Emma’s POV
The full moon hangs low, bathing the open courtyard in silver.
Every noble from the allied packs has come—Alphas in formal black, Lunas in gowns of midnight silk—mingling with Nightforge wolves under strings of glowing lanterns. The air is filled with anticipation.
I wait at the edge of the square, hidden behind a curtain of white silk, heart pounding so hard I’m sure everyone can hear it.
Dad’s arm is steady under mine, but I feel his fingers tremble just a little.
“You ready, kiddo?” he asks, voice thick.
I squeeze his hand. “Never been more ready.”
The music starts—a low melody played on strings and wolf-bone flutes.
The silk curtains part.
And I step into the moonlight.
My dress is ivory silk that clings to every curve before spilling into a long train embr
