying thank you. I'm here, she said softly. But she sounded far away. Too far. My fingers tightened around the tray. You're fading. I know. Above us, the solstice full moon rose higher and higher, bright and round. Everyone kept glancing up at it, waiting for the moment fate would pull mates together. But what fate was waiting for me? What was supposed to happen when the moon finally peaked? Could I truly be more than the lowly runt everyone had always told me I was? And who was this mysterious man Liesli claimed would unlock it? I slipped outside to deliver a tray of drinks to the terrace, mostly because I needed one second where no one was sneering at me over a stuffed mushroom. The terrace overlooked the front drive, where black cars lined the courtyard. Dark howlers. Even their cars looked daunting and expensive. Near the stone railing, a group of she-wolves huddled together, whispering and giggling. Nora was in the middle of them, of course. She wore red silk and enough perfume to stun a battlefield. I heard he killed three rogues with his bare hands. One girl whispered, I heard he rejected an alpha's daughter because she smiled too much. Another said, Nora fanned herself. I heard he's even more handsome up close. You saw him? Only for a second, Nora said. But goddess, alpha daemon is... unreal. They all sighed. I tried to step around them, but Nora spotted me. Her gaze flicked over my tray. Oh look, the kitchen rat is delivering refreshments. I lowered my eyes. Would you like one? Not if your hands touched it. The rich girls laughed. I was used to it. Then the air changed, and the girls went silent. A scent rolled across the terrace. Rich. Dark. Warm. Coffee and chocolate and smoke after rain. My breath caught. Liesli lifted her head inside me so sharply it hurt. Across the courtyard below, a tall figure stepped from the shadows. Alpha daemon. I saw him only for a moment. Dark hair, broad shoulders, a black suit that hugged his muscled frame. Even from far away, power clung to him like a storm about to break. The she-wolves around me practically melted into the stone. For one strange heartbeat, daemon turned his head toward the terrace. The scent deepened. Chocolate. Coffee. Danger. Then daemon disappeared back inside, and Liesli went quiet. Later, I stood along the side of the ballroom with a tray of bacon-wrapped dates and watched the wolves dance. The moon was nearly at its peak now. Everyone could feel it. The air buzzed. Couples kept pausing mid-step, glancing around as if their souls had started tugging on invisible strings. A girl near the musicians gasped and dropped her fan. Across the room, a young warrior froze. Their eyes met. The whole room erupted into cheers as he crossed to her, shaking, and whispered something I couldn't hear. Another bond sparked near the punch table, then another by the balcony doors. Wolves laughing, crying, embracing as fate handed them the one person made for them. I watched, smiling politely because that was my job. Inside, something ached because I knew I'd never have a maid of my own. Someone who would see you once and know. Someone who would cross a room for you. Someone who would never let Marcy touch you again. But who would ever choose a lowly Omega runt like myself? Liesli stirred faintly. Don't look so sad. I'm not sad, I whispered. I'm holding bacon-wrapped dates. You are terrible at lying. Just then, a woman stepped beside me and plucked an appetizer from the tray. Maya. I recognized her from reputation. The mate of Alpha Damon's beta. Dark hair, sharp eyes, a rose and dagger tattoo on her forearm. She chewed thoughtfully, then brightened. Oh, this is delicious. I blinked. Thank you, ma'am. What an amazing cook you are. I was so unused to kindness that I almost looked behind me to see who she meant. Maya's gaze softened as she studied my face. What's your name? Talia. Talia. She repeated. Are you always this small? I stiffened. I try not to take up too much space. Her mouth tightened. That's not what I meant. Her eyes moved over me, my thin wrists, my hollow cheeks. The faint bruising Liesli hadn't had enough strength to fully heal. Is this how Red Moon treats its Omegas? She asked quietly. My stomach dropped. Before I could answer, a tall man stepped up beside her. Caden, Damon's beta. He looked calmer than most of the Dark Howlers, which was to say he looked like he could politely remove someone's head if asked. He said, then glanced at me. His gaze sharpened for half a second. I lowered my eyes. Maya touched his arm. Any sign of what's bothering Damon? Caden exhaled. No, but he's been strange since we arrived. Restless, distracted, like something is driving him mad. My pulse picked up. Or someone, Maya said. Caden's eyes flicked toward the moonlit ceiling. The Solstice can do strange things. Do you think he found her? Maya asked softly. His mate? My fingers tightened around the tray. Could it be Marcy? She asked. I shuddered at the thought. I don't know. Caden said. But something is happening. Caden's eyes turned toward me, slow, assessing. Why was he staring at me? Before anyone could ask another question, a howl erupted through the ballroom, deep, primal, then another, and another. The full moon had reached its peak. The ballroom exploded. Wolves cried out as bonds ignited. Some laughed, some sobbed, some dropped to their knees. The mating ball had truly begun. Maya grabbed Caden's hand. We need to find Damon. Caden nodded, but his gaze lingered on me one second too long. Then they disappeared