Chapter 131
Annalise
The night was alive with energy.
The moon loomed full and bright, bathing the palace grounds in an ethereal silver glow. Below me, the Shifting Ceremony was in full swing—wolves of all ranks gathered under the open sky, waiting for their first or next transformation.
I sat above, watching from the grand balcony, my fingers curling against the cool marble.
Tonight could be my night.
The mate bond had weakened the cursed mark enough that there was a real chance I would shift for the first time. My wolf was close—I could feel her, a whisper in the back of my mind, restless and eager.
And yet, despite that anticipation, my mind was elsewhere.
Something else had my attention.
The party was held at the palace, not in Thalvion. I made sure to fulfill my duties as Que
