Zephyrine I arrived at White Pack under the night sky. It’s a smaller pack compared to Hue, but its members are friendly and humble. I made my way toward the Dusk family’s abode and came across Alpha Aeudric speaking with his Beta and some elders in the garden. “Zephyr,” he called. I turned and bowed in his direction. “You’ve come for the trip to the Lycan Kingdom?” I nodded in response, and his face lit up with a grateful smile. He turned to the elders. “She helped us seal the deal tonight. Now everyone will hear the name of White Pack that it’s from our pack the host of the Lycan coronation will be chosen.” Then, he looked back at me. “The carriage will be waiting. Inform Dessyn that you’ll be accompanied by guards.” “Alright, Alpha Aeudric.” I left the garden and arrived at the doorstep of the Dusk family home. For a few seconds, I stood still, steadying my breath. I’d pulled down my long hair to hide the faint marks left behind by that slap. And just as I raised my hand to knock, I heard movement behind me. Slowly, I turned and my eyes settled on Moon. Taller now. Broader. Handsome in a quiet, understated way. Dessyn’s younger brother, once my junior in rank on the battlefield, now fully grown. He carried a basin of water he’d just fetched, but upon seeing me, it slipped from his hands and spilled to the ground. I offered him a small smile, but instead of smiling back, he closed the distance between us and hugged me tight. His devotion has always been fierce. And I’d be lying to myself if I claimed not to notice his affection. It wasn’t the fondness of a brother-in-law or a junior. Not the innocent admiration of a boy who knew me as his sister’s friend. No. This was different. A man’s silent claim. I’ve caught him staring when he thought I’d fallen asleep. I’ve watched him take an arrow for me in battle. I’ve seen the longing he tries to hide. But to me, he’ll always be my younger brother. I gently pulled back from the embrace and smiled. I had stayed away from White Pack partly because of him. And now, I could no longer escape it. “Is Dessyn at home?” I asked. He nodded and eagerly opened the door. “My father is here, but my mother went on a trip.” “Oh.” I stepped into the small living room and paused at the doorway. Nathan, Dessyn’s father, sat on an old recliner reading a weathered book. I swallowed at the sight of him and walked forward to pay my respects. “Father.” He paused his reading, lifting his head slowly. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw me. “My child. How have you been?” “I’m fine, Father.” “We heard about what you did for our pack. Thank you so much. Your friend’s in her chamber. Moon Goddess knows she needs maximum help.” I smiled faintly and headed down the familiar hallway to Dessyn’s room. She was bent over her bed, staring at various sketches of goblets. When she noticed me, she sighed in relief. “Good thing you’re here, best friend. I can’t seem to choose wisely. What type of goblets will fit for the guests at the coronation?” “Hmm…” I walked over to take the sketches from her. “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 my cheek. I looked away quickly, blinking, but she pulled my hair back gently to get a better view. “This is the height of it, Zephyr,” she said, anger simmering in her voice. “If Jurrek or any member of Ash Pack saw this, they’d come for blood.” I stared at nothing for a moment before exhaling shakily. “I demanded a rejection.” “W…what?” “I… I was called a harlot, Dessyn. And my mother? A prostitute.” I turned to face her, eyes hollow. “I don’t deserve to be an Ashmere.” “Zephyr…” “I couldn’t find my brother. I couldn’t make my mate love me, and…” She didn’t let me finish. She pulled me into a tight embrace.“This is the best decision you’ve ever made, Zephyr.” She pulled back to meet my eyes. “Enough of all this. Nyroth never loved you, and you know it. You’re holding on because it was your parents’ greatest wish for you to marry but we both know they’d never rest in the afterlife if you were trapped in a loveless bond.” I sighed, my throat tightening. She gave my hand another reassuring squeeze. “Zephyr?” I looked at her, and she nodded firmly. “You can come here. Stay here until Varyn 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 Aeudric 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?” Love. Sincerity. Support. My wolf felt it all from Dessyn unwavering loyalty.I turned slowly toward the wall, my eyes tracing its cracks as if I could see beyond it. I couldn’t. 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. Dessyn nodded. Just then, a knock came to the front door. We walked to the window to peek out. The guards were already waiting. Dessyn pulled away from the curtain to grab her robe. “Let’s go, Zephyr. We’ve got a lot to do.” And I rushed after her, to help her prepare for the Lycan King's coronation.