The aftermath of Kaia's humiliating toast hung in the air like a thick mist drifting across pack territory. Nonetheless, I refused to let it settle over me.
I could feel Raiden watching me from across the hall. His gaze flickered between confusion and suspicion.
For years, I had always poorly reacted whenever it came to him and Kaia, unable to hide my disdain. Yet tonight, I was the picture of grace, unfazed by every one of Kaia's little challenges.
He had no idea what all of these were about.
Well, that was good for me. Just let him wonder, let him drown in the confusion of my sudden poise.
I took a sip of the Elderberry wine and savored the way Kaia squinted as I simply smiled at the packmates offering me pitying glances.
"Poor Freya."
"Such a shame that Alpha Raiden's mate never gave him an heir."
If only they knew the hidden truth.
The chatter returned, the music from the howl-flutes rose and soon the celebration filled the hall again. Kaia played the perfect Luna-hostess, flitting between high-ranking wolves and basking in her victory.
However, I often caught her glancing at me. It was as if she were waiting for me to lose control.
Too bad for her, I would not. Instead, I raised my glass and walked toward the center of the hall.
"A moment, packmates," I called, my voice effortlessly clear over the murmur of growls and conversation.
All eyes were instantly on me. Even Raiden and Kaia stopped moving.
I smiled. "Before the night runs further, I think it's only right to honor our lovely Luna-to-be truly."
A ripple of agreement moved through the hall as I raised my drink. Kaia's expression slipped into something forced and I saw her hand tighten possessively on Raiden's arm.
"To Kaia," I started warmly. "To her triumphs, her mated bond and most of all, to the new life she's bringing into the pack."
Kaia beamed under the sudden attention. She automatically placed her hand on her belly while Raiden's body went rigid.
I tilted my head, studying him. Then, with the same controlled grace I'd shown all night, I returned my gaze to Kaia. "I just have one swift question," I went on.
The hall was still silent, hanging onto my every word. At the same time, Kaia's forced smile wavered.
I let the pause stretch out, enjoying the moment. Then, I asked it plainly. "Is the pup truly Raiden's bloodline?"
A sharp, sudden gasp cut through the gathering. Kaia's hand dropped from her stomach as Raiden stiffened like a stone.
The silence was thick, pressing against us all like a physical force. And then, like a perfectly scripted hunt, murmurs spread through the guests.
For most of them, this was brand-new knowledge. They hadn't known my old, deep connection to Raiden. They also hadn't known I was his first mate and his soon-to-be severed mate.
All they saw now was a pack scandal unfolding beneath the moon's gaze.
"Oh, how wonderful!" An elder wolf clapped happily. "Alpha Raiden will be a great father!"
"Yes! You must start preparing for the Moonbond ceremony," another chimed in.
Laughter and happy shouts rippled through the pack. It was as if my serious question had been nothing more than a playful joke. But I saw how Kaia's smile was too fake and how Raiden's fingers curled into a hard fist at his side.
Raiden's jaw tightened. He had always been skilled at hiding his feelings in front of the pack. But tonight, I had finally broken through his control.
However, Kaia regained her composure first. She let out a breathless laugh and looped her arm tightly around Raiden's. "Well, Freya, what a thoughtful toast. But of course, the pup is Raiden's."
Her voice was steady, but not with her eyes. Panic flickered inside them.
She hadn't expected this. She thought she had me cornered, humiliated and powerless. But instead, I had flipped the entire hunt on its head.
"I just had to ask," I said, acting innocent. "You know how these things go. So many rumors around the territories. Wolves talk."
That talk certainly happened. The guests began whispering among themselves. Their eyes darted back and forth between Kaia and Raiden, their curiosity intensely aroused.
"Alpha Raiden! When's the Moonbond ceremony?" someone called out, sparking another burst of laughter.
Raiden still hadn't said a word. I watched him closely, then noted the way his lips were pressed into a thin line and his shoulders rigid with tension.
For years, I had begged for his attention. I also pleaded for his affection, even wasted tears over the growing distance between us.
But tonight, for the very first time, I wasn't waiting for him to respond. I was simply watching him fall apart.
Kaia, sensing the pressure closing in on them both, forced another loud laugh. "Let's not rush things, everyone! This is my night, after all."
A collective cheer rose. Just like that, the charged moment was smoothed over and the rising tension was skillfully swept away under the thick rug.
Nevertheless, I knew better.
As the pack members returned to their drinks and dancing, Raiden finally looked at me. He truly looked at me.
I met his gaze head-on, without flinching, with no sign of fear in my eyes. Then I smiled before taking another slow sip of my drink, letting the sweetness linger on my tongue.
Because only I knew the truth and nothing Kaia said could ever change that.
