Chapter 164
Lgave her a look. “Please never say that again.
Η
“I’m just saying, interpretive storytelling? It’s a niche.”
“You’re a menace.
She shrugged, eyes glowing. “And you’re finally fun.”
+26 BONUS
The celebration picked up again as we rejoined the main crowd, lanterns flickering high above and the scent of woodsmoke mingling with honey and rosemary from the food stalls. Guests were already drifting toward the wide firelit ring that had been cleared earlier–some sitting, some standing, all watching the center with anticipation.
The drums shifted again, this time to a pulsing, steady rhythm that echoed down into my chest.
I turned toward the sound as the Moonstone Alpha stepped into the center of the ring, his voice rising smoothly over the crowd. “It is now time for one of our oldest traditions. A moment not just of celebration, but of connection.”
The murmuring quieted.
“The Courting Circle,” he announced, “is a space of open expression. Of dance, of challenge, of invitation. And perhaps…of fate.”
All around us, wolves leaned forward.
“It is open to all who are unbonded. You may choose to dance, to spar, or simply to witness.”
A ripple of excitement went through the younger crowd, a few bolder voices whooping or clapping.
Elena reappeared at my side, fresh from cleaning up after our “performance.” She had changed into a soft slate- blue wrap dress that flowed around her legs like moonlight on water, and her hair was half pulled back with silver pins that caught the firelight
I blinked. “You changed.”
“I wasn’t going to smell like glitter and stress for the rest of the night,” she replied, then leaned in and lowered her voice. “Besides, I always liked the Courting Circle.”
“Did you participate?” I asked, honestly curious.
“No. I just liked watching.
I tried to ignore the way that made my stomach tighten.
The first group entered the ring–a pair of younger wolves who’d clearly coordinated. One chose to dance, the other to spar. They began a playful routine that included twirling cloaks, exaggerated gestures, and a choreographed “accidental” collision that ended with them holding hands and bowing.
The crowd cooed and clapped.
After them, two women entered–cousins from the northern territory. They opted to spar, their movements clean and respectful. They tapped blades, traded grins, and each allowed the other a flourish before bowing in unison.
1/2
+26 BONUS
Another couple followed this time both men and their one point, one of them fakell a stumble, fell into the other
barring was sharp and fast, their rhythm practiced. At
arms, and gave a theatrical wink.
Elena smiled beside me. “Some people take the ‘courting‘ part very literally.”
“Seems smart,” 1 said. “If you’re going to get bruised, might as well flirt at the same time.”
She arched a brow. “And what would your approach be?
I gave her a look. “Apparently? Interpretive moon pantomine.”
She laughed again–soft and sudden, catching her off guard–and I had the wild, dangerous thought that I’d never wanted to kiss someone more in my life.
The Moonstone Alpha called out another name. A tall woman stepped into the circle and chose to dance. Her dress shimmered as she spun, her bare feet brushing the dirt like wind over sand. She danced with strength, with
purpose.
I could feel the energy building.
Then a name I recognized.
“Logan Farrow.”
The circle grew quieter.
Elena stiffened slightly beside me. I caught the flicker of tension in her jaw, the tightness in her posture.
Logan stepped into the ring slowly, deliberately.
He was dressed in deep gray, his sleeves rolled to the elbow the lines of his body sharp and honed. He moved like, he was born for this arena–and maybe he was. But there was a stiffness in his spine. A restraint that felt like it might snap.
The Moonstone Alpha regarded him with polite neutrality. Dance or spar?”
“Spar,” Logan replied without hesitation.
The Alpha nodded. “And your chosen opponent?”
Logan’s eyes swept the crowd.
They locked on me.
Dead center.
A hush fell around us, as if the whole courtyard had suddenly taken one breath and held it.
Logan raised his hand. Pointed straight at me.
“Him.”
