At Barduff Castle, the grand moon altar had never been more magnificent, with ceremonial torches flickering in the descending sun, the stone carved with ancient runes polished to a high gleam, and the altar draped in pale silver cloth. As if the land itself were holding its breath, the air was motionless, almost too motionless.
Only a day before, the unexpected wedding had been called, and guests from all three allied packs had gathered. With the union tying Silverwind and Nightwind's fates together, no one dared to miss the short notice.
Alpha Samuel and Luna Henrietta of Tailwind Pack were seated at the front, close to the altar, looking majestic in deep emerald hues. Sitting between them, their son, who was still too young to rule but old enough to watch, looked anxiously between the bride and groom. Alpha Marcus and Luna Evelyn of Whitedawn, longtime allies with battle lines and wisdom etched on their faces, stood next to them. Despite their polite nods as the ceremony got underway, their simulated calm was accompanied by uneasiness.
Nicholas and Amelia, both kids in their best clothes, stood beside Leah. Unable to understand but restless, Tobin held on to her skirt. Leah's eyes did not meet her smile. She had cold hands.
And behind them all stood guards with heightened attention to detail—for even a wedding was a kind of battlefield in wolf country.
Wearing a silver gown that glistened like frost, Serafina stood beneath the moonstone arch. She was identified as the daughter of an Alpha by the delicate circlet that rested on her brow. Her face was regal, trained, and expressionless.
Thomas Shaw was standing across from her, wearing traditional Silverwind formal attire with white and dark navy trim. His posture was proud, but his jaw was clenched. If he harbored inner turmoil, he buried it under layers of obedient determination.
Invoking the Moon Mother's blessing and requesting strength and harmony, the officiant started the ceremony.
Leah averted her gaze a little. her shoulders shaking.
She had witnessed Serafina's transformation from a timid, motherless youngster into a fearless fighter and a woman who should not have been burdened. And now, Leah's heart broke in silence as her stepdaughter committed herself to a man who wasn't her mate.
Before the kids could notice, she brushed away a tear that had fallen down her cheek.
There was an uncanny silence as the vows were exchanged. Even though Serafina's soul was whispering cautions in the hollow of her chest, her voice remained unwavering. Thomas's voice was clear, but his gaze flickered once, just once, to the rear of the courtyard, where Susanna stood with her hands clasped tightly in front of her, surrounded by servants.
A silver-threaded sash was tied between their wrists to seal the final bond. The audience cheered.
Suddenly, the alliance was guaranteed.
Leah closed her eyes and prayed in a whisper.
However, clouds gathered above the castle, darkening the moon as it rose.