Chapter Two
826 Words
Straightening my shoulders, I descended with care, meeting my Uncle Valeriano — or Uncle Val, the eldest of my uncles and next in line for Alpha King. His wife, Aunt Morrivana — Aunt Mor — was my favorite.
“You’re late. Again,” Uncle Val muttered. “Grandfather does not appreciate this tardiness of yours.”
“I know,” I said, grinning despite myself. “I didn’t mean to be. I just… got distracted.”
At the line of our family, I took my place beside my cousin Travian. Passing my grandmother, she reached out and squeezed my hand softly, her smile a silent promise that Grandfather would let it go.
We stood for what felt like hours, welcoming each member of every visiting court. My back ached, my stomach growled, and my feet throbbed.
Food? Faire teased through our mind link.
What time is it?
Almost five.
I groaned inwardly, and my stomach growled louder in reply. I prayed no one heard.
Did you forget to eat? Travian’s voice joined the link, smug.
I have no idea what you’re talking about I shot back with a grin.
Travian is my cousin — my only cousin — and we are as close as siblings. He is a couple of years older than me, and the heir apparent after my uncles. I’ve never been sure if I even want to be considered in that line of succession.
Travian carried himself with the quiet strength of the wilds, his lean frame built for both speed and dominance. Dark, thick hair framed his strong jaw and warm bronze skin, but it was his golden-amber eyes — glowing faintly like a wolf’s under the moon — that marked him as Lycan without question. Broad-shouldered and graceful in his movements, he exuded both charm and danger. Annoyingly so.
We went to school together, trained together — did almost everything together. And we would protect each other above all else.
How much longer do we have to stand here? It’s been hours, I complained.
It’s been two hours, he huffed back.
Yes, exactly. Hours. Plural. Hello?
His laugh nearly broke through the silence, and I had to bite back my own grin.
Grandfather’s golden eyes swept the length of the hall, landing on us long enough to straighten my spine. Then his expression softened, and his voice carried across the chamber.
“That is enough for today,” Fenrisar rumbled, though warmth underpinned the command. “Go and ready yourselves. We will dine together this evening, in the great hall, at the sixth bell.” His lips curved ever so slightly, a rare flicker of gentleness. “And do not keep your grandmother waiting.”
Relief loosened my shoulders. Despite my efforts to remain composed, my stomach growled again. Dinner couldn’t come soon enough.
Dinner was a semi-formal event. I wished it had been casual, considering how many kingdoms had spent the day traveling — and how long we’d stood there greeting them. Two more kingdoms were still expected, but nearly everyone had already arrived.
I wore a dark green, glittering, shoulder-wrapped cocktail dress with my signature silver bow heels.
At the head table, we sat together as guests drifted by with their thanks, their requests, their empty chatter.
Luna, my wolf, had started to grow restless, pacing inside me.
Are you feeling okay? Travian asked across our mind link.
Yes…
You have this look on your face, he chuckled.
I leaned down toward him. He smirked into his bowl as he took another spoonful of soup. At a normal family dinner, I would’ve thrown a bread roll at him.
Luna, what is wrong? I pressed.
I don’t know, she murmured, unsettled. I can sense something, though.
Then please stop pacing and calm down. You’re starting to get to me.
I will try.
I closed my eyes and drew in a long breath, hoping it would settle us both.
“Amora, sweetheart, are you feeling all right?” my grandmother asked, her voice soft enough to be for my ears alone.
“I’m fine, Grandmother,” I replied, forcing a smile.
But Luna’s restlessness made me want to flee — to slip away, take a bath, and curl up with a book until the world went quiet again.
I glanced around the hall. Most had finished eating and now mingled in clusters. This was my chance.
“May I please be excused for the night, Grandmother, Grandfather?” I asked. Grandmother’s hand brushed mine in silent comfort, and Grandfather’s stern face softened. “That is fine, luv,” he said at last.
I rose, bid my family goodnight, and hurried toward the doors leading to our family wing. With every step, Luna’s anxiety pressed harder against me, bleeding into my own nerves.
Luna, please calm down. Talk to me.
No response. Only her mounting unease.
I pulled at the heavy door, rushing through — and smacked hard into something. No, someone.
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