I had imagined my wedding day a thousand different ways, but none of those dreams had prepared me for the ache spreading through my chest as I stood alone before the mirror.
The ivory gown clung to my body with understated elegance, its silver embroidery catching the morning sunlight pouring through the tall windows of my chambers. My mother had once told me that a Luna should wear strength more proudly than jewels, yet today I wore both because appearances mattered more than truth.
Outside, Silvercrest Pack buzzed with excitement. Servants hurried through the Alpha Manor carrying trays of food. Warriors stood in polished ceremonial armor along the stone pathways. Banners bearing the silver crest of our pack fluttered beside the black wolf insignia of Shadowfang Pack, a reminder that today was not merely a wedding.
It was a treaty, a bargain, a sacrifice, I lifted my gaze to the woman reflected in the mirror and barely recognized her.
At twenty-four, I should have looked like a bride glowing with anticipation but instead, exhaustion shadowed my eyes.
The years had not been kind, ever since my mother died, Silvercrest had slowly become a stranger to me. My father, Alpha Rowan Walker, had remarried within a year. Vivianne Ashford entered our home with graceful smiles and gentle words, but beneath that polished exterior hid a woman whose ambition knew no limits.
Little by little, everything my mother had built disappeared, the pack treasury shrank, the healers lacked medicine, families struggled through harsh winters while lavish banquets filled our manor almost every month.
No one questioned where the money went and those who dared soon found themselves stripped of rank or quietly sent away.
I knew the truth, Silvercrest was dying and if nothing changed, my mother’s pack would disappear within a few years.
That was why I had accepted this marriage, not because I loved Alpha Damon Ashbourne, not because I even liked him.
I had never met him and everything I knew came from rumors. The strongest Alpha in the Northern Territories, a brilliant military commander, a fearless warrior, a man respected by kings and a notorious womanizer.
Some claimed he had never spent more than a week with the same woman others whispered that he laughed whenever marriage was mentioned.
Apparently, the Alpha Council had finally forced his hand, Shadowfang needed political stability and Silvercrest needed money. The alliance benefited everyone except the bride.
A soft knock interrupted my thoughts “Lady Samantha?”
The familiar voice eased some of the tightness in my chest “You may come in.”
The door opened slowly, revealing Clara, my mother’s former attendant. Time had silvered her hair, but kindness still softened every wrinkle on her face.
She smiled the moment she saw me “You look exactly like your mother.”
My throat tightened “Do I?”
She nodded while carefully adjusting the veil resting across my shoulders “Especially your eyes.”
I lowered them before emotion betrayed me “I wish she were here.”
“So do I.”
Silence settled between us and it was comfortable, gentle and unlike nearly every conversation I had inside this manor.
Clara placed something small into my hand, a silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon. My mother’s pendant.
“I thought Father locked this away.”
“He did.” Her lips curved into a knowing smile “I simply remembered where.”
Warm tears threatened my composure “This belonged to her.”
“And now it belongs to you.”
My fingers closed around the cool silver “I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”
Clara stepped closer “Strength isn’t measured by how loudly someone roars, child.”
She rested her hand over mine “Sometimes it is measured by how much pain someone survives without allowing it to turn them cruel.”
My vision blurred as I hugged her before I could stop myself “Thank you.”
She embraced me just as tightly “When everything becomes difficult, remember who you are.”
“I will.”
A loud voice echoed from somewhere downstairs “Samantha!”
My father’s voice, it was sharp and demanding and then the peaceful moment shattered.
Clara sighed quietly “I suppose it’s time.”
I straightened my shoulders before walking toward the door and every step felt heavier than the last. The grand hall overflowed with nobles from neighboring packs.
Crystal chandeliers illuminated polished marble floors while musicians played cheerful melodies that seemed entirely disconnected from reality.
Conversations stopped as I entered and hundreds of eyes followed me. Some admired my gown while others pitied me, a few looked relieved. After all, my marriage meant Silvercrest would survive, at least for now.
Father approached wearing an expensive ceremonial robe trimmed with black fur.
He barely glanced at me “You’re late.”