Worry creased her face. "But Fen... but Fenris has made it known that anyone who dares court you is making an enemy of the Vargr pack."
"If you aren't chosen this time, what will become of your future..."
My hands clenched, nails biting into my palms.
Fenris wanted to bring home a decorative mate, a bond in name only.
Every noble-blooded daughter in Aurelia was his for the choosing.
Why did he insist on clinging to me?
Was it simply because the Blackthorns had fallen far enough to be bullied?
Too bad for him. He'd miscalculated.
The summons for the Alpha Supreme Heir's Luna Selection arrived, just as I'd expected.
My mother rose before dawn to help me dress.
The ceremonial robes were elaborate, the moonstone circlet heavy on my head.
She steadied my shoulders, her eyes rimmed red. "Seraphina, whatever happens, selected or not, your father and I and every last member of this pack will stand behind you."
A sharp ache bloomed in my chest. I nodded. My wolf pressed close from the inside, quiet and warm, the way she always did when the hurt ran too deep for sound.
The carriage bound for the Moonhold Citadel had been waiting outside the territory gate for some time.
After saying goodbye to my parents and my sister, I climbed in alone.
Then, outside the Eastern Palace of Moonhold Citadel, I ran into Fenris Vargr.
He was helping Ravenna down from an obsidian carriage.
His gaze was indulgent, almost tender. "I've delivered you safely. Satisfied now?"
Ravenna laughed, sweet as spun sugar. "No one treats me better than you, brother."
"But didn't you have plans with Miss Blackthorn today? It's all my fault for being so timid and insisting you escort me into the Citadel. She won't be upset with me, will she?"
Fenris waved it off. "Don't worry about that. Your business comes first."
I remembered this day from my past life. Fenris and I had made plans to run the silver lakeshore together in wolf form.
He'd told me something urgent had come up with the Crimson Fang.
I'd waited by the lake all day, watching the water until the moon rose above the treeline.
So his urgent warpack business had been escorting Ravenna to the Citadel.
A bitter smile tugged at my lips.
Fenris seemed to sense something and turned toward where I stood. His nostrils flared once, catching my scent on the still air before his eyes found me.
His eyes widened. "Seraphina?"
I didn't answer.
His expression froze.
He walked toward me.