The attack came during the formal toast.
Luna was standing beside Victor at the center of the ballroom, crystal goblet in hand, listening to Elder Ravencrest deliver an eloquent speech about the "unprecedented honor" of hosting the werewolf princess. The assembled vampires raised their glasses in unison, the sound of crystal chiming against crystal creating a delicate symphony that seemed to suspend the very air.
"To new alliances," Elder Ravencrest proclaimed, his voice carrying across the vast space, "and old wisdom finding new purpose."
"To new alliances," the vampires echoed, and Luna felt the weight of dozens of ancient gazes fixed upon her as she lifted her own glass.
That's when she caught the scent.
Her enhanced werewolf senses picked up something that didn't belong—a metallic
