By evening, the estate was alive with activity. Servants bustled through the halls carrying trays of wine, arranging flowers, polishing silver. Tonight wasn’t just another council meeting—it was a full celebration, meant to reinforce alliances after weeks of unease between packs.
And now, it will be our stage.
I stared at my reflection in the tall mirror, my hands smoothing down the gown the seamstress had chosen. Crimson silk this time, bold and unforgiving, clinging to me like a second skin. It wasn’t the color I would’ve chosen—it drew every eye, demanded every whisper—but perhaps that was the point.
When the door opened behind me, I didn’t need to turn to know it was him.
I saw his reflection in the mirror—broad shoulders framed by a perfectly tailored black suit, his tie blood-red
