(Audrey’s POV)
Arthur Moonstone didn’t respond immediately. His obsidian eyes seemed distant, focused on something beyond the confined space of the luxury vehicle. The silence stretched between us like a physical presence, filled with the weight of our shared past.
Finally, he spoke, his voice so soft I nearly missed it. “Does it hurt?”
I glanced down at my wrist, where the bracelet once again concealed the scar. “It hasn’t hurt for a long time.”
“I don’t mean the scar,” Arthur clarified, still not meeting my gaze. “I mean… everything. The past.”
I considered his question carefully. It deserved honesty, not platitudes.
“It wasn’t the most painful thing,” I admitted. “I used to be terrified of even silver needles during blood draws at the Wolf Medical Center. Remember how you had to practically drag me there for my annual pack health assessment?”
A ghost of a smile flickered across Arthur’s face, there and gone in an instant.
“I don’t fear pain as much anymore,” I continued. “When spirit sickness consumes you… physical pain becomessecondary.”
Arthur’s jaw tightened visibly.
“In the Sunstone Territories, I stopped taking wolfsbane medication for a while,” I revealed, keeping my voice steady. “During that time, I didn’t even think about the physical pain when the silver cut into my skin. I couldn’t react quickly enough to stop it.”
Arthur’s body tensed, but he maintained his composure.
The luxury vehicle slowed as we reached the Silver Moon Territory Hotel’s ceremonial entrance, the timing cutting our conversation mercifully short.
‘Thank you for the ride,” I said as I prepared to exit. “I should find Luna Riverwind.”
Arthur nodded, his expression carefully neutral once more. As I walked away from him toward the gleaming entrance, I realized something profound had shifted within me. I had changed, though I couldn’t precisely pinpoint how or when the transformation had occurred.
The familiar sounds of pack greetings and subtle territorial posturing filled the air as I entered the ceremonial den. High-ranking Alphas and pack elders mingled throughout the expansive space, their ceremonial robes marking their status and affiliations.
Several unfamiliar faces dotted the crowd – newcomers Likely brought by influential figures seeking to expand their alliances.From across the room, Yvette Riverwind spotted me. Hen elegant hand rose in a subtle wave, beckoning me over. As lapproached, I couldn’t help but admire her presence.
Despite being nearly fifty moon cycles old, she carried herself with the confidence and grace of a much younger she-wolf.
“You made it,” she greeted warmly. “And right on time.”
“Thank you for inviting me,” I replied, genuinely grateful for her patronage.
My eyes were drawn to her ceremonial robe – a stunning creation of midnight blue fabric with subtle silver accents.
The material seemed to shimmer under the ceremonial lighting, but what caught my attention was the distinctive scent emanating from it.
“Your robe,” I said, unable to hide my surprise. “The healing potion it’s been soaked in – that’s one of my formulations from the Inter-Pack Healing Council last year.”
Yvette’s eyes lit up with delight.
• “You recognized it! Yes,
it’s a recent import to the territory. I was absolutely enchanted by the aroma.”
She leaned closer, lowering her voice confidentially. “You wouldn’t believe the lengths my Beta Assistant went to in order to acquire it from abroad. I had to pull strings with three separate territory shipping authorities!”
A she-wolf standing nearby – Luna Silvertail of theEastern Mountain Pack – turned at Yvette’s animated explanation.
“The heating properties are remarkable,” Luna Silvertail commented, elegantly running her fingers along Yvette’s sleeve. “The fabric maintains its potency even after multiple wearings. Who formutated this?”
Yvette’s smile widened as she placed a hand on my shoulder. “May I present Audrey Winter,” she announced proudly. “My Beta Assistant used considerable effort to bring her back from the Sunstone Territories.”
Luna Silvertail’s eyebrows rose with interest.
“She’s a genius healing specialist,” Yvette continued, her voice carrying just enough to attract the attention of nearby wolves. “Master Elara’s chosen disciple, known internationally as Elena, but in Northern Territory as Audrey Winter.”
I fought to keep my expression neutral, though inwardly! was stunned by Yvette’s grand introduction. She was painting me as far more significant than l actually was, creating opportunities for me to shine among Central Territory’s elite.
Luna Silvertail gave Yvette a playful swat on the arm.” You’ve been keeping such a talented healing specialist a secret! Let me guess – you’re planning to outshine everyone at the upcoming Full Moon Gathering with exclusive formulations, aren’t you?”Yvette laughed, the sound like crystal bells. “Perhaps I occasionally want to stand out,” she admitted with a wink.
“But I’m willing to share. Audrey could create something special for you too.”
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