Chapter 159
DEREK
+25 BONUS
The phone buzzed on the desk beside me, cutting through the quiet of my office. I reached for it absently, expecting Joe or maybe Brock with an update. But the name on the screen made me sit up straighter.
Alden.
I answered immediately. “Hey, bud.”
“Hi!” His voice was bright, bubbling with energy. “Are you busy?”
“Not for you,” I said, leaning back in the chair, already smiling.
“So…we’re having a huge Moonbinding party tonight at Moonstone. With a feast and music and sparklers and a bondfire and my grandpa even said there’s gonna be a storyteller and a mooncake contest!”
“That sounds like a lot,” I said, chuckling. “You’re making me jealous already.”
Aiden didn’t miss a beat. “That’s why I’m calling. You should come. I want you to be there. I already asked Mom and she said it was okay, as long as you’re on your best behavior.”
I blinked, caught somewhere between pride and panic. “She said that?”
Byup. So will
“Yup. So will you come?”
I hesitated for only a second, and then there was no real decision to make. “Yeah, kiddo. I’ll be there.”
“YES!” he shouted. “Okay, I gotta go get my face painted like a wolf–obviously.” Click.
The line went dead.
I stared at the phone for a long moment, then stood and reached for my jacket. A Moonbinding Festival at Moonstone. It felt a little like walking into a trap–if the trap was hand–decorated by children, lit by fairy lights, and baited with the hopeful smile of a six–year–old boy.
And maybe something else too.
Someone else.
Moonstone looked like a dream.
By the time I arrived, the entire estate was glowing. Lanterns were strung through the trees, casting warm amber light across the grounds. Music drifted over the grass, and laughter mingled with the scent of roasting meat and honeyed pastries.
I stepped out of the SUV and was met with a flurry of sound and color.
And then I saw her.
Elena
She wasn’t dressed in anything extravagant–just jeans, worn leather boots, and a flowing blue blouse that made her hair look like fire in the golden light. Her smile wasn’t directed at me, but it still hit me like a punch. She was standing by a table arranging something, completely absorbed.
Chapter 50
+25 BONUS
I didn’t realize I’d stopped walking until Aiden crashed into me.
You came!” he shouted, grabbing my hand. “Come on, come on, I have to show you everything.”
And I let him. Let him tug me across the field, into the middle of games and booths and moonflowers floating in little silver bowls. He introduced me to vendors, warriors, cousins, Elders.
Half the time I couldn’t even catch their names, but I laughed anyway. It was impossible not to. He was a tomado of joy.
And every few moments; my eyes found Elena again.
She looked at home here. Radiant. Whole.
And I couldn’t help but wonder if there was a place for me in this world.
ELENA
I spotted Erin before she saw me, stepping carefully across the lawn in a soft ivory dress that hit just above the ankle, her hair pulled back with tiny braids threaded through. She looked regal.
“Erin!” I called, making my way through a crowd of wolves in matching face paint and flower crowns.
She turned, and her face lit up.
“Elena! You won’t believe this,” she said, eyes wide. “Your parents sent a messenger. With an invitation for tonight. On a golden tray.”
I stared. “You’re joking‘
“I swear! And then–get this–they sent a limo. With warrior escorts. To pick me and Carly up.” She laughed, overwhelmed. “Carly nearly fainted.”
I hugged her hard. “You deserve all of it.”
She looked misty. “Thank you. Truly. For believing in me.”
“I’ll never stop,” I said.
She slipped off to find Mason, and I stood there for a moment longer, the buzz of the party washing over me.
That’s when I saw them.
Aiden had Derek by the hand, dragging him through the crowd like a prized trophy. Derek was laughing at something, shoulders relaxed, eyes warm. He looked happy. The kind of happy I’d never really seen on him back In Silverclaw.
Then Aiden led him right to my father.
My entire body tensed, waiting.
But my father–stoic, reserved, proud–extended his hand. Derek took it. And instead of icy formality, there was a quiet exchange I couldn’t hear, and a nod that looked a lot like respect.
Chapter 180
