The next day, Damien canceled all pack business, declaring he would take me to the Winter Moon Festival in town. His enthusiasm seemed genuine, almost desperate.
The human world burst with color and life compared to our stark territory in the frozen north. Street vendors called out their wares while children darted between stalls trailing sparklers.
Despite everything, I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement. The festival’s energy was infectious.
If not for Damien, I would never have chosen to live in such an isolated, desolate place…
But now, none of that mattered. In two weeks, I’d be free.
Damien kept me pressed close as we walked through the crowded festival, his hand constantly reaching to adjust my moonstone necklace – his mating gift. Each touch felt like a brand on my skin.
A young wolf pup with bright eyes bounced up to us, clutching a basket of flowers.
“Alpha King!” She bobbed in an awkward curtsy. “Moonlight flowers for your mate? They only bloom during full moons – they mean eternal love!”
The flowers glowed with a soft silver light, beautiful and rare.
I tensed, about to refuse, but Damien was already picking through them with a pleased smile.
He examined each bloom carefully, finally announcing, “I’ll take them all. How could I resist such a perfect symbol?”
“Wait.” The word escaped before I could stop it.
