Adelaide's POV
The council hall of the Bloodmoon Pack hummed with cedar and damp.
I shrugged off my sweat-drenched silver fox cloak, my fingers absently tracing the Moon Goddess pendant at my throat.
The bronze throne beside me yawned empty—Alpha Ulrik's seat.
Boots echoed on stone steps before the door burst open, snowmelt and pine scent flooding in.
I knocked over the mead jug, rising to greet him, amber liquid pooling over the sheepskin map.
"You're finally back," I managed, my voice catching.
A year ago, we'd pledged ourselves as mates before the pack. Then the Lycan King summoned him north.
He never even marked me.
Now, as I looked at him, my mind was a tangled web.
My wolf let out a faint, rebellious snarl, catching a tangle of scents on Ulrik’s trail that made its hackles rise.
Now Ulrik stood armored and alive, his jaw set in that familiar stubborn line.
"Adelaide, the Lycan King's declared Velda will join the Bloodmoon Pack. I'll mark her."
My wolf snarled low in my ribs, scenting the musk of another female on him.
"Lycan Luna swore Velda was a warrior through and through. Will she kneel as a breeder?"
As soon as I finished speaking, Ulrik's cedar scent, laced with his Alpha aura, swept over me like a tidal wave.
He strode past me toward the throne, the tail of his sword scabbard scraping water-soaked stone and scraping up dark red moss.
"I'm marking her as my mate," his voice carried a sharp edge of anger. "She'll be my second Luna, just like you—equal in the Bloodmoon Pack."
The silver chain snapped in my fist. The moonstone pendant clattered toward a rain puddle.
"Two Lunas? The Moon Goddess would rage, and Bloodmoon would weaken..." I ground the shattered gem beneath my heel. The rain pounding outside the Packhouse suddenly roared in my ears. "Last year, on this day, you swore before her statue that my eyes were brighter than midsummer's—"
"Those were pheromones talking!" he roared, slit pupils narrowing as lightning flashed.
His sword hissed free, the tip lifting my damp collar. "Look at your neck. Even the temporary mark's fading."
He sheathed the blade with a metallic sigh. "Velda and I fought side by side in the north. I admired her. I used my campaign merits to petition the Lycan King for her place here. As my mate. Truth is, I didn't need your approval."
I stared at my flushed face reflected in the blade, memories flooding back of the East Wing collapse during the dry season
Those sweltering nights hauling basalt in the heat—Ulrik's messengers always claimed war made replies impossible.
Turns out, the cornflower seeds in the battle reports were never for me.
I let out a soft laugh, but when I spoke again, my voice was laced with sarcasm. "So you 'admire' her? What about the promises you made before you left for the northern tribes? You said if I fulfilled my duties as Bloodmoon's Luna, you'd use your merits to help save Frostfang Pack."
Ulrik's expression turned awkward.
He looked away, his voice tight. "Let's just forget those words. When we pledged to be mates, I hadn't met Velda yet. You were always suited to be a Luna... and now, I need something real."
I watched him, noting the tenderness in his eyes whenever he spoke of Velda.
Soon, he turned back to me. "She's unlike any she-wolf I've ever met. I love her."
I felt like I'd swallowed a fly—disgusted, but I pushed through the lump in my throat.
"And the elder Alpha and Luna—they agree?"
"Of course. It's the Lycan King's decree. My father, as former Alpha, understands its weight. Besides, they adore Velda."
They actually agreed? How ironic.
After all I'd done for Bloodmoon this past year, this was my reward.
"Is she already here? Why can't I sense her?"
I frowned, my wolf snarling in my mind as its tail lashed against my spine.
"No intruder's scent," it growled back.
Ulrik's gaze flickered, then he snapped, "She'll be my mate soon. I've already given her a temporary mark."
My wolf erupted in a snarl of fury.
Though Ulrik hadn't fully marked me, our vows before the Moon Goddess had forged a mate bond.
Giving another she-wolf a temporary mark was betrayal plain and clear.
Sensing my rage, he sheathed his sword with a metallic screech that startled the starlings nesting outside.
His ironclad armor slammed into me, knocking me back. The bronze candelabra behind me thudded as I collided with it.
