Chapter one

Lana

This evening marks the manifestation of my long-awaited wish. Yet, here I am, undecided about what to wear.

Katarina Hart, my best friend, has been here for over an hour, diligently assisting in organizing and designing the event center for my inaugural ceremony. She excels in a multitude of skills – from healing and artwork to teaching, knitting, dancing, event coordination, and managing the Pack. She's that friend you can't help but be envious of.

Our paths crossed for the first time when she arrived in our Pack with Healer Elara of Silver Falls to stop the outbreak of Silver Poisoning that tragically claimed the lives of over twenty Pack members and my parents. We became fast friends because of my interest in healing, and I implored my brother, who took up the role of the Alpha of our Pack to permit me to leave with them back to Silver Falls.

Then, I was fifteen, Katarina was seventeen, and Matthias was eighteen.

Under the tutelage of Healer Alara Ravenshadow, we dedicated five years to mastering Healing, and two years ago we volunteered as Healers to the six indigenous Packs in the werewolf land.

Our healing mission touched every Pack except the Black, whose Alpha is rumored to be dark-hearted, unforgiving, and a typical nightmare for anyone who crosses him.

Unlike my best friend, and other she-wolves in the werewolf land, who fantasize about that exhilarating magical moment when they will encounter their fated mate, I’ve always imagined the day I will finally launch my own Keep.

Romance takes a back seat in my priorities even though I will be twenty-three in a few months. It doesn't matter to me since I've consistently received all the attention and devotion I need from Katarina and my older brother, Matthias.

Rather than Katarina’s idea of a Community Outreach program, my brother suggested organizing a Donor Appreciation event. This gathering is intended to extend our thanks to the Alphas of the six indigenous Packs, their influential healthcare ambassadors, and the noteworthy Pack members whose contributions have been instrumental in funding my Healing Keep.

So, now, despite being a complete introvert and shy person, I have to keep my anxiety in check and anchor this event beyond my brother’s expectations.

“Lana, are you dressed? We are running late, you know how much Matthias hates tardiness,” Katarina’s voice echoes from outside the door.

I decide to go with my latter choice just as I hear the door push open, revealing her in the same shade of the dress I selected.

“Oh my god, we are matching!” I beam at Katarina, holding a navy green dress to my body. It has a high neckline, but the back is a lower cut.

“You will need gloves since it's long, and short-sleeved, so this dress can look extremely terrific on you. I will help you find some.” Katarina says with a huge smile after inspecting my outfit with her keen eyes.

“I will always trust your judgment.” I chuckle, a wave of relief washing over me as she assists in getting me ready.

Katarina also chuckles along with me, “Oh, by the way, Matthias wants to see you before the event, he says it's urgent.”

I frown as I listen to her. “What can be so urgent, that can't wait until after the event?” I roll my eyes.

“I ask him the same question but he won't tell me. So, just go and see him quickly, and let's get this over with.” Katarina says, the previous enthusiasm in her voice when she arrived an hour ago was absent.

“Are you tired? I must have worn you out by entrusting all of this to you. I promise to be a better host to the guests, and you won't have to do that too.” I say softly, feeling guilty for my inability to organize events like her.

The only thing I excel at is healing, and she's even very good at that too. She’s that friend you can't help but be envious of.

“Come on, Lana. You know I'm happy to help. I just can't shake the feeling that something is off because Matthias is being all mysterious,”

“Why are you that concerned about him? He probably just doesn't like how independent I will be now that I have my own Keep.” I remark as I move closer to her with a big smile on my face and pull her in for a hug.

“Thank you for everything, thanks for being my mentor and best friend.”

“You are welcome, I hope everything goes well tonight, for your sake,” she says, patting my back in encouragement.

Katarina understands how important this event is to me, and despite initially proposing a Community Outreach Program, she has actively assisted with every aspect to ensure its success.

“I wish Matthias could just marry you, so I won't feel too burdened about everything you are doing for me,” I say and she laughs, before gently pulling me from her.

“He can't marry me just because you want him to.”

“But he let you call him by his name, he only allowed me to do that. So why can't he marry you, then you can be his Luna and I can be free to burden you?” I ask, pouting like a child as I cling to Katarina's arm. I wish she would just be my sister-in-law already.

“That's because he sees me as his little sister too. I've been with you for so long he doesn't see me as a woman.” Katarina pouts too, her eyes reflecting a bit of sadness.

I know she has the biggest infatuation with my older brother and I also know she won't ever act on it. Why? Because she’d rather have an unrequited love than be rejected by her first love.

“Do you have a slight idea why my brother wants to see me? I don't want to hear any bad news before the event. I might just die from anxiety.”

“Then just postpone seeing him. He should be able to wait until after the event,” Katarina suggests, and I slowly grin at her, playfully rubbing her cheeks as she does with mine whenever I have a brilliant idea.

“Oh, my goodness, can you see why I adore you? You always have a solution to my problems.”

Katarina gazes at me in disbelief following my words, and I catch the playful mutter of “this little brat” escaping her lips under her breath. “I only offer temporary solutions. Don't give me too much credit, Princess Lana.” She remarks with a gentle scoff.

I frown at the sudden title she's using with me. “I thought we agreed you wouldn't call me Princess again. Why are you doing this?” I pout, already feeling my anxiety returning. “Every time you call me Princess, I feel like I need to get my shit together.”

“Exactly, get your shit together. Let's find those gloves and leave for the field.”

I sigh, my lips forming another pout. “I guess I have to be a real Princess and Host today, for the sake of my Keep.”

Katarina nodded firmly, “Yes, for the sake of your Keep. I know you can do this!”

“Yes, I can do this!” I affirm, feeling more energetic than ever after her encouragement.

We are about to begin our search for the perfect gloves and heels for my outfit when the door unexpectedly opens, revealing my brother, Matthias

When he enters, a palpable tension settles in the room, thick enough to cut with a knife. Katarina and I take a moment to look at his dispirited self before his gloomy eyes settle on me then he nods at Katarina.

“Can I have a moment with my sister, Katie?” He asks and I watch Katarina nod in response before leaving my room.

I don't think too much about the nickname he just called Katarina because my main concern is why he looks undressed for the event. His furrowed brow and downturned gaze reflect worry, and I feel a little bit disturbed by his expression.

“Is everything okay, Matthias? Katarina says you wanted to see me to discuss something urgent. Can we do that after the event? I'm a bit nervous right now and–”

“Lana, I'm so sorry,” Matthias cuts me. “The inaugural ceremony cannot be held again.” I feel like the world is closing on me as his words sink in.