No one had ever seen a room that big before. The guards led her down long halls with stone walls covered in tapestries about the history of the pack. The dancing shadows from the torches made the images of wolves look like they were real. A guard told her to "wait here," and then left her in a round room with four chairs that looked like thrones. Nova put her hand on her wrist and felt a faint glow where the Triple Moon mark was. Had Selene really put something in her new room? What was that strange sound in the forest? A soft voice said, "So the kitchen mouse got into the castle." Nova took a turn. Rune stood in the doorway and leaned against it. His amber eyes were shining like a predator's. Unlike Kai's cold strength or Zane's quiet knowledge, Rune radiated danger wrapped in charm. "I didn't sneak anywhere," Nova answered, backing up a step. "The Moon Goddess chose me." Rune sauntered closer. "Did she? Or did you somehow trick the ceremony?" He circled her slowly. "You smell different tonight. Not just omega anymore." "I don't know what you mean." Rune chuckled, reaching out to touch her hair. "I've watched you for months, little Nova. Hiding in corners, getting into places you shouldn't be." His fingers brushed her cheek. "I like wolves who break the rules." Nova stepped away from his touch. "I don't want to break any rules." "Too late." Rune moved closer, pinning her against the wall. "You've already broken the biggest one. Omegas don't become Lunas." He leaned in, saying, "Unless they have powerful friends." "Step away from her." Kai's commanding voice cut through the anxiety. Rune grinned but obeyed, turning to face his brother. "Just welcoming our guest, brother." Kai stood in the doorway, arms crossed. His silver-gray eyes evaluated Nova coldly. "Father wants us all in the study. Now." Rune winked at Nova before walking out. "See you soon, little Luna." When they were alone, Kai stalked toward Nova. Unlike Rune's predatory grace, Kai moved like a warrior—direct and strong. "Whatever game you're playing, stop it." Kai's voice was sharp as ice. "You are not my mate." "I never said I was," Nova replied, finding confidence from somewhere deep inside. "The Triple Moon mark hasn't appeared in a century. Suddenly an omega gets it?" Kai shook his head. "Impossible." "Then why am I here?" "Because my father believes in signs and my brother Zane believes in you." Kai's eyes narrowed. "I don't believe in either." Nova lifted her chin. "I didn't ask for this mark." "Yet here you are, wearing it like you deserve it." Kai's eyes dropped to her neck. "That locket—where did you get it?" Nova's hand flew to her mother's silver ring. "It was my mother's." Something flashed in Kai's eyes—recognition? Before she could ask, Zane appeared in the doorway. "Father's waiting," he said quietly. Unlike his brothers, Zane didn't enter her space. He simply offered a small smile that warmed Nova from within. "Are you okay?" he asked softly. Nova nodded, glad to see a friendly face. "Just confused." "We all are," Zane replied, looking at Kai who was watching them with suspicious eyes. Together, they walked to Alpha Cyrus's study. The massive room was lined with books and weapons. A large map of pack territories occupied one wall. Alpha Cyrus sat behind an enormous desk, looking both strong and weary. Rune lounged in a chair nearby, studying his claws with false boredom. "Sit," the Alpha ordered. Nova perched nervously on the edge of a chair while the three brothers positioned themselves around the room: Kai standing rigidly by the window, Rune sprawled carelessly in his seat, and Zane seated quietly beside Nova. "The Triple Moon mark changes everything," Alpha Cyrus began, his voice rough with age and authority. "Our pack hasn't seen it since my grandmother's time." "What does it mean?" Nova asked. "It means the Moon Goddess has chosen you as mate to one of my sons." The Alpha's piercing gaze studied her. "But which one?" "Obviously not me," Kai muttered. "Why not let me have her?" Rune smiled lazily. "I'm more than willing." "The mate bond isn't about willingness," Zane spoke up. "It's about destiny." Alpha Cyrus nodded. "Zane is right. The Moon Choosing Ceremony will reveal the truth." "Three days from now," Kai stated. "Three days?" Nova echoed, panic rising. Three days to navigate this strange new world where powerful wolves watched her every move. "Until then," the Alpha continued, "you'll stay here. For your safety." Nova thought of Selene's threat and the strange howl in the forest. Maybe the Alpha mansion was safer. "What about my things?" she asked. "Already collected," Zane said. "I had them brought to your new room." Alpha Cyrus rose, towering over them all. "Tomorrow, each of my sons will spend time with you. To see if the bond reveals itself early." Kai scoffed. "A waste of time." "You will obey," his father growled, eyes flashing red. "The Triple Moon mark is special. Whether you like it or not, one of you is meant for her." Nova felt like a prize being discussed rather than a person. Suddenly, the Alpha swayed, holding his chest. Zane rushed to his side. "Father?" "I'm fine," the Alpha growled, though his face had paled. "Take our guest to her room. We're done here." As they left, Nova caught Rune watching his father with an odd expression—not worry, but calculation. Zane led Nova through more hallways to a beautiful room with a real bed and blue curtains. "This is yours until the ceremony," he said. Nova stared in awe at the wealth. "I've never had a real bed before." Zane's eyes relaxed. "There's a lot you've never had that should have been yours." "What do you mean?" Before he could answer, a howl pierced the night—the same strange sound from the forest. Closer now. Nova's mark burned. "What is that?" "Rouge wolves," Zane frowned. "They've been circling our territory for days." Nova remembered Selene's warning and quickly checked the room. Under her pillow was a small package that smelled of wolfsbane—deadly to their kind. "Zane, look!" He took the sachet, face deepening. "Someone wants you gone." "Selene put something in my pocket earlier," Nova remembered, reaching into her dress. She pulled out a folded note. As she opened it, a dried black flower fell out—nightshade, another wolf poison. The note read: "Midnight. Library tunnel. Come alone or the Alpha dies." Zane read over her shoulder, his body tensing. "You can't go." "But if the Alpha dies—" "It's a trap," Zane maintained. "Stay here. Lock your door." After he left, Nova paced her new room. The Triple Moon mark pulsed with each pass. The strange howl sounded again, even closer. Nova moved to the window and gasped. At the forest edge stood a massive white wolf with ice-blue eyes looking directly at her window. As she watched, the wolf dropped something shiny in the snow—something that glinted silver in the moonlight. Another locket. Just like hers. The white wolf raised its head and howled once more before disappearing into the trees. Without thinking, Nova grabbed her coat. She had to get that charm. And then she had to meet Selene at midnight. Because deep in her heart, Nova knew—if she wanted answers about her past, her mark, and which brother was truly her mate, she couldn't hide in this fancy room. She had to risk everything. Even her life.
