The standard honors wrapped up quickly.
The ceremonial caller's voice rose with practiced excitement: "And now, the moment you've all been waiting for—the Moonlit Contribution Honor!"
"A chest of silver-tribute, plus a prestige patrol mount and elite den grant!"
The great hall fell silent for a heartbeat, then erupted into a buzz of speculation.
Everyone knew the weight of this prize.
"Who could it be? Beta Thorne?"
"My wager's on Elder Vance from the Border Patrol—his wolves doubled their territory gains this year."
"What about..." someone lowered their voice, "Omega Liaison Ashford? He's the Pack Steward's golden pup."
Kael Ashford clearly heard that last remark.
The curve of his lips deepened, a flicker of smug certainty crossing his eyes.
Beside him, Selene smoothed an invisible crease from her ceremonial gown, her smile perfectly composed.
I picked up the gilded scroll and slid it open, taking my time.
"This year, our pack welcomed an exceptional new member." My gaze swept across the gathered wolves. "She joined the Wardcraft division less than six moons ago, yet she spearheaded the core sigil breakthrough for the Starsea Ward—saving the pack nearly ten thousand silver-marks and pioneering an entirely new protective pathway."
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
As my words sank in, the smugness on Kael's face slowly calcified. Selene's polished smile evaporated.
I continued reading: "She is young, yet possesses extraordinary talent and focus. She keeps a low profile, yet her achievements shine brilliantly."
"By unanimous decision of the Elder Council, this cycle's Moonlit Contribution Honor goes to..."
I paused, letting my gaze land squarely on Kael's face.
The color had already begun draining from his cheeks. That confident smirk hung frozen in place—a poorly fitted mask starting to crack.
I looked away and announced clearly:
"From the Wardcraft Division—Lyra Stonevale!"
"Winner of the Moonlit Contribution Honor!"
Applause and howls of celebration detonated simultaneously.
The torchlight swung to an unremarkable table tucked in the corner.
A young she-wolf in simple attire, her dark hair pulled back in a practical braid, scrambled to her feet. Bewilderment and disbelief were written across every feature.
A packmate gave her a nudge, and she finally snapped out of her daze, making her way to the raised platform on unsteady legs.
In that instant, Kael's face turned the color of raw liver.
It was a shade born of shock, humiliation, and barely contained rage all churning together.
His fists clenched so hard his knuckles went white. His once-straight spine curved forward slightly, coiled tight, his stare boring into Lyra on the stage.
Selene was clearly rattled too.
She twisted toward him, one hand pressing down on his rigid arm, her lips moving rapidly as she whispered something urgent.
Kael didn't seem to hear a word. His chest heaved violently.
Growing desperate, Selene reached under the table and seized his hand, her fingers locking around his palm, fighting to contain the explosion building inside him.
From the raised platform, I saw it all with perfect clarity.
Lyra had reached me now, still looking dazed.
I handed her the ornate honor plaque and the ceremonial mount token. Her hands trembled as she took them.
"Th-thank you, Alpha Blackthorn... thank you to the pack..."
She was so overwhelmed she could barely string words together.
"You earned it."
I smiled, clasped her hand in the traditional greeting, and gave her shoulder a light pat.
The applause continued below. Wolves rose to their feet, cheering and releasing short howls of approval.
Lyra clutched her prizes, her face flushed apple-red, bowing again and again.
After stammering through her acceptance words, she floated off the platform in a happy fog, still hugging the honor plaque.
I cleared my throat and raised my voice to carry across the hall.
"Everyone, may I have your attention please."
The great hall gradually quieted, all eyes returning to the platform.
"The Moon Gala honors have now concluded."