"I know you feel wronged," he said, silhouetted against the light, "but it's the Lycan King's command." He paused at the stone door. "You're still the nominal Luna—until the pack grows familiar with Velda."
I forced a smile. "Then have Velda come see me. I have questions for her."
Ulrik refused flatly. "No need. She's not like the simpering she-wolves you know. A warrior through and through, too proud for petty jealousy."
I countered, "What does that make the she-wolves I know? Or what does it make me, in your eyes?"
Adelaide's POV"Alpha Ulrik, you seem to forget I'm the daughter of the Frostfang's Alpha. Alpha blood runs through my veins..."Ulrik cut me off with a snort. "You grew up shielded by your parents and pack. You've never seen war's teeth, never faced a real battle. Velda despises soft wolves like you. I'm sparing you the humiliation of her tongue."I lifted my chin, voice steady as the north wind. "If she insults me, I'll let it slide. Keeping the bigger picture in mind is Luna's first duty, isn't it? You said yourself I'm perfect for the role."He raked a hand through his rain-damp hair. "Why court trouble? The Lycan King's orders stand. Even as my Luna, Velda won't interfere with pack management. She disdains everything you value.""Do I cling so desperately to being Bloodmoon's Luna?" I countered, fingers tightening around the comb in my grip.Ulrik was a fearless fighter, but managing a pack? It was not his strong suit.The former Luna's wolf was failing—Digby's potions were the o
Adelaide's POVBeata brought the Frostfang asset list. "You've covered six million in Bloodmoon's operating costs this year alone. The mines, houses, estates? untouched. All of Luna Airella's bank accounts and property deeds are locked in the vault."I stared at the list. Airella had prepared all this to ensure my happiness—how heartbreaking my current situation must be to her memory.My wolf whined, pain lancing through me."Where can we even go, Adelaide?" Beata asked. "Back to Frostfang?"The memory of Frostfang's plaza, slick with blood, flashed before my eyes.My heart clenched. "Anywhere's better than here.""But won't Ulrik be thrilled if we leave?" Beata fumed."Let him," I said flatly. "Staying here would mean a lifetime of watching them fawn over each other. Beata, Frostfang's down to me. I need to live well—to honor my parents and brothers. The Moon Goddess will watch over us.""Adelaide!" Beata sobbed.I knew her pain—everyone she loved had died in Frostfang's massacre."I
Adelaide's POVI turned to leave, but Luna Rosemary unleashed a wolfish howl behind me."Wait!"I glanced back, no intention of returning.Rosemary's face darkened.She roared to me, "Adelaide, how can you be so foolish? Ulrik's an Alpha—he'll have more than one woman. Every pack works this way. You're still his mate—what more do you want?"Her words made me sneer inwardly.A year of compliance had made them think me pliable.They forgot that I was Alpha Bentley's daughter."Cool your jets," I said flatly. "Other packs can rot for all I care."Rosemary spluttered, coughing into her fist.Normally, I'd comfort her, but this time, I stayed put.Sabrina barged in, eyes blazing. "Look at Luna Rosemary! You're embarrassing us! Frostfang's already fallen—your family's gone. What makes you think your Alpha blood means squat now? Ulrik can reject you too!"I looked at Sabrina, dressed in the pale yellow dress I had made for her last fall.Now she wore it to question and accuse me—how consider
Adelaide's POVBeata didn't argue further, sensing my resolve.I wasn't mad. Beata, an Omega raised in Frostfang, still had that innocence—they didn't bully Omegas there.But I, as Alpha-born, had to stand my ground.Outside the palace, time stretched endlessly.Finally, the doors opened. Fabian, Lycan Erasmus's Beta, emerged."Adelaide, Lycan Erasmus will see you now."Relief washed over me. I nodded gratefully and followed him in.The obsidian tiles carried hints of dragon's breath pheromones—every step felt like walking on ice.I stared at the patterns under Fabian's crimson cape, blood rising in my throat as my wolf clawed at my consciousness, straining against the invisible aura from the throne.The cedar scent that once clung to my father's armor now froze my nape with glacial cold.I knelt before Lycan Erasmus, head bowed.My gaze fell on the shattered moonstone patterns on the floor.A bronze candelabra sparked as Erasmus's snow-leopard boots crushed wolf-shaped reliefs beneat
