Chapter 12
Lysandra’s POV
Bright chandeliers cast their golden over the crowded ballroom. The weight of multiple gazes settled on me at Kieran
and I lingered at the entrance. Five years had passed since I’d last attended an event outside Moonshade Pack, and my heart threatened to beat out of my chest.
Ready to face the wolves, beautiful?” Kieran murmured, his warm eyes scanning my face for signs of distress.
I managed a tight nod and placed my hand in his outstretched palm. His fingers closed around mine, solid and reassuring. With a steadying breath, I stepped forward, the black satin of my gown flowing like liquid night around my legs.
The Moon Ring Council gathering was everything Alaric had described–a parade of wealth and power. Alpha leaders and their Lunas mingled throughout the ballroom, dressed in designer couture and exquisite tailoring that screamed status.
-0
My brother had insisted on selecting my dress- black satin creation with a plunging back that hugged my curves before cascading to the floor. “If you’re going to hide who you “he’d said with a grin, “at least make them remember the mysterious woman they met.”
“Half the men in this room can’t take their
eyes you,” Kieran whispered as we moved deeper into the crowd.
off
I felt the stares–curious, appreciative, speculative. Just as many female gazes were trained on Kieran, whose rugged handsomeness in a tailored suit was undeniably striking.
Kieran introduced me to several Moon Ring Council members. I quickly noticed how they greeted him with genuine respect and warmth, confirming what Alaric had told me about Kieran’s excellent reputation among the council’s elite
circle.
The council members gathered around us, their expressions brightening with recognition as they studied me.
“Well, look who it is! Lysandra Ravencroft in the flesh,”
meet you.”
one
council member said. “After all this time, we finally get to
“Thanks for having me,” I replied with a practiced smile. “Nice party you’ve got here.”
“Let us show you around,” another council member chimed in eagerly. “There’s a bunch of people you should meet, especially Dr. Frostwhisper-”
“Pardon the interruption,” I cut in, “but might I make a request?”
Kieran shot me a sideways glance. “What are you doing, Lyss?”
I silenced him with a subtle squeeze of his hand.
“Could you keep my real identity under wraps tonight?”
The council members traded confused looks. “Seriously? Why would you want-”
“I just don’t want other packs knowing who I am, that’s all.”
“But you’re practically a celebrity with your position and-”
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Chapter 12
Trust me I’ve got my reasons, I said firmly.
One of the council members exchanged a look with Kieran, lips twitching. “Has she always been this stubborn, Kieran
Kieran chuckled, and I sent him a pointed mental question. Why are you laughing?
I don’t know, he responded, his face a mask of innocence. They’re laughing, so I decided to join in. You should play along. Remember, they’re Moon Ring Council members.
When Kieran became absorbed in pack politics w
tall windows overlooking moonlit gardens, I accepte council members, I excused myself. Finding a quiet corner near
a flute of champagne from a passing server and took a small sip.
Too sweet, Astrid commented in my mind. That wolf by the bar keeps staring at us. His wolf is interested.
Not interested back, I replied, scanning the room for any familiar faces from Silverblood.
I’d just set my glass down when two women approached, the recognized me.
expressions shifting from surprise to malice as they
“Lysandra? What are you doing here?” the taller one demanded, her voice sharp with anger.
I kept my expression blank. “I’m afraid you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”
“Don’t play dumb,” the second woman hissed. “We thought you’d died out there. long?”
could a wolfless werewolf survive this
The ballroom abruptly fell silent. A powerful Alpha presence entered, making the air heavy and thick. I felt it before I saw its source–a primal, overwhelming force that commanded attention without effort.
“She’s right,” the second woman continued, emboldened by my silence. “I mean, after being rejected by Alpha Tristan, you have the nerve to show up in public?”
I met her gaze steadily. “Are you finished?”
My calm response only agitated them further.
“You have no shame, do you?” The first woman stepped closer. “Forgotten you’re not Luna anymore? Or are you here to catch our Alpha’s attention again?”
“Shut your mouth and get away from me,” I warned, feeling Astrid stir beneath my skin.
The woman raised her hand to strike me. I caught her wrist mid–air, my reflexes faster than she’d anticipated.
“Ow! Let go!” she whined, struggling against my grip.
My attention shifted beyond her shoulder to the source of the overwhelming presence I’d felt moments before.
There he stood–Tristan Wolfbane.
His tailored black suit showed off his powerful frame, obviously custom–made for those broad shoulders. The crowd had split apart for him like the Red Sea, leaving him a clear view of our little drama. His Alpha energy hit so hard it was turning heads across the ballroom.
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Chapter 12
His gray–blue eyes locked onto mine, edges rimmed with blood red. Five years hadn’t changed a thing–still drop des gorgeous, still cold as ice.
In that single look, everything came rushing back. The nightmare marriage, the ritual that cut our bond, running for my life through the forest–all of it hit me at once. I didn’t think seeing him would still punch me in the gut like this after five
years.
I tossed the woman’s wrist away. “Better watch yourself in front of your Alpha.”
The women’s eyes bugged out when they spotted Tristan behind them. Their faces switched to innocent little angels in a heartbeat.
“Alpha Tristan,” they mumbled together, staring at their shoes.
He completely ignored them. His eyes stayed locked on me, his face impossible to read.
The women scurried away, vanishing into the crowd. I turned to bolt in the opposite direction, but Tristan stepped in front of me, cutting me off.
“You’ve got some nerve showing up here,” he said, voice cold enough to freeze hell.
The coldness in his tone reopened wounds I thought had long healed. Yet something unexpected happened–Astrid, my purple wolf, surged forward with excitement, letting out a joyful cry that confused and terrified me.
MATE! she howled in my mind. MATE! MATE! MATE!
Ifroze in disbelief, unable to process what was happening. How could my wolf–my loyal, protective Astrid–possibly recognize this cruel man as my mate after everything he’d done to us?
