The Whispered Thread Supper flowed into the First Light Vow — the most sacred closing ritual of Beta courtship during the solstice. As the very first rays of dawn touched the Crystal Grove, accepted suitors and their ladies stood together in a wide circle. Each couple raised their joined silver threads toward the rising sun and spoke a final public vow of patience, protection, and honest love. In Beta history, this rite was created as a deliberate counter to the manor’s ancient Alpha pacts of hidden possession. Where Alphas claimed in shadows, Betas vowed in daylight — a promise that love would be open, gentle, and built on mutual trust rather than force or secrecy.
Elara stood with Lord Rowan, their wrists still linked by the glowing silver thread. The first light of dawn painted his han