Third Person's POVAfter Adelaide left, the temperature in the palace parlor dropped noticeably.Beta Fabian strode in and respectfully addressed the Lycan King, "Lycan Erasmus, Clarissa sent an Omega to ask if you could see her."Clarissa, the former Lycan Luna, no longer held the position but still commanded immense respect within the palace.Erasmus sighed, "This must be about Adelaide. Let's go."Clarissa lived alone in the East Tower villa with its private garden, where vibrant flowers bloomed.She sat in a pavilion at the garden's center, wearing a claret robe and holding a moonstone-staff topped with a lunar crescent.Her face looked haggard."Good afternoon, Clarissa," Erasmus greeted with a bow.Clarissa's claws dug into her seat.Frost-laced pheromones crystallized the air, forcing Fabian to kneel ten paces away, his Beta ears trembling under her pressure."You condone this madness?" she hissed, her slit pupils glowing blood-red. "When Frostfang's Alpha spilled seven lives t
Adelaide's POVAfter securing Erasmus's promise, I felt a little lighter.Back at Bloodmoon, I slept soundly.The next morning, as I freshened up, Ulrik burst in, his face set and Alpha aura blazing.The force of his aura hit me like a tidal wave.My wolf whined in my skull, trapped under the weight of it."Adelaide!" he roared, half-wolf fury in his voice.Beata stepped forward, but the power gap between us drained her, sweat beading on her forehead.But she stood frozen, wide-eyed and trembling, "Alpha Ulrik, what—are you going to do?""Beata," I said calmly, "stand down."She retreated to my side, still watching Ulrik like a hawk.In my mind, I met my wolf's gaze. It rose, shaking off its snow-white fur, and pushed back against Ulrik's aura.Ulrik's eyes narrowed."You went to the palace yesterday. Complained to Lycan Erasmus, tried to get his decree revoked."He spat the words, not as a question but a statement, his jaw clenched.I met his gaze calmly and shook my head. "No.""No?
Adelaide's POVThe moonstone on the bronze candelabra cast a silverleaf grass scent through the air. I took a deep breath—time to stop beating around the bush.Once Beata left, I said, "Please, have a seat."Velda wore a wine-red pleated skirt, a wolf-tooth pendant symbolizing her battle merits gleaming at her throat.When she sat, her bloodmoon sigil belt clinked against the basalt chair. The pendant caught the moonlight, making the fang seem almost alive against the night sky.Velda wasn't classically beautiful, but her sharp features and the killing edge honed in northern tribes radiated a shifter warrior's aura."Frostfang's last scion," she said, her slit pupils like poisoned blades. "Hear you wanted to see me. I'm here. One question—Will you coexist with me in Bloodmoon?"Her tone was unyielding, a low growl warning in her throat. "Give me the truth. Playing weak won't work on me."I met her gaze. "Lycan Luna Clarissa called you every she-wolf's pride. How about this—do I have a
Adelaide's POVBeata rushed in, her green eyes glistening with tears."Your love is your business, but don't bully Luna Adelaide—or flaunt your battle merits!""Insolent wretch!" Velda roared, her warrior presence crashing down like a boulder."SLAP!"Ulrik's iron-clad paw struck Beata's face with a crack. "Is this the Omega you've raised? Defiance?"I sprinted to Beata's side, catching her as her cheek swelled, flushed unnaturally—Alpha pheromones burning her tender glands.Turning, I summoned my wolf. My knuckles burst into silver-gray claws.A howling slash raked Ulrik's cheek, five shallow trenches flipping flesh open, blood droplets falling like rubies."Touch my people again, and feel my claws deeper," I growled, my claws dripping silver-blue blood.Ulrik staggered back, pupils slitting with pain, cedar musk souring with sulfur.His wounds healed swiftly, leaving five pink scars branded beneath his eye."You dare..." His voice mixed with a suppressed howl, muscles under his iron
