​🗡️ Chapter Nine: The Betrayal of Blood
​　Lyra returned an hour later with a tablet loaded with Silver Moon Pack lore, and a fresh change of clothes. She didn't look at me directly, clearly unnerved by the Anchor's increased power.
​　"The Alpha requires you to wear this," she said, handing me a dress made of heavy, dark velvet. It was beautiful, formal, and looked impossibly difficult to tear.
​　"Why the formality?" I asked, taking the dress.
​　"It's a traditional Silver Moon garment for a new mate. But more practically, Alpha Kael has reinforced the lining with a fine layer of silver thread. It helps channel the Anchor's static energy away from the interior of the cabin. It's for our safety, not yours." Her honesty was stark.
​　I put the dress on. It was constricting, heavy, and made me feel more like a prisoner dressed for execution than a newly claimed mate.
