Chapter 2

The alpha daughters around them surged forward with envious sighs:

"That gown was made by the most renowned seamstress in the pack — it took her three full months. And Nathaniel won it just for you, Lily!"

"Nathaniel cares so much about you."

"I heard the Harmon and Voss families go way back. They were going to arrange a match between their children."

"So the Voss family had their eye on Lily all along? How enviable."

Lily accepted the gown with a triumphant smile and disappeared to the back to try it on.

Nathaniel watched her go with that familiar indulgent expression, then turned to me. "Evelyn, I know I broke my word to you. But Lily said it was the only thing she wanted for her awakening ceremony, and I couldn't refuse her."

"As for the hairband — I don't know why the Northern Border alpha's son won't part with it. But it doesn't matter. When I come to propose, I'll have one custom-made at Silver Moon Jewelers — even more beautiful than the one your mother left you."

I blinked back tears, my eyes burning. "I only fear there may never be another chance."

Nathaniel looked regretful but stood there, unable to find the words.

My half-sister emerged in the gown, tugging at Nathaniel's sleeve with a bright laugh. "Thank you, Nate. This is the best awakening ceremony gift I've ever received."

Then she tilted her head at me, her voice dripping with mock comfort. "Sister, some things are over — why hold on? That hairband is beautiful, yes, but it's a dead woman's possession. Isn't it bad luck to cling to it?"

"Would you really have Nate commission an exact replica of a dead woman's token as a proposal gift? Wouldn't that be terribly unlucky?"

Nathaniel stepped in to smooth things over. "All right, it's my fault entirely — it's just a hairband. I'll have several made. When I come to propose, I'll bring them all as an apology to Evelyn."

On the way back, when I stayed silent, Nathaniel finally lost patience. His expression hardened. "How long are you going to sulk over an object? The dead are gone. Aren't the living more important?"

"Is your mother's old hairband worth more than Lily's awakening ceremony? She is your sister."

"This behavior today — this pettiness — it's unworthy of an alpha's daughter. Think about that."

"If you keep acting like this, I'll have to reconsider whether you're fit to be the luna of the Voss pack. This match — I may need to think it over."

And with that, he mounted his horse and rode away.

Three days later came Lily Harmon's wolf awakening ceremony.

Her mother, the mistress Gloria Harmon, had been preparing for months.

After my mother died, my father had showered his mistress and her daughter with favor, moving Gloria into my mother's quarters.

Lily had always been treated as if she were an alpha's daughter by birth.

If not for the influence of my maternal grandfather, my father would likely have made Gloria his new luna long ago.

So for Lily's awakening ceremony, invitations went out to every luna and alpha daughter in the pack.

And this same day was when the Voss family had agreed to arrive with their formal proposal.

The hall was full of guests. Someone joked about when they could expect to toast both unions.

Nathaniel caught my eye, looking slightly uncomfortable, then smiled. "Our families' match was always meant to be settled — I was thinking three months from now for the wedding date. Evelyn, does that suit you?"

One of the lunas who knew both families spoke up. "Wasn't the original date set for one month from now?"

Nathaniel lowered his gaze, his voice quieter. "Evelyn, we discussed this. Because your maternal grandfather won't allow Lily's mother to be formally recognized, Lily is still considered omega-blooded — it makes it harder for her to find a match."

"Her situation is difficult. I truly feel for her."

"I spoke with your father. He agreed that Lily should enter the Voss household first, one month from now, and then I would welcome you three months later."

A hush fell over the entire room.

Someone drew a sharp breath. "He's asking the omega-blooded daughter to take the luna's place — and sending the alpha's daughter in afterward?"

I held Nathaniel's gaze and asked clearly, "Is this the decision of both the Voss family and my father? That Lily Harmon should be the Westridge alpha's son's luna?"