Adelaide's POV"Pay no mind to the outsiders' chatter. People are fickle. Soon enough, it'll all be forgotten. Don't let it trouble you," I said."Whatever they say, I remain indifferent," I replied.Vanya dropped the topic.She didn't ask about the royal guards outside, only inquiring about my daily routines.We chatted for half an hour.Tamara, fidgeting beside us, finally blurted out, "Adelaide, I need your help."I turned to her, her chapped lips and blistered corners revealing her distress."Cold as it is, you're clearly overwhelmed," I said gently."Speak your mind.""I came today because Rosemary's illness flared up last night. She fainted this morning from rage. She's awake now, but I don't think she'll last long. I'm here to beg you to intercede with Shaman Digby for me," Tamara said, on the verge of tears."Rosemary threatened to have Simon reject me if I couldn't get Digby here. I had no choice but to come to you.""Passed out?" I questioned."Rosemary took Digby's herbs on
Third Person's POVIvy interjected, "Alpha Ulrik and Luna Velda have earned their merits. There's nothing they can't handle. You shouldn't seek help from Frostfang's Alpha."Tamara clutched Ivy's hand, her face mournful. "Ivy, Adelaide has always treated me well. Please speak to her for me. The things those people say—I didn't spread them. I swear—"Ivy shook off her grip and glanced at Beta Valentin. "Let's head back to the Packhouse, Beta Valentin."Valentin and Ivy walked toward the Packhouse, leaving Tamara stranded at Frostfang's border.Ivy refused to comment on Bloodmoon affairs.Noticing Valentin's troubled expression, she asked, "What's on your mind?""Luna Skye rejected the gift from Adelaide for Melinda," Valentin said quietly.Ivy paused. "But Luna Skye and Luna Airella were close friends… Alright."In the eyes of powerful pack Alphas, many believed Adelaide's favor with Lycan Erasmus stemmed solely from her father's legacy.So no one took Adelaide seriously.Valentin said
Adelaide's POVI watched Erasmus's retreating back and called out urgently, "Lycan Erasmus, my father and brothers were feared on the battlefield. I may not match their valor, but I won't be swayed by emotions.""Since my bond with Ulrik is dissolved, I won't cling to him. I won't let personal feelings cloud my judgment. Please trust me this once!"Erasmus halted but didn't turn.Coldly, he said, "Don't tarnish your family's honor. I can grant you glory—and take it away. Return to Frostfang and act as if this day never happened."He strode away, leaving me helpless.In his eyes—and others'—I was unreasonable and petty.The daughter of Alpha Bentley, reduced to a drama queen over a broken bond?I'd left Frostfang as a pup for Warscar Training Camp.Over the two years since returning to Frostfang, I spent the first year learning from my mother how to become a Luna, and the second managing the pack's affairs at Bloodmoon.At least during this time, I'd never stepped out of line.But now,
Adelaide's POVI knew Lycan Erasmus wouldn't take my word easily, so I presented a letter. "This is from Craig. Believe or not, it's up to you."In reality, Craig hadn't penned this letter. The intel came from Prunella.But Craig was renowned.The letter was forged in Craig's handwriting. If I'd said Prunella gathered the intel, Erasmus would've dismissed it outright.Last night, I thought through the Southern Border's peril.Without royal reinforcements, Alpha Lance's battle would likely end in defeat.The situation was dire. The Western Tribe's army had already infiltrated the Dragon Ash Kingdom, en route to the Southern Border.Even dispatching aid now might be too late.As for post-battle accountability regarding the Bloodscar Border and Snowdeer Town campaigns, and whether my grandfather would be implicated—those were concerns for another day.Hearing that my friend Craig supposedly sent the message, Erasmus's surprise was evident. He immediately ordered Beta Fabian to bring him
Adelaide's POVI slipped into the royal archives, shielded by Frostfang's stealth cloak.It masked my scent and muffled my steps, allowing me to glide through the high-security area like a wraith.No need to search—the Bloodscar Campaign reports were neatly arranged on the upper shelf of the left oak bookcase.I retreated to a dim corner of the archive room and, by faint light, began reviewing the dispatches one by one.By the time I finished the last report, my blood felt frozen, and a bone-chilling dread spread through me.Tears welled up uncontrollably, blurring my vision.Ulrik and Velda, as reinforcements, rushed to the Bloodscar Border and plunged into the fray.Their inexperience on the battlefield soon became apparent.In the first battle, my uncle lunged to save Ulrik, his left arm severed by an enemy blade—a scene so visceral, it played out before my eyes.My youngest uncle, ever-vibrant and dashing in my memory, fell heroically before reinforcements could arrive.My grandfa
