The tension in the pack eased, albeit temporarily, as preparations began for the annual Festival of Moons. The event was a time-honored tradition among werewolves, a celebration of unity and renewal held under the light of the full moon.
Kael had initially resisted the idea of hosting the festival, given the escalating threat from Magnus, but Lorcan had convinced him otherwise.
"The pack needs this," Lorcan had said, his weathered voice carrying an air of wisdom. "We can't fight if our spirits are broken. Let them remember what they're fighting for."
---
Selene wandered through the pack's camp that evening, marveling at the transformation. Strings of lanterns hung between trees, their warm glow casting a magical light over the clearing. Wolves in both human and shifted forms mingled, sharing stories and laughter.
For the first time since she'd stumbled into this world, Selene felt like she wasn't an outsider.
"Pretty, isn't it?" Damon's voice drew her attention. He approached with a lazy grin, holding two glasses of sparkling cider.
"It's beautiful," Selene admitted, taking the glass he offered.
Damon raised his glass in a mock toast. "To surviving another week without getting mauled."
Selene laughed, clinking her glass against his. "I'll drink to that."
As she sipped her cider, she couldn't help but notice Kael standing at the edge of the clearing, his arms crossed as he observed the festivities. He looked out of place, his usual brooding intensity clashing with the lighthearted atmosphere.
"You should go talk to him," Damon said, following her gaze.
Selene hesitated. "He doesn't exactly look like he wants company."
"He always looks like that," Damon said with a smirk. "Trust me, he'll appreciate it more than he lets on."
---
Summoning her courage, Selene made her way over to Kael. He noticed her approach and straightened, his expression softening slightly.
"Enjoying the festival?" he asked.
"It's amazing," she said, stopping beside him. "But you don't look like you're having much fun."
Kael shrugged. "I'm not much for crowds."
Selene raised an eyebrow. "You're the Alpha. Isn't it your job to mingle?"
His lips twitched in what might have been the beginning of a smile. "Technically, yes. But I prefer keeping an eye on things from here."
Selene glanced around at the pack, her gaze landing on Ivy, who was laughing with a group of younger wolves. "They seem happy. I think Lorcan was right—this is what they needed."
Kael nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Sometimes I forget how important it is to give them moments like this. It's easy to get lost in the fight."
Selene looked at him, her chest tightening. "You don't have to carry it all by yourself, Kael. You have them, and you have me."
His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the weight in his expression lifted. "You have no idea how much that means to me," he said softly.
---
As the night wore on, the pack began to gather in the center of the clearing for the traditional dance. Lorcan stood at the edge, his staff in hand, and began chanting in the old tongue. The pack joined in, their voices rising in unison as the first notes of music filled the air.
"Care to join me?" Kael's voice startled Selene, and she turned to see him holding out his hand.
Her heart skipped a beat. "You dance?"
"Not well," he admitted with a faint smile. "But I'm willing to try if you are."
Selene hesitated for only a moment before placing her hand in his. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her, and as he led her to the center of the clearing, the world around them seemed to fade.
The dance was simple but mesmerizing, a series of fluid movements that mirrored the rhythm of the music. Kael's hand rested lightly on Selene's waist as they moved together, their steps perfectly in sync.
"You're better at this than you let on," Selene teased.
Kael chuckled softly. "Don't tell anyone. It'll ruin my reputation."
For the first time in what felt like forever, Selene let herself relax. The warmth of Kael's touch, the sound of his laughter, and the way his eyes softened when they met hers—it all felt natural, as though they'd been doing this for years.
When the song ended, Kael didn't release her immediately. Instead, he held her gaze, his blue eyes filled with something she couldn't quite name.
"Selene," he said quietly, his voice laced with emotion.
Before he could say more, a sharp howl pierced the night, shattering the moment.
Kael stiffened, his expression darkening. "Stay here," he said, his voice low and commanding.
"What's happening?" Selene asked, her heart racing.
Kael didn't answer. Instead, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, his movements quick and purposeful.
---
The festivities came to an abrupt halt as the pack scrambled to figure out what was going on. Selene stayed where Kael had left her, though every instinct screamed at her to follow him.
Moments later, Damon appeared, his expression grim. "Magnus's wolves. They're testing the perimeter again."
Selene's stomach twisted. "What can I do?"
"Stay here," Damon said firmly. "Kael doesn't need to worry about you right now."
"I can help," she insisted.
Damon hesitated, his eyes scanning the clearing. Finally, he sighed. "Fine. But stay behind me, and don't do anything stupid."
---
They found Kael near the northern edge of the territory, his wolf form bristling with fury as he faced off against a group of rogues. Damon shifted immediately, joining the fight with a snarl.
Selene stayed back, gripping a heavy branch she'd picked up along the way. Her heart pounded as she watched Kael and Damon fight, their movements fierce and precise.
One of the rogues broke away, its glowing eyes locking onto Selene. It lunged toward her, and she swung the branch with all her strength, striking it across the jaw. The wolf yelped and retreated, but before it could regroup, Kael was there, his silver fur flashing as he took it down.
The remaining rogues fled moments later, their howls fading into the distance.
Kael shifted back, his chest heaving as he turned to Selene. "What did I tell you about staying safe?"
"I was safe," she said, holding up the branch. "Mostly."
Kael sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're going to be the death of me, Selene."
She smiled faintly. "But you're not mad, are you?"
He gave her a look, but the faint hint of a smile tugging at his lips betrayed him. "Let's get back to the others."
As they walked back together, Selene couldn't help but feel that no matter how dangerous the road ahead might be, she was exactly where she was meant to be—by Kael's side.