It wasn't a fleeting brush of lips—it was deep, lingering, consuming.
Selene pressed her palm against his shoulder, but the resistance held no real force. Within heartbeats, she softened into him, her arms winding around his neck as she returned the kiss with matching hunger.
I watched through the ward-stone's shimmering surface. My expression remained blank. My pulse stayed steady.
A growl rumbled from the patrol mount behind them—the beast sensing the blocked path ahead. The crossing marker had shifted to clear passage. Kael finally pulled back, his tongue dragging slowly across his lower lip, savoring her taste. He urged the mount forward.
Selene sank against the padded seat, her fingers combing through her disheveled hair, smoothing the rumpled fabric of her traveling cloak. Her chest rose and fell in shallow breaths, her cheeks still flushed with color that had nothing to do with moon-touched cosmetics.
"The den chamber is prepared?"
Her voice came out slightly breathless.
"Same place as always." Kael's eyes stayed on the forest path ahead, but his smirk was audible. "The suite with the open terrace. Overlooks the Silver River. You like that one, don't you?"
"Mm." A low hum of approval. Her hand drifted to his thigh, her nails tracing lazy circles through the fabric. "And my... tribute reward? You know how much effort it took to balance those ledger-runes. A chest of prime silver plus an elite patrol mount—I nearly didn't get it past those ancient fossils on the Elder Council."
"My Selene. Always so capable."
Kael reached over and pinched her cheek, his gaze heavy with undisguised want and smug satisfaction.
"Don't worry. I'll reward you properly tonight."
The mount carried them through the glittering heart of the territory before pulling into the curved entrance of a high-status guest den.
I didn't watch the rest. I closed the scrying feed.
Seven nights later. The annual Moon Gala.
The great hall blazed with light—enchanted crystals refracting into a thousand prismatic shards, ceremonial goblets catching the glow as they clinked in endless toasts beneath the full moon streaming through the skylights.
I stood by the head table, exchanging pleasantries with the Pack Elders. My gaze, however, kept drifting toward the entrance.
Selene and Kael were the last to arrive.
They swept in side by side. Selene wore a wine-red gown that bared her shoulders, her appearance immaculate. But the flush lingering on her cheekbones was harder to conceal—the telltale remnant of whatever had delayed them. Her scent carried traces of him, barely masked beneath perfumed oils.
Kael walked half a step behind her, draped in a midnight-blue velvet coat trimmed with silver thread. The arrogance of youth radiated from him, untempered, almost deliberately flaunted.
I watched from across the hall. A soft exhale escaped through my nose—not quite a laugh.
I raised my goblet, took a measured sip, and said nothing.
"Alpha Blackthorn." Ronan Stormwing appeared at my elbow, touching his goblet to mine with an amiable smile. The visiting Beta from our allied pack surveyed the gathering with approval. "The territory's tribute flow looks excellent this year. Border stability has never been stronger. You should be pleased."
"I should be."
I returned the smile and drained my goblet in one smooth motion.
Three rounds of mead later, the atmosphere had reached a fever pitch.
The ceremony leader took the raised platform, voice booming with theatrical energy as he announced the evening's main event.
The year-end tribute distribution.
Cheers and howls of approval erupted from the gathered wolves. Every eye in the hall locked onto the stage.
I straightened my ceremonial collar and ascended the steps.
Taking the speaking stone, I let my gaze sweep across the sea of faces—each one bright with anticipation, practically vibrating with excitement.
Selene sat at the head table, posture elegant, composed. Only the slight tightening of her hands in her lap betrayed anything beneath the surface.
Kael occupied the seat beside her. Spine ramrod straight. A faint smile playing at the corner of his mouth. His eyes held the certainty of a wolf who already knew he'd won.
"First," I began, my voice carrying through the enchanted acoustics to every corner of the hall, "I want to thank each of you for your dedication to the pack this past year."
Thunderous applause and approving howls.
I worked through the list, calling names one by one.
Each recipient bounded up to the platform, beaming, accepting their tribute pouch with effusive thanks. The amounts varied—modest silver shares here, substantial hunting rights there—but every face wore the same delighted expression.
Kael watched the proceedings with hooded eyes.
When a mid-rank patrol leader collected his generous tribute allotment, I caught the subtle curl at the corner of Kael's lips. Contempt, barely concealed.
He leaned toward Selene, murmuring something. She pressed her lips together in a knowing smile and reached over to pat the back of his hand.
The gesture was casual. Intimate.
A few wolves in the crowd noticed. Curious glances flickered their way, nostrils flaring as they caught the mingled scents.
Kael didn't pull back. If anything, he sat up straighter—basking in the attention, savoring the whispered speculation.
