The sun had just begun to rise, casting a pale light over the valley.
Serena wore a deep green cloak, her hair braided neatly, her face calm though her heart thundered in her chest.
Today, she would visit the Reign Pack.
She hadn't slept well. Her dreams were twisted things filled with whispers and shadows. But duty had pulled her from her bed, and now she got in her car. Normally she was to use a carriage because the werewolves still respected the traditional way of doing things.
But she didn't see the need of wasting time when modern times had made things a lot easier.
Aeron rode beside her, and behind them followed two guards, their eyes sharp and hands resting near their weapons.
The journey was long, the forest vast. They followed winding paths that cut through towering trees. It wasn't until late afternoon that the trees began to thin and a vast stone estate appeared in the distance.
The Reign Estate.
It was large and cold-looking, built into the side of a hill, with sharp towers and dark iron gates. Guards lined the entrance, all dressed in black suits with the crest of a golden wolf pressed over their hearts.
Serena parked outside.
Someone was already there, waiting. He gave a slight bow.
"Alpha Dominic is expecting you."
Serena nodded and followed him through the gates. The estate was just as she imagined—sharp lines, clean stone, no warmth. It looked like a place made to keep people out rather than welcome them in.
Dominic stood in the main hall, dressed in black with a silver clasp at his collar. His golden eyes met hers as she entered, and for a moment, the room felt colder.
"Serena," he said, stepping forward. "You came."
"As agreed," she replied, her voice steady.
He gestured toward the long table where maps and scrolls were spread. "Let's speak of what comes next."
They sat. Aeron stood behind Serena, while two of Dominic's betas remained nearby, silent but watchful. Dante sat next to Dominic.
Dominic began. "The wedding will take place tomorrow. It will be quiet, just the council members and our most trusted wolves."
Serena nodded. "And the merging of our packs?"
"Your warriors will remain under your command," he said. "But our resources—food, territory, weapons—will be shared. Any decisions affecting both packs will be made jointly by us."
Serena leaned slightly forward. "And I stay Alpha to my people."
Dominic met her eyes. "Yes. But you will also be Luna to mine."
She didn't flinch. "I understand."
There was a pause, a strange quiet between them. Then she continued. "There will be no grand celebration. This union is for protection. Not sentiment."
"Good," Dominic said. "Then we agree."
The wedding was set for the next morning.
Serena was led to a guest chamber for the night. It was clean, a small table, and a bed with dark sheets. Rose and Ada arrived shortly after, having ridden in behind her once the message had reached them. They sat together, speaking little, their thoughts heavy with what the morning would bring.
Serena slept only for a few hours.
When she rose, the sun had not yet risen above the hills. Snow had started to fall, light and silent, painting the estate white. It was as though the world itself had hushed for what was to come.
Members of her pack arrived the next morning.
She dressed in a simple gown of silver-grey, her hair pulled into a low knot. No jewelry, no flowers. Nothing that hinted at celebration.
Rose tied the cloak around her shoulders. "You look like a queen."
Serena gave her a tired smile. "I don't think so."
Ada came to her side. "You are more than that. Today, you become a shield."
Serena walked through the halls of the Reign estate, her boots quiet against the stone. The ceremony was held in the courtyard beneath an arched stone roof. Snow dusted the steps and railings, but no one bothered to clear it.
Dominic stood waiting, dressed much like the day before. Beside him was Dante, his betas, and a few elders from other trusted packs. There was no music, no candles, no flowers. Just the sound of the cold wind brushing past.
The elder of the Reign pack stepped forward and opened the ancient book of vows.
"Serena Vale, Alpha of the Vale pack. Do you accept this union in alliance, duty, and strength?"
Serena took a breath and looked into Dominic's eyes.
"I do."
The elder turned. "Dominic Reign, Alpha of the Reign pack. Do you accept this union in alliance, duty, and strength?"
"I do."
There was a final line the elder read aloud, a blessing from the old ways, then a nod.
"You are now bonded. Luna and Alpha. One alliance, one future."
There was applause, no smile, no kiss.
Dominic extended his hand. Serena took it. They turned to face the small gathering.
There was a loud applause from the cloud and Dominic and Serena gave out the fake smile as practiced.
The cold wind carried their silence. The snow fell more heavily now, swirling like whispers.
After the brief ceremony, Serena followed Dominic back inside. They walked side by side through the corridor, but said nothing. The space between them felt heavier than the stone walls.
At her chamber door, she paused.
Dominic spoke first. "This union will keep your people safe. And mine."
Serena nodded. "Let us hope it's enough."
He looked at her for a moment longer, something unreadable in his eyes, then turned and walked away.
Serena closed the door softly behind her. She stood still, staring at the empty room.
She was a bride.
She was also alone.
Later that evening, she stood by the window, watching the snow fall. Rose entered quietly, bringing a warm drink.
"You did well," Rose said gently. "Even if it didn't feel like it."
Serena didn't speak. She watched as the flakes danced in the wind, landing sof
tly on the cold stone outside.
"I just wonder," she whispered, "what comes next."
Rose stayed beside her, silent.