net

ngless buzz in my ears. Alphas from every major Pack milled about, their Lunas and daughters preening at their sides.

ed, said all t

flicking to the

a knot of raw, i

soul unable to bear the severing of our bond, my last breath a curse on my own name. I had wok

ay was

x Festival. The d

ds. When our host introduced us, the world had narrowed to just her. The scent of vanilla and wildflowe

d by enemies. I had treated her like a political asset, a 'suitable' Luna. I had c

eatest mistake of a

ish her from the very first moment. I would protect h

at my elbow. His expression was impassive,

"The Hess family has arrived. But..

ned to snap between my fingers. I forced my hand

is feeling u

membered this day with perfect, painful clarity. She h

d into my gut. Something was wrong. Somethin

blurring into a meaningless tapestry. The entire glittering affa

had always assumed it was Leo. The shock of seeing Chanel's child

I hadn't done anything yet. So

e. A thought so impossible I dismis

... also

l to us. Not after how I had failed. It had to be a co

, I would find another way. I would go to the

last life while plotting my family's downfall. My priority had to be securing my position, elimin

my lips as an old ally approached

would find m

eline

reeze stirred the leaves in the trees, carrying the scent of roses. I closed my eyes, j

faced girl of fourteen in this timelin

setting the tray down. "I heard the young Alpha C

ed. "I'm su

led. The moment I was introduced to the handsome, brooding Alpha and felt t

ng that I had found my other half. What a lie it had all been. The bond ha

would be no bon

fre

pulled out a fresh sheet of paper and a pen. For the first time

d to teach the Lunas-in-waiting. I would find a purpose that was my own, not an extension of someone e

first stars began to ap

t settled deep in my bones,