The day finally came.
Leo, the newly appointed Alpha of the Blood Crescent Pack, stepped into the Chamber of the Moon Crest Pack's Beta with his entourage. His presence commanded silence, the weight of his new title following him like a shadow.
Only months had passed since the untimely death of his father, the revered Alpha Ruidiger—struck down by a mysterious poison no healer could name. Rumors clung to the tragedy like fog. But the Seer had spoken: Only Leo could lead, or disaster would follow.
Still, not all welcomed his rise.
Bayle, Beta of the Blood Crescent Pack, had long desired the Alpha seat. But the prophecy forbade it. So the mantle fell to Leo—young and destined.
From the far end of the chamber, Garrick, Beta of the Moon Crest Pack, stepped forward. His silver-streaked hair and battle-worn armor bore the weight of decades in service. With a respectful bow, he greeted the visiting Alpha.
"Welcome to our humble pack, great Alpha of the Blood Crescent," Garrick said, voice low and steady.
Leo nodded. "Thank you, Beta Garrick. May this visit serve both our bloodlines."
Garrick gestured toward the ceremonial chamber beyond, where banners and carved crests hung in uneasy harmony.
"Please, this way. We've prepared the chamber for your comfort."
As Leo moved forward, steps measured and calm, Garrick leaned toward a nearby guard.
"Bring Aliyah. Tell her to serve the Alpha."
The guard bowed and departed, boots echoing down the corridor.
---
In her chamber, Aliyah paced.
Her heart thudded like war drums. She had felt the change in the air the moment Leo crossed into their territory. Now the summons had come.
Leo is here.
Would he recognize her?
It had been years—since she'd last seen the boy who used to make her laugh. The boy who once promised never to leave. But he wasn't a boy anymore.
Aliyah forced her hands to steady. She arranged the platters with care, smoothing linens and aligning goblets—anything to distract from the wave of memory and fear. With help from the other workers, she led the way down the hall.
---
When they entered the chamber, all heads bowed. Aliyah kept her gaze low as they set the food before the seated guests. The air was thick with ceremony—and something more.
She stepped forward with practiced grace. "Great Alpha of the Blood Crescent Pack," she said, her voice calm despite the fluttering in her chest, "we prepared this feast with care. We hope you enjoy it."
The moment her words left her lips, something shifted inside her. Her Lycan stirred, recognizing him before her mind could process the weight of it.
Across the room, Leo's eyes narrowed.
The bond.
Raw, ancient, undeniable.
It gripped them both instantly—the pull, the force—his blood knew her before his mind could catch up. She was his mate.
But Leo didn't move. Didn't speak.
He simply stared at her for a moment too long, then turned his gaze away. Cold. Detached. As if she were just another servant.
Aliyah's heart clenched. The pain was sharp, sudden.
He's ignoring me. Why? Did he not feel it? Had he forgotten me? Or.... was this punishment?
She turned to leave, hoping to vanish quietly.
"Stop," Leo's voice cut through the air, strong and commanding.
Aliyah froze, her breath catching in her throat.
Slowly, she turned, raising her head to meet his gaze.
There he was—taller, stronger, now a striking young Alpha. His amber eyes locked with hers, unreadable.
Garrick stepped in to break the silence. "This is Aliyah," he said smoothly. "A member of our pack. She was rescued years ago, after she and her two brothers were attacked."
Leo nodded stiffly. "Thank you. The meal is appreciated."
Aliyah bowed and retreated, her heart pounding as if the very air around her had been scorched.
Leo watched her go, his instincts tugging at him. The girl who had vanished so many years ago—Dara—was standing right before him. Alive. Just feet away. His thoughts spiraled, caught between the present and the past.
She had vanished without a word—no farewell, just a note telling him she was leaving. A void where she used to be.
Her disappearance had gutted him. No healer could ease what had been broken. He had buried her memory beneath duty, grief, and time.
And now… she was here.
Transformed. Strong. Radiant.
But still, unmistakably Dara.
Behind his stoic gaze, pain welled up again—sharp, quiet, relentless.
Why did you leave me, Dara?
The question echoed silently within him.
Across the room, Bayle sat with several werewolves, scanning the gathering. When his gaze landed on Aliyah, his body tensed for the briefest moment—eyes narrowing just slightly.
Could it be… her?
He had always wondered. The two men Luke and Austin who had gone into the forest with Dara had never returned. No bodies. No word. Just silence.
Now, seeing the young woman before him—composed, confident—he told himself it wasn't possible.
She's called Aliyah, he reminded himself. Dara is gone.
Still, a cold unease crept beneath his skin. He clenched his fists, then forced himself to relax.
Leo stood, surveying the table.
Garrick bowed his head slightly. "Alpha Leo, the feast awaits your blessing."
Leo nodded once, his expression unreadable. He took his seat at the head of the long table, flanked by Bayle on one side and Garrick on the other. Silver platters lined the table, glistening with roast meats, herbed roots, and dark fruit soaked in spiced wine. Everything looked perfect—but Leo barely tasted any of it.
All eyes were on him.
He picked up his goblet, raised it briefly.
"To peace," he said.
Only then did the feast begin.
The sound of clinking dishes and murmured conversation filled the space, but Leo's mind was far from the celebration. He stared into his goblet as Garrick spoke beside him—words about alliances, trade, and border security—all washing into a blur.
Across the table, Bayle raised his cup.
"To Alpha Leo," he said smoothly, his voice warm—too warm. "May your reign be long and peaceful."
Leo lifted his eyes and met Bayle's. Behind the Beta's grin, something flickered—ambition.
Leo raised his cup in return but didn't smile.
"And may trust always come with truth," he replied evenly.
Bayle's smile thinned ever so slightly.
Leo noted it.
Watch him, he thought.