Amaris woke to the soft pressure of her mother's hand on her shoulder.
"Sweetheart, get up," her mum whispered gently. "Go take your bath. I'll pack your things for you. Don't worry about anything."
She added with a bright smile, "I already laid out a dress for you."
Still half-asleep, Amaris smiled back. "Thanks, Mum. You're the best."
She blew her a playful kiss, then dragged herself to the bathroom.
She turned on the shower, adjusting the knob until the water settled perfectly between hot and cold—warm, soothing. After bathing, she dried off, rubbed in her body cream and scented oil, then sat in front of her mirror to start her skin routine. When she finished applying her lip gloss, she turned to pick up the dress on her bed…
…and froze.
"What the— Mum!" she called sharply.
Her mother rushed in with an excited grin. "I knew you'd like it! You look so—"
Then she caught Amaris's horrified expression and blinked. "You… don't like it?"
"No I don't mum, what even is this?" Amaris held up the skimpy dress like it could suddenly develop fangs and bite her.
Her mother frowned in confusion. "A few of my friends told me this is what young human girls wear to attract males. I thought you'd love it. You don't like the whole mate business, so I thought maybe this would help you feel more… familiar? Maybe bond with the single males in the Zypher Moon pack?"
"Mum," Amaris sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Those people your friends are talking about are paid to get men. It's not what you think. And they're lycans, remember? We don't mix with them because they're dangerous."
Her mother hesitated. "You've never cared much about differences so I thought—"
Amaris stepped forward and held her shoulders gently.
"I get you, okay? I really do. But I can't wear this. I'm not dangling myself like meat in front of wolves and men alike. And besides, this is something you wear to a club. Dad won't approve. You know that."
Her mother exhaled, a soft defeated sigh. "You're right. I just… I feel like you're so alone out there. I want you to be happy."
"Mum," Amaris murmured, smiling softly, "no one needs someone else to make them happy. I'm fine on my own."
Her mother nodded slowly. "Well, your bag is packed. Wear whatever you like."
Then she left the room.
Alone, Amaris released a deep breath and dug through her bag. She finally chose a long maxi skirt that hugged her waist to her knees before flowing freely to her ankles, a black tight crop-tube top, and simple heels.
A house help stood ready by the door and carried her bag to the car. Outside, Evan spotted her immediately.
"How was your night?" he asked.
"Why do you care?" she shot back.
He smirked. "Oh, look at you. Picking up bad human habits already. I was shocked as to when our little princess started becoming a spitfire."
He laughed loudly, and she pouted.
"Shut up Evan"
Their mum called him, and before he went, he ruffled her hair—hard.
"What the hell, Evan!" she squealed, fixing her hair while he ran off laughing.
A few minutes later, everyone settled into the car. Travis stayed behind to watch the pack since both alpha and beta weren't supposed to be gone at once.
But since it was a case of emergency, they'd have to leave behind someone capable enough in case anything happened during their absence.
Her father turned, meeting her eyes through the rearview mirror. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, Dad."
He nodded and started the engine.
The drive was long—farther than any of them liked. Werewolves and lycans rarely mixed, and the border between their territories sat deep, deep into unfamiliar land. By evening, the sky had dimmed, and Amaris's stomach twisted with unease.
At first, she thought it was just her… until she noticed Evan drumming anxiously on his lap, her mother sitting stiff with discomfort, and her father wearing a cold, emotionless glare.
She'd never fully understood the tension between werewolves and lycans. She'd only heard stories—never seen one herself.
They drove deeper until a thick forest blocked the road.
"…Are we lost?" she asked carefully.
"No," her father answered. "Someone's guiding us."
Guiding them?
She blinked.
Evan leaned toward her. "One of the reasons no one ever knows where lycans live. They only give directions. Someone has been following us since we crossed Blue Ridge. You'd have sensed them if you had a wolf."
The words stung. As usual, she was the odd one out.
Then the forest shifted—and a woman stepped through the trees. Her aura rolled off her like thunder. Amaris's breath caught.
So this is what being close to lycans feels like…
"Step out and state your business," the woman demanded.
Their father got out, clearly irritated. "Representatives from Alpha Marcius. I'm his beta. As you know, he's on vacation with his family."
Evan clicked his tongue beside Amaris. "Acting all high and mighty. She's of lesser rank than him, but she has the nerve to order him out."
How he knew she wasn't of high rank went over Amaris head, she couldn't even guess. Wolf instincts, she supposed.
"I'm sure you were notified of the change in meeting, so I don't see why you and your people have decided to inconvenience me and my family" her father said again.
"I apologize," the woman said, giving a polite bow. "We have strict procedures we follow. Welcome, Beta. Zypher Moon is pleased to have you here."
"Mages," she called.
"Open the door."
And before Amaris's eyes, the forest didn't open like a gate…
It parted magically, folding itself away like a curtain being pulled back.
No wonder no one ever found the lycans territory.
Her father got back into the car after the woman gestured.
"You may proceed."
The moment they rolled forward, Amaris felt it—
A shift in the air.
A pressure.
A presence.
Something… someone… powerful.
Waiting.