CHAPTER 43
AVA'S POV
On the day of the Blood Oath Festival. The palace had completely transformed overnight. Massive silver frost banners snapped proudly in the biting northern wind, and hundreds of moon lanterns cast a brilliant glow over the sprawling stone courtyards. Noble houses from every corner of the kingdom had arrived, their cloaks and gleaming family sigils painting the fortress in vibrant colors. Heavy drums beat echoed off the mountains, and laughter and music filled the winter air.
“The Blood Oath is one of our oldest Lycan traditions, Luna,” Maya explained, adjusting the heavy fur collar of my ceremonial gown as we moved through the gallery. “Every year, the nobles renew their loyalty, warriors swear their service, and the pack leaders reaffirm their allegiance to the cr
