The night sky over Silverstone was full of stars, but inside the packhouse, the air felt heavy. The gathering had been planned for weeks—a formal ceremony to announce Eva’s mate, to honor her bond, and restore unity.
But Eva had called it off that morning.
Now, wolves stood in groups across the courtyard, murmuring behind their hands. Some confused. Some offended. Others, unsure of what it all meant. The elders whispered about tradition. The younger warriors debated her choices. The tension was everywhere.
Eva stood on the balcony above them, watching, listening, and refusing to apologize.
Her crown glinted in the moonlight, her cloak billowing softly behind her. When she finally stepped forward to speak, silence spread like a wave.
“I know many of you came tonight expecting a mating ceremony,” Eva said, her voice loud and clear. “You came to see me choose. To see someone claim me.”
She paused, letting the silence settle.
“But I won’t be claimed by anyone until I claim myself.”
Gasps echoed. A few elders exchanged sharp glances. Some nodded with quiet pride. Others turned away, shaking their heads.
“I know this isn’t how it’s done,” she continued. “But I’m not here to follow rules written by those who never thought someone like me would lead. I carry a child. I carry a pack. I carry a legacy that was nearly lost. And I will carry all of it—on my own terms.”
She stepped back. No more words. No room for debate.
When she returned inside, Tiana was waiting.
“You really know how to stir a pot,” her sister said, arms crossed but smiling.
Eva sighed and ran a hand through her hair. “They think I’m reckless.”
“No,” Tiana said. “They think you’re dangerous.”
Eva blinked.
Tiana stepped closer. Her voice softened, but it was still fierce. “You’re not weak. You’re terrifying. That’s why they whisper.”
Eva looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. “Do you think I’m making a mistake?”
Tiana shook her head. “I think you’re the first Luna brave enough to say she doesn’t belong to anyone.”
Eva’s lips curved into the smallest of smiles. “I’m not even sure I belong to myself yet.”
“That’s the point,” Tiana said. “You’re still becoming.”
Later that night, as the moon climbed higher, Eva stepped out into the gardens behind the packhouse. The air was cool and quiet, the only sound coming from the soft rustle of the trees.
She found Max leaning against the stone railing near the edge of the hill, watching the stars. His posture was relaxed, but his expression was tight, unreadable.
“I thought you might come out here,” he said without turning.
“I figured you’d be gone by now,” Eva replied.
He turned to her then, his eyes tired, but clear. “I couldn’t leave. Not without saying something I should’ve said a long time ago.”
She waited, her heart already bracing for the weight of his words.
“I know you don’t owe me anything,” Max began. “Not love. Not promises. Not even answers.”
She looked at him carefully. “Then what do you want?”
He took a breath. “A deal.”
Eva frowned. “A deal?”
He nodded slowly. “You don’t have to choose me. But let me be your second. Let me fight for you, even if I don’t get to love you.”
