Kain was practically oozing smug, like he already saw the Alpha crest hanging around his neck.

Yeah—didn't last.

The second the pack filled the great hall, Theron stepped down from the platform, gripping that scepter carved with wolf fangs.

His silver-white hair caught the lights. Dude was ancient—like over a hundred—but still stood like a legend.

He reached for my hand, smiling.

"Big day," he said, his voice carrying as he scanned the room. "Eve's come of age. And just like I promised her father, she'll choose one of my sons as her mate. Once she does, that wolf the next Alpha."

Everyone had their theories about who'd take over Silvermoon. Being Alpha wasn't just a title—it meant total control.

Gasps rippled through the hall. All eyes snapped to Kain, some lit with envy.

Yeah, they all remembered how hard I used to fall for him.

"Now," Theron said, patting my hand, "let the chosen step forward. I'll witness it myself."

Kain shot up straighter, chin high, already halfway into his victory strut—until Theron threw up a hand.

Then Theron turned, gaze softening toward the corner.

Cayce.

He'd swapped into the ceremonial look—hair tied back tight, every angle of his face sharp enough to cut. In his hand, a bundle of Moonpetals, still glowing from the cedar woods.

He walked up, steady as ever, and stopped in front of me.

"You ready, Eve?" His voice was low. Certain.