Four winters had passed since Selene Frostveil severed our bond without warning. I encountered her again at a territory gathering during the Moon Festival.
Once everyone had settled into their seats around the great wooden table, someone suggested we play a game of truth-or-dare—pack style, where lies could be scented.
Selene drew the first challenge. Truth.
"In your last courtship, what was the wisest decision you made?"
Her pale eyes flickered toward me, and a slow smile curved across her lips.
"I let my former intended clear seventy thousand in blood-debts I owed to the border packs. Once I'd secured a status-mating with a wealthy Alpha, I cast him aside like a shed pelt."
The den chamber erupted in murmurs and gasps.
Everyone expected me to rise in fury, to storm out with my wolf bristling beneath my skin. Instead, I leaned back and gestured for the game to continue, a calm smile on my face.
When my turn came, the question shifted:
"In your last courtship, did you ever conceal anything from your intended?"
"I did."
"What was it?"
"I'm actually the Alpha Heir of the Nightcrest Pack."
——
Silence hung in the air like morning mist.
Then the private chamber exploded with laughter.
"Kael Nightcrest? Are you telling me you've been running so many courier routes that you've started believing those ridiculous Alpha-heir dramas they broadcast on the packnet?"
"Listen to some friendly advice, brother—stop pretending to be something you're not. You haven't even taken off that delivery vest!"
I glanced down at the golden Armani casual jacket I wore, then at the custom AGV helmet resting beside me on the bench.
I supposed it did look like courier gear.
Before I could respond, Selene's mocking voice cut through the noise.
"Kael, it's been four years since we parted ways. How are you still this desperate for status?"
"Tonight's gathering is meant for reconnecting old pack-ties. There's no need to pretend there are no differences in rank among us. You'd do better to show some sincerity."
I remained perfectly still, my back pressed against the carved oak chair, watching her with an expression as cold as winter stone.
"I spoke only the truth. I am indeed the heir to the Nightcrest bloodline."
"Without my standing, do you really believe any of you could have reserved the Moon-Imperial Chamber at Pinecrest Lodge?"
In truth, I had never intended to attend this gathering.
I had no desire to see Selene, and I shared no common ground with these wolves. There was no point in forcing ourselves together.
But Marek Hollowmere, our old peer-circle's Beta functionary, had called me twenty-eight times, swearing Selene would not be present.
He promised that no one would flaunt their status or resources—that this was purely about rekindling old bonds.
Yet here Selene was, not only present but parading her fortune for all to see.
A gold-chaser playing at being a high-born lady.
Truly laughable.
But this pretend noblewoman refused to let me be. She pressed on, relentless:
"Kael, even boasting has its limits. This Moon-Imperial Chamber was reserved by my mate using his Alpha-rank access. What does that have to do with you?"
"Look at yourself—dressed like a delivery runner, wearing those simple leather shoes. If you weren't riding on our generosity, would you even be permitted to dine in such an elevated lodge?"
Her words drew waves of laughter from those around us. The gazes that turned my way now carried open contempt.
But I merely waved my hand, unbothered, and let out a cold laugh.
"From the way you speak, it sounds as though I should be grateful to share your company?"
Selene pursed her lips and gestured at the feast spread across the table—the rare venison, the imported spirits.
"What else would you call it?"
"Without me, could you afford to taste this prime elk? Could you drink these aged moon-wines?"
I slowly lifted my chin, a faint smile playing at the corner of my mouth.
"Selene, you really haven't seen much of the world, have you?"
"Back at the Nightcrest estate, this is what we feed the den servants. I wouldn't lower myself to touch it."
The moment those words left my lips, another round of mockery erupted.
"Kael, I'm begging you—stop this act. You're a low-rank nobody. Without Selene, you couldn't even pass through the front gates of this lodge!"
"Exactly. If Selene hadn't specifically requested your invitation, I wouldn't have wasted a single howl calling you!"
"Just drink three cups as an apology to Selene and be done with it. At least you'll get to taste some of this fine moon-wine while you're at it!"
The taunts rose and fell like waves crashing against stone.
But I paid them no mind at all.
