ANNABEL’S POV Inside the dimly lit room, I contemplated the upcoming meeting with Dawson. The alliance we sought through marriage held the promise of strength and unity, a strategic move for the survival of our respective packs. The departure of Alice, my former mate, had left me no choice but to seek a new alliance. As I prepared to leave, memories of Alice's betrayal lingered, the echoes of her deception etched in my thoughts. I pushed aside the haunting emotions, focusing on the alliance that awaited, a necessary step for the prosperity of the Nightshade Pack. Dawson, the Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack, was a seasoned leader known for his pragmatic approach. Our packs shared a history of mutual respect, and an alliance through marriage would solidify our bond. The moonlight spilled

