The moment Sophia finished speaking. Tyler auf two Gamta quands strolled in, nodding briefly to the shopkeeper before pulling a small puch matord with the Bikesprak crest from inside his jacket. He exchanged a few hushed words with her, and the transaction wrapped up fast,


    The Gammas carefully gathered ontwerpped packages. I shot Tyler grateful look, which he acknowledged with a simple nod friendly flickreed in his eyes.


    Outside, Amber was nowhere to be seen-small mercies, Sophia suggested lunch at a quiet neutral zone restaurant, and we invited Tyler and his Gammas ta join us rather than hover at nearby tables,


    "After what happenedst time, nobody''s letting us wander off alone," Sophia said quietly, her eyes darkening momentarily, I knew exactly what she me that night we were kidnapped had forged a connection between us that most people couldn''t understand.


    Throughout lunch, Sophia avoided sensitive topics, but when we climbed back into the carriage bound for ckwood, the finally spokesp


    "Steven talked to my fatherst night," the said, veice Ins. "About asking you to the Moon Festival."


    My heart kicked up a notch. I gestured for her to continue,


    "Father... approved." Sophia watched my face carefully. Without much objection, actually."


    Something twisted in my chest that I couldn''t quite name.


    The Moon Festival is a big deal for wolves," she continued: "You don''t jest bring anyone. It''s usually... a statement about rtionships.


    I nodded, my throat suddenly tight. I understoodpletely-showing up with Steven would signal to the entire wolfmunity that we were together.


    "Steven will ask you formally," Sophia said, her eyes holding something I couldn''t read. Past wanted to give you a heads-up!


    Thanks, I murmured, not sure if I should feel excited or terrified


    Back at ckwood, I headed straight for the training grounds where Lucas was already waiting, eager to show off his archery progress. Watching this innocent kid brought a strange calm-at least here, my role was clear, unlike the tangled mess of my personal life.


    Dwa, I hit the bulkeye!" He pointed proudly of a target with an arroy dead center.


    work, little wanior," I sled, raffling his hair. "Keep that focus up and you''ll outshoot me soon."


    Nice w


    Halfway through training, I spotted Steven at the edge of the field. He wore the deep blue robes unique to northern packs, his blonde hair catching the sunlight. He approached us with an easy smile.


    "Afternoon, warriors, he greeted. How''s training going?"


    Lucas eagerly demonstrated a few new moves for his uncle before returning to his archery practice with intense concentration.


    Steven moved closer to me. Got a minute?"


    Seeing Lucaspletely absorbed in his practice, nodded. Steven gently took my


    wrist, leading me to the shade at the training ground edge.


    "I''m guessing you''ve heard," he started directly. The Moon Festival is this weekend."


    I nodded. "Sophia mentioned something."


    "I''d like to formally invite you as mypanion, he continued, his eyes bright with sincerity. It would be the perfect opportunity to show all the packs


    what''s between us."


    I hesitated. Though Sophia had told ine ke apprised this arrangement, my heart had been torn in tale that night in B should keep mir distance, but that decision was proving bander than Ed experiet.


    "Steven, I''m not sure this is a good idea..." I said sobily, booking an


    it because we don''t kume each eher well enough? Concern tinged his voice. "I thought after that night at Mon Falls,


    1 remembered his kas by the waterfall. 11 hadn''t been had, butpared to the soul-shattering feeling Make pase mer, it was barely a flip


    "It''s not that," I rushed to exin. "My situation''s just,plicated right


    Before I could borate, Sophia appeared at the edge of the field, walking toward


    un


    "Lucas is asking for you," she smiled. "I told him you were discussing the festival. Her eyes med between Steven and me. "So? Have you epted my cousin''s invitation, a


    Steven''s expression instantly tightened with anticipation.


    Sophia must have caught my hesitation because she leaned closer, lowering her voice. ''Come on, Av. It be fun. We can get ready together, make you the most stunning warrior there. Think about it- female wantor from Shadow Creek, invited by an Alpha family heir... it be a p in the face to everyone who''s looked down on you."


    I hadn''t considered that angle. Attending the festival could boost my standing, maybe even help people reconsider their doubts about my father.


    "Besides," Sophia added, her voice dropping further, "if you''re worried about... other things... I can promise Father won''t mind. He told me so himself


    A sharp painnced through my chest. ke wouldn''t mind? Those words stabbed like a knife. Maybe that night hadn''t meant to him what it had to me. I don''t believe it!


    Fine, I finally answered, my


    w voice steadier than I felt. "I''ll go."


    Steven''s face lit up like I''d just handed him the world''s most precious gift. That''s fantastic! I promise you won''t regret it, Ava."


    He leaned down to ce a chaste kiss on my cheek, the innocent gesture only confirming my heart no longer belonged to me


    "See you then," I nodded politely, watching him exchange a few words with Sophia before leaving, joy evident in his stride..


    Sophia turned to me, her expressionplicated. "Thank you for saying yes. It means a lot to him."


    "I hope I don''t disappoint him," I admitted. "But I''m not sure...


    "Don''t worry," Sophia reassured me. "The Moon Festival is just one night, not a lifetimemitment." She paused. "And I promise, you won''t face those noble wolves alone. We''ll stand together."


    dded gratefully, though the tangled knot in my chest didn''t loose one bit


    "I should get back to Lucas''s traming," I said, turning toward the field.


    "Ava," Sophia called after me. "Whatever you d


    decide, remember you''re Shadow Creek''s bravest warrior. Don''t let ampones opinions change that.


    I smiled at her, appreciating the support, then rejoined Lucas.


    The boy was still practicing intently, lost in his own world. My eyes drifted imvoluntarily toward the main building of the Man office. A figure seemed to stand there, quietly watching the training grounds, but when I blinked again, the window was empty,


    bat tall windowke


    Maybe just my imagination. Or maybe ke really had been there, watching me


    I didn''t know which possibility broke my heart more.