Section 5 – The Crown Hovers
274 Words
Elder Ravi raised the silver crown higher, its wolf-head engravings catching every chandelier light like tiny fangs.
“Tonight, under the Texas moon, we choose. The slaughterer of wolves… or the savior of orphans.”
Ruoxi stepped forward, white gown glowing like a beacon in a storm.
The orchestra held its breath.
Isabella’s hand froze on her g*n, knuckles white, sweat beading on her thick red lips.
Maria clutched Lin’s arm so hard her nails drew blood through his tuxedo sleeve.
Lin’s fingers brushed a USB in his pocket — a heartbeat of a secret, cold against his skin.
Kael Wood leaned sideways to James, voice low but buzzing with excitement.
“James, if that crown drops wrong, we move. You got the spare mags in the taco box?”
James adjusted his cufflinks without blinking.
“Loaded and locked, sir. Silver rounds. Just in case.”
Kael sniffed the air, nose wrinkling.
“You smell that? Wet fur and… g*n oil. This ain’t just a party.”
He flashed Ruoxi a grin across the room.
“Hey, Princess! Save me a dance after the wolf stuff!”
The lights flickered — once, twice, three times.
A low growl echoed from the air vents, deep and guttural, vibrating in every champagne glass.
Amber wolf eyes flashed in the darkness above the chandeliers — six pairs, then ten.
A chandelier crystal shattered, raining diamonds.
Gasps turned to screams.
Ruoxi’s head snapped up.
Her amber eyes met the lead wolf’s.
For a split second — recognition. A whisper of blood.
Elder Ravi’s smile finally cracked, voice trembling.
“The moon rises early tonight.”
- Writer
