Calla's Pov.
"I still don't understand why you go through this. He clearly doesn't want to and has chosen someone else. Choose yourself," Derata continued complaining.
I nodded. I have. I would. But Elara would explain first.
She squeezed my hands gently. "I'll take you to our pack."
I nodded.
The carriage stopped in front of the Luminary Pack, and I got down. The air under the night sky felt cleaner, and despite being smaller, the people here were good. The Alpha beamed, addressing his Beta and the few elders gathered around him.
"She helped us seal the deal tonight," he announced. "Now everyone will hear the name of the Luminary Pack. The host of the Lycan coronation will be chosen from our pack."
I forced a smile, and Derata did the same before we walked to her quarters. She got in first, and a loud sound echoed.
I turned slowly. My eyes settled on Moon, Derata's younger brother.
He had changed. Taller now, broader, handsome in a quiet, solid way. Derata's younger brother. He used to be my junior in rank on the battlefield, a skinny boy. Now he was a grown man.
His metal basin of freshly fetched water had slipped, crashing onto the porch. Water splashed over the wooden planks.
I offered him a small, careful smile. He didn't smile back. Instead, he closed the distance between us in two strides and wrapped his arms around me. The hug was tight, crushing.
His devotion had always been fierce. It felt different now, heavy with a man's silent claim. Not the simple fondness of a junior warrior or a brother-in-law. Not the innocent admiration of a boy who saw me as his sister's friend. I had noticed his affection for years. I'd caught him staring when he thought I was asleep. I'd watched him take an arrow for me in battle. I'd seen the longing he tried to hide, but to me, he had always been a younger brother.
I gently pulled back from the embrace, my smile strained. I had stayed away from the Luminary Pack partly because of this. And now, I could no longer escape it.
Derata peeped and exhaled sharply. "Come in, when you both are done." She closed the door.
He held my hand, staring into my eyes.
"I missed you," he said softly.
I forced a smile and nudged him playfully. More of this would only prove Gladys right.
"I did too," I said, smile intact. "We should talk tomorrow. I'm really tired now."
I pulled my hands away and got in before he could say anything.
Derata was bent over her bed, staring at various sketches of goblets spread out like a fan. "I can't seem to choose wisely," she said without looking. "What type of goblets will fit for the guests at the coronation?"
"Hun," I walked over and reached to take the sketches from her hand. "This one will be fine, given the fact that—"
I stopped mid-sentence.
She wasn't looking at the designs. Her gaze was fixed on me.
"Callie?"
I looked at her. "You can come here. Stay here until Kellan returns. Maybe I should even hire you for this hosting job. I need a team, and after this coronation, I'm sure new offers will come flying in. What do you think? Alpha Aedric respects the Warlord, your father. My father loves you. My younger brother will be more than happy to have you here. Even my mom was your mother's best friend. What do you think? Elara could really hurt you."
Love. Sincerity. Support. Delivered through Derata's unwavering loyalty. I turned slowly toward the wall, my eyes tracing the small cracks, looking for an answer I couldn't see. But I could feel his presence. Moon's. Living under the same roof with him, knowing I wouldn't return his feelings—it would be hard. For both of us.
"I'll think about it," I finally answered.
Derata nodded, accepting the partial answer.
By the next morning, we were up with haste. Today was the main day, and they say Derata would not tolerate any form of slacking. We were already dressed when a knock came on the door. We walked to the window to peek out. The guards were already waiting outside.
Derata pulled away from the curtain and grabbed her traveling robe.
"Let's go, Callie. We've got a lot to do."
We got there in no less than an hour and got to work immediately.
I finished wiping down the long dining table and straightened my back, trying to ignore the ache in my shoulders. Dusk had settled, and the Lycan Kingdom was coming alive. Fire-lit lamps glowed at every corner. The air smelled of cedar smoke and something richer, like spiced wine.
We had teamed up with the palace maids to finalize the dishes and drinks. Security was set for the coronation—hospitality for the guests, entertainment—everything was ready for tomorrow.
When we were finally done, I sank into a heavy wooden chair in the throne room. My exhaustion felt complete. I turned my head from Derata, and my eyes drifted toward the golden throne.
Majestic felt too small a word. It was the seat of a King. The crest of a Lycan, a shifter standing upright on two legs, was etched above it in deep, precise gold.
Lycans. They were stronger than werewolves. People said their King was the Moon Goddess's equal because the first Lycan was born from her own womb.
I lowered my gaze from the throne, weighed down by a question I had never dared to speak aloud. It felt heavy in my gut, almost a physical pain.
Why didn't they fight?
When the demons nearly destroyed us, why did the Lycans seal their gates? Why did they never interfere?
The question echoed in my chest. A soft, soothing presence slid under my skin then, pulling me from the dark thoughts. I turned toward the entrance. Princess Mairez was walking in.
She smiled when our eyes met. Her glance swept around the room, taking in every detail. She nodded once, a gesture of quiet approval.
"You got it right. My brother will be pleased."
Derata stepped forward, clearly delighted but still nervous. "Are you certain, Princess Mairez? I truly do not want to disappoint the King or my pack."
Mairez gave a soft, knowing smile. "You won't." Her eyes scanned the room one last time and finally rested on the massive throne. A fleeting expression crossed her face, something unreadable, before she smiled again. "I have something for you."
Her maid stepped forward and handed a sealed bag to me and Derata. "I hope they fit," she said with a warm smile before leaving.
Derata and I exchanged looks.
"They are clothes and shoes," she whispered, feeling the bag. My chest fluttered. "No way."
We tried on the clothes and couldn't help squealing. They fitted perfectly.
My gaze caught the obsidian. Where he lived. He was there, also watching. Derata steadied herself with me to try on the heels, pulling my attention.
"They are beautiful," she whispered in awe.
I nodded, staring at the blue diamonds. But my mind was already pulling back. I glanced again. He was gone.
I stepped back toward the window, frowning slightly. He had disappeared. Yet I stood there like a fool, waiting. Hoping he would return.
I scolded myself silently. What am I doing?
I quickly turned to join Derata, but then I heard it. A whisper that was not a whisper, a sound only in my head.
"You are beautiful."
A voice. Inside my mind.
A mind-link. But only mates can enter your thoughts. Was he the one? If it was him, how? I don't even have a wolf.