The word Elder rang in my ears like a death toll, and for a moment, my courage slipped.

“My Luna… I am honoured to meet the Alpha’s mate,” Elder Brown said, his lips curling into another display of a sly smile that made my skin crawl.

I forced myself to breathe, to keep my face calm. I couldn’t let him see the fear clawing at my chest.

“Elder Brown… it is my pleasure,” I replied evenly. “And if I may, I have somewhere to be as soon as possible.”

I stepped past him, eager to leave his presence but his next words froze me mid-step.

“My Luna… your big day...