“They haven’t participated in a Claiming ceremony in decades...”
“He’s even more terrifying than the stories...”
I’ve heard those stories since childhood, how as a pup not much older than myself he slaughtered his way through three rival packs in a single night, how he drinks the blood of his enemies, how even silver wounds can’t stop him.
Not him, I think, instinctively stepping back.Anyone would be better than him.
His gaze sweeps the grove, and for one heart-stopping moment, locks onto mine. Recognition flickers as his nostrils flare. A cold wave washes over me, not a vision but something equally powerful—a certainty that my fate has just been sealed.
I look away, forcing myself to focus on the ceremony. My own pack, the Silvercrest, stands closest to the stone, though our position feels shaky. We’ve always controlled the least land, but that was before my gift showed up. Now Alpha Varick plays a dangerous game, having used my power to raise our pack’s standing. Tonight, he stands to lose me entirely, if Kieran or another of the unmated enforcers fail.
Grand Alpha Thaddeus stands on the claiming stone, power rolling off him in waves that make the torchlight flicker. His white hair catches the moonlight like fresh snow, the scars across his face silver in the darkness. Ancient magic clings to him like a cloak, a reminder that he is more than just a political leader, he is the voice of the Moon Goddess herself.
“Allwho would compete, step forward.” His voice shakes the ground itself. “Present your offerings for the right to hunt tonight.”
As ruler of all the territories, the Grand Alpha’s word islaw. He keeps peace between the packs, settles disputes over land, and makes sure our oldest traditions are followed. Every alpha must bow to him or risk losing their pack’s standing.
Or worse, their life.
This is why the alphas approach one by one, each knowing that their offerings aren’t just for the hunt, but for Thaddeus’s favor.
Xavier of Moonclaw steps forward first. “We offer thirty percent shares in our southern tech company and exclusive hunting rights to the river valley for three years, Grand Alpha,” he says smoothly. “And request six of our sons be allowed to run.”
Thaddeus’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Accepted.”
Selena follows, her red hair—a symbol of the Red River wolves—catches the firelight. “Five million in cash and twenty percent of our diamond mining profits for the next five years to the Grand Pack,” she states confidently. “For five of our hunters to participate.”
“Accepted.”
Darius Vale’s massive form towers over the others as the Grayback alpha speaks. “Four of our trained security teams at your disposal for special assignments, Grand Alpha, along with our new mountain resort’s penthouse suite for your personal use.” His voice rumbles like distant thunder. “We ask the right to run four of our strongest.”
“Accepted.”
When Alpha Varick steps forward, tension crackles through the grove. His steps are slower, shoulders tight. The weight of eyes and whispers trails him like smoke. Before he can speak, Thaddeus raises a hand.
“Make your offer generous, Alpha Varick.” His tone is icy. Controlled. Deadly. “You’ve committed a grave offense, hiding a seer from the packs.”
Varick had kept me hidden for years. He would havecontinued to do so, if not for the Grand Pack’s enforcers catching my scent when they’d come to summon the unmated females to the Claiming. After that, hiding wasn’t an option.
I watch Varick duck his head. He’s tall, broad through the shoulders, with graying hair tied neatly at the nape of his neck. His clothes are rich, showing a wolf who rules with pride and confidence—or he did. Tonight there’s a crack noticeable in the way his jaw is clenched tight, and his eyes flick nervously to the crowd, then to Thaddeus.
Strength and confidence mean little when the Grand Alpha’s judgment has already turned against you.
I shrink back, trying to stay hidden within the crowd, but it’s too late. Thaddeus’s gaze sweeps the grove and locks onto me. His nostrils flare as he confirms my scent, and a smile touches his lips.
“Bring forth the seer,” he commands.
The crowd parts like water, leaving me exposed. Bare feet, bare skin, bare soul. I stand frozen as all eyes turn to me.
“So this is her?” Thaddeus’s voice carries across the silent grove. “A seer who cannot shift. Step forward, girl.”
My legs move without my permission, carrying me toward the claiming stone. I feel the weight of a hundred stares burning into my skin.
I stop at the base of the stone, looking up at Thaddeus. This close, I can see the cruel intelligence in his pale eyes.
“Your name?” he asks.
“Kitara,” I whisper, then clear my throat and speak louder. “Kitara Silverbrook.”
