He had never seen his father look so pale—so distraught, so utterly confused. The sight should thrilled him, almost as much as the radiance of Lucy's approach. She was walking toward him now, hesitant, her steps flanked by Wesley’s steady presence. The room, once filled with boredom and the scent of burning cedar, seemed to still. The golden candlelight flickered along the stone walls, casting dancing shadows that made the moment feel mythic.

Kyle’s heart pounded. He couldn’t name the emotion overtaking him, but it swelled as Lucy drew nearer. She looked scared—but that didn’t matter. She shone. She was destined to be a Luna.

“Yes, Father. Meet my mate,...