For the first time in weeks, the palace was filled with music instead of mourning.
The Blood Moon Festival had finally arrived.
It was the oldest celebration in the Lycan kingdoms, a night meant to honor the bond between wolves, the Moon Goddess, and the royal bloodline.
The palace courtyards shimmered with thousands of silver lanterns.
Children laughed as they chased one another through the gardens.
Musicians filled the air with lively melodies.
After months of war, betrayal, and fear…
The people desperately needed something to believe in.
They needed hope.
Standing on the palace balcony, Kaelira watched the celebration below.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
Ronan joined her, a faint smile softening his usually guarded expression.
“It is.”
He looked down at the crowd.
“They
