The revelation

The suspense in the room was thick as Kieran and I entered the grand hall of the Blackwood Pack. All eyes turned toward us, whispers undulating through the crowd.

"Is that her?"

"The rejected one?"

"I heard she’s the Luna now."

I held my head high, ignoring the murmurs. Kieran's hand rested firmly on my lower back, his silent support grounding me.

The hall was stunning, decorated with intricate carvings and tapestries that told the story of Blackwood's dominance. But I wasn’t here to admire their power—I was here to reclaim mine.

When we reached our designated seats near the front, Alpha Landon appeared. His presence sent a shiver down my spine. He looked the same—tall, imposing, with that smug smirk that used to make my blood boil.

"Ember," he said smoothly, ignoring Kieran as if he wasn’t even there. "I wasn’t expecting to see you here."

I stood my ground, refusing to let his presence shake me. "It’s been a long time, Landon."

Kieran stepped forward, his tone ice-cold. "If you have a problem, say it now. Otherwise, walk away."

Landon smirked but didn’t respond. He simply gave me a lingering look before disappearing into the crowd.

The ceremony began, each Alpha and Luna taking their turn to introduce themselves. When it was our turn, I walked beside Kieran with confidence, the room falling silent as we approached the podium.

"I am Alpha Kieran of the Silverfang Pack," he announced, his voice strong. "And this is my mate and Luna, Ember."

The room erupted in murmurs, some surprised, others sceptical and sceptical. Respect in their eyes was clear.

As we returned to our seats, I noticed her. My step-sister, Claire. She was seated at a corner table, her pale face turned toward me. Our eyes met, and for a moment, I froze. Memories of her betrayal came flooding back—her lies, her schemes to take what was mine.

But something was off. Claire didn’t look triumphant. She looked terrified.

Suddenly, the room went quiet as Alpha Landon’s father, Alpha Gregory, stood to speak. His booming voice echoed through the hall.

"We welcome all our esteemed Alphas and Lunas. This year, we also honour an honouring tradition—revealing alliances and exposing traitors among us."

I glanced at Kieran, confusion flashing in his eyes. What was this about?

Gregory continued, "It has come to my attention that someone here has betrayed their pack, their family, and their bloodline. And tonight, the truth will be revealed."

A hush fell over the room. My heart raced.

Gregory turned his piercing gaze toward us. "Ember Silverfang, step forward."

I froze. Kieran tensed beside me.

"What is this about?" Kieran growled, his voice like thunder.

"You’ll find out soon enough," Gregory replied, his smirk sending a chill down my spine.

I stood slowly, my knees trembling, but I refused to show fear. Kieran tried to stop me, but I shook my head.

As I reached the centre of the hall, Gregory spoke again. "Tell me, Ember, did you know your step-sister is dying?"

The question hit me like a punch. I turned to look at Claire. She lowered her head, her shoulders shaking.

"Dying?" I whispered.

"Yes," Gregory sneered. "But that's not the twist. She’s dying because of you."

Gasps filled the room.

"What are you talking about?" I demanded, my voice trembling.

He stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with malice. "The poison running through her veins was meant for you, Ember. Someone in this room wanted you dead. But Claire, your loving sister, drank it by mistake."

My stomach dropped. Poison? For me?

I turned to Claire, but she refused to meet my eyes. "Is this true?"

Tears streamed down her face as she nodded. "It wasn’t meant for me," she choked out. "I didn’t know..."

Kieran was beside me in an instant, his protective presence like a shield. "Who did this?" he growled.

Gregory raised his hand to silence the murmurs. "We’ll find out soon enough. But until then, I suggest you watch your back, Luna Ember. Not everyone here is happy to see you alive."

The hall erupted into chaos, but I couldn’t focus. My step-sister was dying because of a poison meant for me.

And someone in this room wanted me dead.

Who could it be? And why now, after all these years?