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Chapter 1

My mother called while I was still in the sacred Alpha's sanctuary, telling me to attend a tribal alliance gathering. According to her, my potential mate was powerful, young, and already the Alpha of the Shadowcrest Pack—one of the strongest wolf packs in the northern territories.

To ensure my safe travel, my mother personally contacted the Council of Elders, requiring my journey to be kept completely confidential.

Because—I am Selene Nightshade, a sacred Moonseer under the Ancient Council, and the sole heir to the Nightshade Bloodline, one of the most powerful Alpha lineages in werewolf history.

When I arrived at the grand hall of the Gathering Moon Lodge and approached the entrance, someone suddenly grabbed my arm and shoved me backward. A small velvet pouch hit my chest—filled with what smelled like silver coins.

"The VIP section is for pack royalty only. Take the coins and go sit with the common wolves."

I inhaled slowly, suppressing the irritation rising in my chest. "I was invited here. This is my assigned section."

The woman raised an eyebrow and laughed, as if I had told a joke. "Because I'm the executive assistant to Alpha Damon. Damon Blackthorn. Alpha of Shadowcrest Pack. In this territory? In this gathering? We get whatever we want."

I stared at her for a moment, then used my mindlink—a sacred connection reserved only for high-ranking wolves—to reach Damon Blackthorn directly. The moment the connection opened, I asked coldly, "Your assistant is claiming your pack can control this entire alliance gathering. Is that true?"

There was a brief flicker of shock through the link before it snapped shut.

Damon Blackthorn had severed the mindlink without a word.

Kira—the assistant—smirked at me triumphantly. "Wow. Your future mate didn't even bother responding. That tells you everything, doesn't it?"

Several wolves nearby began whispering.

"Don't cross the Shadowcrest Pack."

"Yeah, Alpha Damon's bloodline rules half the northern territories," a she-wolf muttered.

Another wolf whispered, "She probably lied about her invitation. She should just apologize."

Kira's smile widened. "See? Even they know your place." She tapped my shoulder deliberately. "Now be a good little wolf and apologize. Say you're sorry for blocking Alpha Damon's guests."

I let out a cold laugh. "Apologize? To you?"

Kira narrowed her eyes. "Don't test me."

"Funny," I said evenly. "I thought our kind followed the Old Laws. Turns out you can just insult wolves by talking loud enough?"

She scoffed, raised her hand, and swung—aiming directly for my face. But she was too slow. Before her hand landed, I caught her wrist and twisted lightly.

A sharp scream burst out. "Ahhh! You—let go! Let go!"

Wolves stared in shock as she doubled over, her wolf instincts making her whimper involuntarily.

Just then, a cold male voice came from behind us: "Release her. Now."