"Clearly, the moon is never wrong," a voice says from behind me just as I finish adjusting the dress. I glance in the mirror, admiring the shimmering blend of blue and green fabric that Nate painstakingly designed. Each stitch, each fold is perfect, capturing the essence of the forest and ocean meeting under moonlight. It's exactly what I wanted—something alive, vibrant, and completely me.
Turning, I spot the source of the voice. An older woman stands at the door, a powerful presence radiating from her as naturally as sunlight. She's in her fifties, with deep, knowing eyes and skin bronzed by countless days under open skies. Her braids are decorated with intricate beads and charms, catching the light with every slight movement. A purple shirt and long black skirt hang elegantly off her frame, and she's adorned with a collection of jewelry—each piece looking like it holds a story of its own. I remember her instantly from the photograph Kellan showed me. This is Kaia, his godmother, the shaman he speaks of with such reverence.
I instinctively try to make a bow, though it comes out clumsy in this dress. Beside me, Nate follows suit, though I can tell by the way his lips are twitching that he's trying not to laugh at my awkward curtsy.
She waves a hand, cutting us both off with a warm smile. "Please, don't bow," she says, stepping fully into the room, her energy making the air feel almost electric.
"We're about to be family." Her voice carries a richness, like a deep melody that's somehow familiar even though I've only just met her.
I straighten, feeling both self-conscious and oddly comforted by her presence. There's a gentle warmth in her eyes as she watches me, and I feel as though she's seeing past every layer, right down to the heart of me. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Lady Kaia," I manage, trying to keep my voice steady, this is the closest thing to a mother, Kellan has. I desperately need to impress her.
"Don't mind me," Kaia says, her voice smooth and laced with humor. "I'm just here to see who the moon deemed fit for that pup." She steps further into the room, her gaze sweeping over me like she's appraising something precious and rare.
"You're beautiful," she says, and before I can thank her, she places her hand on my cheek. The warmth in her touch is calming, soothing even my wolf, who's been pacing restlessly since morning. I take a deep breath, finally feeling the weight on my chest start to ease. Kaia's presence is more than just reassuring—it's like a gentle force that seeps right into my bones.
"There you go," she murmurs, with a knowing smile.
"I swear, about-to-be-mated wolves are such a bother."
I give a small laugh, grateful to finally feel peace for the first time all day.
"Thank you," I say quietly, my words more a sigh of relief than anything else. Beside me, Nate fusses with the dress, adjusting the fit of the fabric on my shoulders. He's not exactly a professional, but after I almost took off the head of the poor seamstress who was here earlier, he's filling in.
I'm not sure why my wolf has been so touchy today. I get it—she's itching to go to our mate too, her instincts buzzing like an itch under my skin. But…protocol. Procedure. I can practically feel my wolf huffing back at me in disdain. She's not impressed. Bitch.
Then, unexpectedly, I feel a hand on my back, right over the scar. The skin there is still sensitive, and I nearly jump out of my skin. But Kaia's hand remains gentle, steady, and my instinct to pull away gradually fades under the calming weight of her touch.
"I've been thinking about wearing a cape to cover it," I say, my voice wavering just slightly. I hate that I feel vulnerable saying it out loud, but it's the truth.
Kaia looks at me, genuinely puzzled. "Why would you do that?"
I hesitate, glancing at my reflection, my fingers nervously tracing a crease in the dress. "It's just…well, it wouldn't be good for Kellan if people found out I was exiled by my old pack."
Kaia scoffs softly, her voice firm. "Believe me, Kellan is not so weak as to let something like that bother him." She moves to stand in front of me, meeting my gaze with steady, unwavering eyes. "It's only a weakness if you deem it to be," she says with a shrug, her words sinking deep. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding, feeling a strange sense of release in the honesty of her words.
Then, Kaia's eyes light up with a mischievous glint. "So, what do you think the ceremony will be like?" she asks suddenly, her tone almost conspiratorial.
I exchange a quick look with Nate, who looks just as puzzled as I feel. "Uh…just vows under the full moon, with a shaman and the mating bite?" I say, uncertain.
Kaia chuckles, shaking her head as if we're endearingly naive. "Oh, dear. It's different for the Alpha Prime," she says. "You see, the Grimlocks have a three-step ceremony. First—the reason you're wearing this beautiful gown—is the introduction to his subjects. You are the heart of his heart, Ember. This isn't just any mating. You're not simply an alpha mate; you're the Alpha Prime's mate."
Her words echo in the room, the gravity of them hitting me full force. Kaia smiles knowingly and continues. "Traditionally, this introduction would happen in the presence of all his subjects. Wolves from every pack would attend to witness it. But Kellan, of course, is too impatient for that—so we'll settle for the wolves in Moonsand. A grand ball will be held in your honor, a gathering of every wolf in the territory."
A ball. My stomach flutters at the thought. I hadn't pictured a formal introduction, much less one where the entire pack would be watching.
"And then," Kaia says, her voice softening as if she's savoring what comes next, "the step you know—vows and promises under the full moon."
I nod, exhaling a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. That's the part I'd been preparing myself for.
"But there's more," she continues, her tone turning serious. "As you know, during the full moon, wolves run with their pack leader. It may not be common practice for smaller packs, but here it is tradition. You will shift, and you will run with them. But…" Her eyes glint with something almost fierce. "While you're running, Kellan will be tied up and held back for one hour. When he's released, he will hunt you down."
"Hunt me?" I echo, my voice coming out barely a whisper as Nate stares wide-eyed beside me.
Kaia nods, her gaze steady and unflinching. "Yes. You'll be running not just with him but among every eligible male wolf in Moonsand. They will all be pursuing you. You remember what used to happen in the original pack runs, don't you?"
Nate's face turns pale as understanding dawns. "The mate hunt," he says, horrified. I recall the history of it, too, the way wolves would once hunt for a mate under the full moon. It was a brutal practice, often leading to unconsented pairings and bloody battles. It was banned ages ago. It took a toll on our numbers.
"Exactly," Kaia confirms. "But this isn't some uncontrolled hunt. Kellan is the strongest wolf around, and if he can't claim his mate in the midst of his pack, then he's not worthy of his title. Likewise, if you give in to any other wolf but him, then perhaps you're not true mates after all."
I swallow hard, her words sending a chill through me. She says it so matter-of-factly, as if the risk isn't as terrifying as it sounds. I'm going to be hunted by every eligible male in Moonsand, and Kellan will have to prove his right to claim me.
Kaia smiles as if she's just told me something simple, her eyes glinting with amusement. "You have nothing to worry about, though, Ember. I'm certain of that."