Chapter 3: The Summons

The palace bells rang shortly after sunrise, their deep echoes rolling across the Silvercrest Pack.

Seraphina stood alone on the eastern balcony, staring at the endless forest beyond the walls. Normally, the morning breeze calmed her restless mind, but today every gust only reminded her of the cold emptiness growing inside her.

She hadn't slept.

Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Kael standing motionless in the ballroom, unable to look away from Lyra.

The image replayed over and over until she finally gave up trying to rest.

A knock sounded at her chamber door.

"My Luna," a servant called respectfully. "The council requests your presence in the Great Hall."

Seraphina closed her eyes briefly.

"Tell them I'll be there shortly."

"Yes, my Luna."

She changed into her official Luna attire—a dark emerald gown embroidered with silver thread. The gown represented strength and authority, yet today it felt heavier than armor.

As she walked through the palace corridors, conversations stopped.

Servants bowed.

Warriors saluted.

But she caught the sympathetic looks they exchanged after she passed.

The news had already spread throughout the entire palace.

The Alpha had found his fated mate.

Inside the Great Hall, every council member was already seated around the circular stone table.

Kael occupied the Alpha's chair at the center.

He looked exhausted.

Dark circles had formed beneath his silver eyes, proof that he hadn't slept either.

"Luna Seraphina," Elder Marcus greeted.

"Please, take your seat."

She quietly sat beside Kael, leaving a noticeable gap between them.

No one missed it.

"We have received a formal request from Alpha Orion," Marcus announced.

"He wishes to visit Silvercrest this afternoon with Lady Lyra."

Silence filled the chamber.

"For what purpose?" Seraphina finally asked.

"To discuss the bond," another elder answered.

Kael immediately shook his head.

"There's nothing to discuss."

"With respect, Alpha," Elder Helena replied, "there is everything to discuss."

"A fated bond between two noble bloodlines affects far more than personal feelings."

"I already have a Luna."

"And no one questions Luna Seraphina's position," Marcus said carefully.

"But ignoring the Moon Goddess's will has consequences."

"Then let those consequences fall on me," Kael answered firmly.

The council members exchanged uncertain glances.

Seraphina remained silent.

She appreciated Kael's determination, yet she could hear the hesitation hidden beneath every word he spoke.

His heart was fighting.

His wolf was not.

"Very well," Marcus finally sighed.

"But refusing the meeting entirely may offend Moonvale."

"Then we'll receive them as honored guests," Kael decided.

"Nothing more."

The meeting ended shortly afterward.

As the elders filed out, Kael caught up with Seraphina outside the chamber.

"Can we talk?"

She stopped walking but didn't turn around.

"We're talking now."

"Not like this."

"How else should we talk? Like nothing happened?"

Kael rubbed a hand across his face.

"I'm trying, Seraphina."

"I know you are."

"Then why won't you let me help?"

She finally faced him.

"Because this isn't a wound you can stitch closed."

Before Kael could answer, hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway.

"Alpha!" Captain Rowan called.

"Scouts have returned from the eastern border."

"What happened?"

"They encountered rogues near Black Hollow."

Kael frowned.

"Rogues this close?"

"Yes, Alpha."

"Several villages reported strange movements during the night."

"Double the border patrols," Kael ordered immediately.

"And send another scouting party."

"At once."

Rowan hurried away.

Seraphina watched him disappear before speaking.

"I'll lead the second patrol."

"Absolutely not," Kael replied instantly.

"Why not?"

"Because I need you here."

"No, Kael."

Her voice remained calm.

"You need me close because you're afraid I'll leave."

His silence confirmed it.

"I'm still your Luna," she continued.

"Protecting this pack is my duty."

"Not while everything is... like this."

"Especially because everything is like this."

Without waiting for permission, she walked away.

Several hours later, the palace gates opened once more.

A procession of white carriages entered the courtyard beneath banners bearing the crest of Moonvale Pack.

Nobles gathered to welcome their guests.

Kael stood at the front of the stairs with Seraphina beside him.

The carriage door opened.

Lyra Evermoon stepped gracefully onto the stone pathway.

Today she wore a silver traveling cloak fastened with a sapphire brooch.

She looked around nervously before her gaze found Kael.

The invisible bond stirred instantly.

Kael's wolf pushed against the surface again.

He clenched his fists.

Lyra lowered her eyes immediately, clearly struggling against the same pull.

"Alpha Kael," Alpha Orion greeted warmly.

"Thank you for receiving us."

"You're welcome in Silvercrest," Kael replied formally.

Orion turned toward Seraphina and bowed respectfully.

"Luna Seraphina. It's an honor."

"Welcome to our home," she answered with perfect composure.

Only Kael noticed how tightly she was gripping her own hands behind her back.

Lyra finally stepped forward.

"Luna..." she said softly.

"I never wanted to cause you pain."

Seraphina studied the young woman carefully.

There was no arrogance in her eyes.

Only guilt.

"Neither of us chose this," Seraphina replied honestly.

"But we're the ones who must live with it."

Lyra nodded sadly.

For a brief moment, the two women simply looked at one another.

Neither was truly the enemy.

The true enemy was the cruel hand of fate itself.

Watching from an upper balcony, an elderly woman hidden beneath a black hood smiled faintly.

"The prophecy has begun," she whispered.

"The rejected moon will soon walk the path of shadows... and when she does, the kingdoms will never be the same."