into the crowd. Inside my chest, Leasley flickered like a dying candle. Talia, she whispered. My throat tightened. No. It's time. No. You said soon. This isn't soon. This is now. I will come back when you need me most. I need you now. Her warmth wrapped around my heart one last time. Remember what I told you, my girl. You are more than we know. Trust me. All will be revealed soon. Leasley. We will meet again. Then she faded. The space inside me went quiet. Too quiet. Like a room after the last candle goes out. I swallowed hard, blinking fast. No. Not here. Not now. How could I go on without Leasley? What did fate have planned for me? And who was the mysterious man meant to unlock it? I looked across the ballroom, desperate to focus on anything else. That was when I noticed Alpha Edward near the high table. His gaze was sharp and fixed directly on me. His earlier threat slammed back into my skull. If Marcy did not end this night bonded to Damon, it would be my head. I scanned the ballroom, the dancers, the laughing she-wolves, the moonlit corners. Marcy was gone. My blood turned cold. Oh, that was bad. That was very, very bad. I set the tray down and ran. I checked the powder room, the dressing room, the side parlor. All empty. My panic climbed with every door. Where was she? If Marcy was late to her own destiny, Alpha Edward would not blame Marcy. He would blame the disposable handmaiden. Me. I raced upstairs to Marcy's chambers and pressed my ear to the door. Nothing. No voices. No movement. Then I heard a sound from down the hall. A low murmur. A breath. From the guest room. I crept toward the sound and stopped outside the largest guest room, Alpha Damon's room. My body went cold. I knocked lightly. No answer. I pushed the door open. I froze. Marcy was on her knees in front of Alpha Damon. Her hands were on his belt. His expression was hard. His jaw tight. His body rigid. I had just walked in on the most powerful Alpha in the realm, being seduced by the pack princess I was supposed to be supervising. I gasped. Damon's head snapped toward me. His eyes locked onto mine. Ice blue. Piercing. His scent hit me full force. Coffee. Chocolate. Danger. My knees nearly gave out. Marcy whipped around. Talia? I did the only thing I could. I turned and ran. Wait! Damon barked. Oh, goddess. He was going to kill me. I barely made it into the hall before a hand caught my wrist. The world spun. My back hit the wall. Damon pinned me there. One hand braced beside my head. The other locked around my wrist. He was huge. Warm. Close. Too close. His scent wrapped around me until I could barely think. Was this how I died? I wished for Lieselie so hard it hurt. Damon leaned closer. His eyes searched my face like he was trying to remember me from a dream. You. He breathed. I swallowed. Me? A low growl rumbled from his chest. Not angry. Hungry. Possessive. Terrifying. Then Marcy stormed into the hall. What the hell is this? Damon did not move away from me. Marcy's eyes went from his hand on my wrist to my body trapped against the wall. Her face twisted. You little thief. I didn't. The dagger from before flashed in Marcy's hand before I saw it coming. Pain tore through my side. I looked down. Marcy's blade was buried inside me. For one second, I stared at it like it belonged to someone else. Then she yanked it free. Blood spilled hot over my dress. I gasped, knees buckling. Damon's growl shook the hallway. The sound made the torches flicker. He turned on Marcy, eyes blazing. Do not touch her. Why was he so angry? Why did he care that Marcy had hurt me? Why did he care about a wolfless runt? Damon grabbed Marcy's wrist, twisting it until she dropped the blade. He threw her back against the wall. Then George appeared at the end of the hall. His eyes locked on Marcy. On Damon. Something broken and furious twisted across his face. With a roar, he charged. Damon moved fast. He caught George by the throat and threw him sideways into the wall like he was nothing. Stone cracked. George collapsed. Guards shouted. Doors burst open. Red moon warriors flooded the hallway. Protect the princess! Seize him! Help for Damon! Caden and Maya appeared from the stairwell, pushing through the chaos. Damon snarled as guards tackled him. Three wolves hit him at once. He threw one off, then another. The hallway became a blur of bodies, growls, fists, and flashing claws. No one looked at me. For once, being invisible helped. I pressed a hand to my bleeding side and slid down the wall. Leasley, I whispered. Nothing. Leasley, please. Blood soaked through my fingers. My head swam. I crawled. One arm forward, then the other. Away from the shouting. Away from Marcy. Away from Damon. My vision blurred. The floor tilted. I left a trail of blood behind me. Too much blood. Then the world dimmed. The last thing I saw was the moonlight stretching across the hallway floor. The last thing I felt was the hollow ache where Leasley used to be. And then, I passed out cold. I didn't hear Damon throw off the guards. I didn't hear the roar that silenced the hall. I didn't hear his voice tear through the packhouse. Where is she? Someone answered, trembling. Where is who, Alpha Damon? Damon's roar shook the walls. Where is my mate? Is it possible? Is Talia truly Damon's fated mate? What will Damon do to protect her? Will their bond ignite a war between the two most powerful packs in the order? Who is Talia really? What hidden power lies buried in her veins? And would any of them survive Red Moon territory long enough to find out?