(Yvette’s POV)
The afternoon sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my Central Territory hotel suite as I made final preparations for today’s intimate gathering. I had invited several influential she-wolves from the most prestigious packs, hoping to further establish Audrey Winter’s reputation among the elite circles.
My fingers moved carefully through my jewelry collection, selecting pieces that would complement my ceremonial robe. As I reached for my emerald earrings, my hand brushed against the ancient gold wolf pendant resting in its velvet-lined box.
This pendant was a gift from my grandmother decades ago, crafted by some of the most skilled artisans in our pack. The delicate wolf design looks beautiful in the light and “Grace” on the back is her name.
There are two such pendants – one for myself, and one for my sister who died prematurely. The one I am now holding, which belonged to my sister, the one for myself, has been lost, lost with the abduction of my daughter Lyra.
A soft knock interrupted my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, fastening the pendant around my neck.
Beta Thornwood entered with a slight bow. “Luna Riverwind, the guests are beginning to arrive. Audrey Winter has just entered the lobby.”
“Excellent,” I replied, smoothing down my robe. “Please ensure the moonlight wine is properly chilled, and have the servers offer the herbal tea blends we discussed.”
As I made my way toward the suite’s main sitting area, my heart swelled with maternal pride thinking about Audrey. The young she-wolf reminded me so much of myself at that age – intelligent, determined, and possessing an inner strength that commanded respect.
The door chimed softly as Audrey arrived, her graceful presence immediately brightening the room. She wore a elegant blue dress that brought out the emerald tones in her eyes, and her auburn hair was styled in a simple but sophisticated manner.
“Luna Riverwind,” she greeted me warmly, offering a respectful bow. “Thank you for including me in tonight’s gathering.” “The pleasure is entirely mine, dear,” I assured her, moving closer to embrace her gently. “You look absolutely radiant tonight.”
As Audrey straightened from our embrace, something caught the light at her throat. My breath caught in my chest, and I had to steady myself against the doorframe. The golden pendant nestled against her collarbone was identical to my own.
The delicate wolf design, the way the gold caught the afternoon light filtering through the windows, even the size and proportions – everything was exactly the same. My heart began racing as memories flooded back.
“That’s a beautiful pendant,” I managed, my voice slightly strained despite my efforts to sound casual. “May I ask where you acquired it?”
Audrey’s hand moved unconsciously to touch the piece, her fingers tracing the familiar wolf shape. A soft smile crossed her features as she spoke.
“This was given to me by my foster father’s sister,” she explained. “She said it was on me when she found me as a pup.” My legs felt suddenly weak. This couldn’t be possible. Could it?
“Found you?” I pressed gently, trying to keep my voice steady. “You were found as a pup?”
Audrey nodded, though I noticed a flicker of sadness cross her expression. “Yes. I don’t remember much from before then. Winter’s family took me in when I was very young.”
My heart hammered against my ribs as I examined the pendant more closely without being obvious about it. The craftsmanship was definitely from our pack’s artisans – I would recognize that particular style anywhere.
“Would you mind if I looked at it more closely?” I asked, my hands beginning to tremble slightly. “The workmanship appears quite exceptional.”
“Of course,” Audrey replied, reaching up to unclasp the chain. “I’ve always wondered about its origin myself.”
As she placed the pendant in my palm, I felt the familiar weight of the gold. My fingers turned it over automatically, searching for the inscription I both hoped and feared to find.
There it was. Etched in the same delicate script as my own pendant: “Grace.”
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