Adelaide's POVI returned to my courtyard and immediately penned a letter, dispatching a former Frostfang guard—shifted and under cover—to Warscar Training Camp by night.The southern border battle gnawed at me like a splinter.Scattered clues hinted at something amiss, but I'd keep conjectures buried until hard evidence surfaced.My maternal grandfather, Alpha Zander, and my two uncles had been stationed at the border for years. Last winter, they deployed with wolf warriors to aid the Southern Tribe's war effort. When the Western Tribe retaliated, Bloodmoon lacked the warriors to hold the line.Ulrik and Velda had gone to reinforce them, but what exactly transpired on the battlefield?For the following month, I sealed Frostfang's borders.I appointed suitable individuals as Beta, Gamma, and wolf guard captain—all loyal Frostfang members.The new Beta, now returned from retirement, had served Frostfang before the new Beta took over.His silver-flecked temples were a stark reminder of
Third Person's POV"Wonderful! All our guests are gone. Just wonderful!" Ulrik snarled, his voice laced with sarcasm and fury.Velda's wolf fur prickled beneath her dress.She strode to the Packhouse window, glanced at the deserted plaza, and asked innocently, "Why did they leave?""Not enough seats!" Ulrik exploded. "Why did you invite them without telling us? They don't belong here!"Velda's pupils shrank, her belt clinking against her gown. "So they're discriminating against wolf warriors?"Her voice carried the chill of a blizzard. "Those royal Lycans and council wolves—do they think our border guards aren't worthy of respect? After we fight and die to protect them?""This isn't about respect! You invited them without clearance! Did you even inform the base?"He forced his roar down, his voice trembling with frustration. "Even if approved, you should've told Tamara! We set up 200 seats, but you added 150 warriors. Did you expect guests to stand and sip champagne?"Velda's ears twi
Third Person's POVBefore Christmas, the Bloodmoon Pack formally held the bonding ceremony for Ulrik and Velda.As the future Luna of Bloodmoon, Velda's ceremony drew significant attention.Despite prior controversy surrounding Adelaide and Ulrik's dissolved bond, the pair remained recognized by Lycan Erasmus.Numerous wolf generals and royal members attended, filling the banquet hall with elegance and buzz.Rosemary, eyeing the gift table laden with crystal champagne flutes and bespoke silverware, felt her spirits lift.During the oath ceremony on the pack plaza, Velda stunned in a tailored wedding gown, her silver wolf-badge gleaming under spotlights.Rosemary beamed, recalling Ulrik's mention that Lycan Erasmus credited Velda most for the Western Tribe peace treaty—a boon to Bloodmoon's reputation.Yet as the ceremony commenced, chaos erupted.According to the guest list, Bloodmoon Pack had arranged 200 seats in the pack plaza.However, Velda invited over a hundred wolf warriors, w
Adelaide's POVI opened my eyes, staring at the ceiling.Rebellious since childhood, I'd never obeyed—except that one time.I followed my mother and brothers' mates, learning to be a Luna, managing the pack, abandoning combat books, and ditching my dreams of becoming a wolf warrior.I learned quickly. Mother said if I couldn't be the best female Gamma, I'd excel as a Luna.But she was wrong. I was wrong.I should've kept rebelling. Then I wouldn't be alone now.I still didn't understand why the Western Tribe rogues did this.The official story—Alpha Bentley's defeat shamed them, driving their revenge.But it doesn't add up.The rogues' survival near the Royal pack wasn't easy.If they could infiltrate that deeply, their priority would be intelligence—not exposure.The Western Lycan King wouldn't order such senseless bloodshed.The truth was buried.I was reminded of my father and brothers, grief and anger swelling.They reclaimed the Southern Territory but couldn't hold it, dying hono