(Sophia's POV)
I stood near the edge of the grand hall, trying to keep my expression neutral as the laughter and chatter of the Lunar Alliance Celebration swirled around me. The hall was nothing short of magnificent-marble columns rose impossibly high, glittering chandeliers hung overhead, and polished floors reflected every flicker of light. It would've been beautiful, if not for the suffocating atmosphere of wolves vying for influence.
A circle of female wolves surrounded me, chirping compliments that came off as hollow. "Sophia, you look radiant tonight," one of them gushed, her syrupy voice making my skin crawl.
"Absolutely stunning," another chimed in, her gaze flitting to the matching emerald earrings I wore.
I forced a tight smile. "You're too kind," I replied. "If you'll excuse me, I have someone I need to catch up with."
I didn't wait for their response. I moved quickly, weaving through the crowd until I caught sight of Evelyn. She stood near a towering marble pillar, her auburn hair catching the golden light. Her posture was poised, but the small twitch in her fingers gave away her nervousness-this was her first celebration after being promoted to Lead Pack Historian.
"Evelyn," I said as I reached her side, lowering my voice. "Save me. Another minute with those vultures and I'll claw my ears off."
Her lips curved into a faint smirk. "Better vultures than wolves whispering behind your back about your absent mate."
I flinched at the mention of Dylan. Two years. It had been two long years since he'd left for the northern territories without a word. Two years of silence-not just from him, but our bond as mates had grown dormant, a ghost of what it once could've been.
"Sorry," Evelyn said quickly when she noticed my expression.
I shook my head. "You're fine." I pushed the creeping ache in my chest down. It wouldn't do to get emotional here-not in a room filled with pack leaders watching my every move.
Her expression softened. "Speaking of the wolves in this room," she said carefully, "there's been word of unrest. Some minor packs seem on edge tonight. Can you keep an eye out for any brewing tension? I'd do it myself, but I think I've been marked as the official peacekeeper already."
"You? A peacekeeper?" I let out a hollow laugh. "This must be serious."
"Or desperate," she teased, trying to lighten the mood.
I nodded, glad to have something else to focus on. Scanning the room, I tried to read the undercurrents of the gathering-subtle body language, the way some wolves clumped together in tight groups while others deliberately kept their distance. It was all so tiring-this delicate balance of peace that could break at the smallest provocation.
Then suddenly, the room shifted. The hum of conversation died down, and a strange sort of energy crackled in the air. My pulse quickened, though I had no idea why at first.
It wasn't until I turned to the entrance that I froze.