The entire pack had prepared for the annual pilgrimage to the Moonwell, a sacred journey every member of our bloodline was meant to make together. But when my husband’s childhood companion, Mallory, learned of our departure, she begged to come with us.
Without a moment of hesitation, Henry gave her my place in the escort party.
Instead of traveling beneath the Alpha family's protection, he ordered me to cross the wild frontier alone with a slow merchant caravan, a journey that would take thirty-six days through untamed forests and mountain passes.
I looked toward my in-laws, expecting at least one voice to object.
None did.
Every one of them agreed with Henry's decision, as though sacrificing me for Mallory's comfort was the most natural thing in the world.
So I accepted the arrangement.
I took my travel pack, left the pack's territory, and followed the western trade road into the ancient wilderness.
I did not return for three full moons.
By the time the fourth moon began to rise, the entire pack had descended into chaos.
……
It was rare for my mate, Henry, to step away from the endless duties of leading our pack. When the Elders announced that the Moonwell Pilgrimage would begin with the next full moon, our family decided to make the sacred journey together.
I spent six months preparing every detail.
I studied the safest routes through ancient forests, reserved places with the caravans protected by allied packs, secured lodging at each sacred outpost, and arranged enough supplies for the entire family.
No one else offered to help.
I did not complain. As long as my family could complete the pilgrimage in peace, the effort was worthwhile.
The protected caravans filled quickly every year, so I secured everyone's places long before the journey began. When my sister-in-law mentioned she had always dreamed of riding beside the Alpha family's escort wolves, I even paid extra tribute to upgrade every member of the family to the most secure caravan.
The evening before our departure, Henry suddenly said, "Mallory heard about the pilgrimage and wishes to come with us. The escort caravan is already full, so you'll have to travel with a merchant caravan instead. I've already arranged it."
He handed me a sealed travel token.
I stared at it.
"What is this supposed to mean?" I asked quietly. "This is our family's pilgrimage. Why is Mallory coming with us?"
"Because she wants to," Henry answered without hesitation.
Anger flared inside me.
"When my own sister wanted to join us last year, you refused. You said this pilgrimage was meant for family alone. So why does that rule suddenly change for Mallory?"
"Your sister and Mallory are not the same," he replied. "Mallory grew up beside me. She's as close as blood."
I let out a cold laugh.
"I secured every place in the escort caravan months ago. Why am I the one being left behind?"
"There wasn't another place available," Henry said with a careless shrug. "I transferred yours to Mallory. The merchant caravan was the only option left."
I lowered my eyes to the travel token.
It marked a slow caravan crossing the western wilderness, a journey of thirty-six days through dangerous territory with little protection.
"So Mallory rides beneath the Alpha Guard," I said, "while I spend over a month crossing the wilds with merchants?"
Henry only smiled.
"I remember you once said you enjoyed traveling through the old forests. Now you'll have plenty of time to admire them."
I turned toward my in-laws.
My father-in-law quietly looked away.
My mother-in-law reached for my hand.
"Camille, Henry and Mallory have known each other since they were pups. They have endless stories to share. Let them travel together. Endure the journey a little longer, and you'll meet us at Moonwell."
Nicole smiled as though everything were perfectly reasonable.
"Besides, Mallory has always been frail. She couldn't survive such a difficult journey. You're a strong she-wolf. You'll manage."
A bitter laugh escaped me.
"Tell me honestly. Am I truly this family's Luna, or has Mallory always held that place?"
Henry's expression darkened.
"It's only one journey. Why make such a fuss? Mallory is practically family. Looking after her is only natural. As Luna, you should be more generous."
At that moment, someone knocked on the great oak doors of the pack hall.
Nicole hurried to answer.
"You're finally here, Mallory!"
She rushed forward, happily carrying the travel packs from Mallory's shoulders.
"I've missed you so much. If you hadn't left to train with the northern packs, you would have become my brother's mate long ago."
My mother-in-law stepped forward, taking both of Mallory's hands with a warm smile.
"That's exactly what I've always believed. You and Henry were destined for each other. In my heart, you've always been my true daughter-in-law. No one could ever compare."
They spoke those words openly.
No hesitation.
No embarrassment.
Not even an attempt to remember that I, Henry's bonded mate and the Luna of this pack, was standing only a few steps away.
In that moment, whatever warmth I still held for this family quietly died.
