The grand hall of the Bloodstone Pack shimmered under the golden glow of lanterns. Guests from distant packs, covens, and allies mingled, celebrating Aeron’s coming-of-age birthday. For most, the air was thick with excitement, with the subtle hum of latent magic—a night meant to honor age, growth, and the promise of the next generation.
But for Ember Dusk Hale, the celebration was something more.
Vespera stirred within her, a warm, low-throbbing presence, alert to currents no one else could feel. She didn’t yet know why her wolf thrummed so strongly, but the energy in the hall tugged at her, insistent and electrifying. Her eyes scanned the crowd, sharp, vigilant, yet hopeful.
And then she saw her.
A woman from the Nightshade Pack, standing quietly near the balcony, her eyes a deep ambe
