The Dual Claim

The chandeliers blazed with hundreds of candles, their flames mirrored in the polished marble until the ballroom looked like the inside of a star. Music drifted from the gallery, bright and full. Perfume, wax, and heat mixed in the air. A bell rang twice and the hall quieted.

Alpha Corren rose from his chair at the head table. He was older than I remembered-hair gone silver, shoulders still straight.

"Welcome, allies and honored guests. As the Moon turns through her twelve faces, each of the Twelve Allies stands in turn to serve as host before the full moon. Tonight, it is Silverpine's honor to celebrate the banquet of The Luna's Calling."

Applause rippled through the room, soft and polite. He lifted his glass in salute, then nodded to the dais.

Elder Galdo stood. His voice carried calm authority. "We thank Luna for her bounty and the strength she gives our hunts. May our alliances hold, our hearths stay full, and our hearts remain ready for her choosing, and our appetites sated from the feast before us. Blessed Be."

"Blessed Be," everyone replied in unison.

Servers moved between the rows, the scent of roasted meat and spiced fruit filling the hall. I copied what the others did-napkin in lap, hands folded, wait until the Alpha lifted his fork.

Don't drop anything, she told me with a lopsided grin. I didn't argue.

I tried to eat slow, careful not to spill on my gown. No one spoke to me, but I caught a few sidelong glances from the next table. I wasn't sure if they were pity or curiosity.

The servers quietly came in and took our plates then withdrew again.

Once the tables were cleared, the Pack Priestess stepped forward, her ivory robes flowing over the dais steps. Candlelight caught the faint shimmer of silver thread at her sleeves.

Her eyes were bright with love and faith as she lifted her hands toward the open skylight. "We stand in the days of Luna's swelling light," she said, "the time between shadow and fullness. When her face is nearly whole, she turns her gaze upon us and marks those she would see run beneath her silver crown. One week from now, when her light completes, the chosen will run as one, and balance will be kept among the Twelve."

She lowered her hands. "The goddess watches. Let us begin."

High Elder Selwyn rose next. His robes were plain gray, his expression measured, but his voice carried the weight of habit. "First, the pack daughters of their first year will test the bond with Alpha Corren's son, Lucien.

If no bond awakens, you will leave the stage and join the unbonded Alphas and other unbonded males. Next, the first-year daughters of our allies. If Luna does not call for their bond, all remaining unbonded may mingle as the Moon allows."

Chairs scraped. Girls began to line up near the dais, their families whispering. I rose too, already moving toward the end of the