The Queen's Arrival

ath the tall pines, the pack's expectations seemed quieter, and the familiar scent of damp earth helped her forget the things she could n

n. It was not fear exactly, nor was it a memory. It was simply the un

eir alliance, warriors were drilling in the training yard, and the great hall was being decorated with blue banners bearing the image of a silver wolf. Her father, Alpha Marcus, believed the gathering w

children, trained side by side, and shared the quiet certainty that one day the Moon Goddess would make t

told her that he did not want her as his mate. Worse, he had a

about it, and decided she would not beg anyone to choose her. If Theo and Lila truly wanted a future together, she woul

is training jacket half fastened and a leaf caught in his dark hair. "Father has been loo

pposed to guess from the way

is all I know, and if I tell you more, Father

thing quiet," Delia replied, but she

the river bridge. Wolves moved between the buildings carrying baskets, lanterns, and bundles of winter herbs. Children chased one another around the fountain, while the pa

od near the staircase, her cheeks flushed, while Mara, the youngest sister, adjusted a silver ribbon in her hair. Whe

id. "Please don't make this difficult."Delia looked

lipped away. "I just don

n't be one

ront of the pack or turn her heartbreak into public entertainment. If Lila wanted Theo

d with Beta Rowan and two visiting elders. He wore his formal black coat, the silver

nd the value of loyalty and cooperation. This week, we will welcome representatives from nei

training programme that would begin after the full-moon festival. Delia listened, grateful that th

e visiting warriors. "Theo has shown discipline and courage

al. Theo bowed his head, accept

perhaps she only wanted to believe she did. She looke

a low voice that made her smile. Delia did not follow them. Instead, she helped Mara carry a tray of cups t

nd you're fine," Mara mur

d. "I'm learning how to be fine

rsta

t of pine and distant rain. Again, that strange feeling moved through Delia, as if the air had brushed against a memory she h

d not search for an answer. It was only a f

et them with her head held high. Whatever waited beyond the trees, she would face it when it came-not as Theo's rejec