Chapter 1

Eleanor's POV

Seven years. That's how long Edward and I had been together, and every single day felt like a gift I never deserved.

I still remember our wedding day when I was barely eighteen. Edward had looked at me like I was the most beautiful woman in the world, calling me his "red rose" because of my deep crimson hair. I knew I wasn't the prettiest, there were plenty of she-wolves with more delicate features, smoother skin, curves in all the right places. But Edward never looked at any of them. His eyes were always on me, only me.

"You're perfect," he'd whisper against my ear during quiet moments. "My perfect red rose."

From that young bride, I'd grown into what I hoped was a worthy Luna. Seven years of learning, growing, making mistakes, and finding my place beside Edward as we led Pineridge Pack together. We were the largest pack in Forestvale, and we were strong, united.

Tonight has to be perfect, I thought as I surveyed the great hall one final time. The autumn equinox celebration was our biggest event of the year, and I'd spent weeks preparing every detail. Garlands of deep red and gold leaves draped the walls, candles flickered in iron sconces, and the air was thick with the scent of roasted meat and spiced wine.

Representatives from every pack in Forestvale would be here tonight. It was a chance to show our strength, our unity, our prosperity. Everything had to be flawless.

"Eleanor, the Moonhaven delegation just arrived," Joel called out. Edward's beta moved with quiet efficiency, his dark eyes scanning the crowd. "Alpha Max wants to discuss the eastern border disputes."

"Of course he does," I muttered. "Has Edward—"

"Right here, my love." Strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind, and I melted into Edward's familiar warmth. His scent immediately calmed my nerves. "You've outdone yourself. The hall looks magnificent."

I leaned back against his chest, allowing myself a moment of peace before the chaos began. "I just want everything to go smoothly."

"It will." He pressed a kiss to the top of my head. "You're an incredible Luna, Eleanor. Our pack is lucky to have you."

The warmth in his voice made my chest tighten with love. This was everything I'd ever wanted, Edward's respect, his love, our life together.

The next few hours, Edward moved through the crowd, discussing territory boundaries with visiting Alphas while I coordinated with their Lunas about upcoming inter-pack events.

"Luna Eleanor," Alpha Viktor from Ravenshollow Pack approached with his mate Lydia. "This celebration surpasses all expectations. The traditional moon blessing ceremony was particularly moving."

"Thank you, Alpha Viktor. It means everything to hear that." I genuinely smiled, pride swelling in my chest. "The moon goddess has blessed us with abundance this season."

As Lydia and I discussed winter preparations, I caught sight of Edward across the room deep in conversation with Alpha Thomas from Birchwood Pack.

Seven years, and I still get butterflies watching him work, I thought fondly.

That's when she walked in.

Even from across the crowded hall, I couldn't miss her. The woman moved like liquid grace, her indigo velvet dress hugging curves that belonged. Golden-brown waves cascaded down her back, and when she turned, I caught sight of the most striking lake-blue eyes I'd ever seen. Her skin was porcelain-perfect, like she'd never spent a day in harsh sunlight.

But it wasn't her beauty that made my stomach drop.

It was Edward's reaction.

I watched in horrifying slow motion as his entire body went rigid. His nostrils flared, pupils dilating until only a thin ring of brown remained around expanding black. A low sound escaped his throat, not quite a growl, not quite a whimper.

No. No, no, no.

"Edward?" I called softly, my voice barely audible over the crowd.

He jerked like he'd been electrocuted, his head snapping toward me with wild, confused eyes. For a split second, I saw something that chilled me to the bone, he looked at me like he didn't recognize me.

Then awareness crashed back into his features. "Eleanor." My name came out strangled. "I... sorry, I was just..."

"Admiring our new guest?" I forced lightness into my tone, even as my heart hammered against my ribs.

The woman was making her way through the crowd now, and I caught her scent, jasmine and vanilla with something else underneath. Something that made my wolf Seraphine pace restlessly in my mind.

She doesn't belong here, Seraphine snarled. Send her away.

But I couldn't. Because Alpha Charles Richards from Emberwood Pack was approaching with a proud smile, his hand on the woman's lower back.

"Alpha Edward, Luna Eleanor," Charles boomed. "I'd like you to meet my daughter, Claire. She's just returned from her studies abroad."

Claire stepped forward with a smile. "Alpha Edward, Luna Eleanor. Father's told me so much about Pineridge Pack. Thank you for having me."

Her voice was melodic, refined. When she extended her hand to Edward, I watched his entire body tremble.

"Miss Richards." Edward's voice was rough, strained. "Welcome to Pineridge."

Their hands touched.

The reaction was immediate and devastating. Edward's breathing became labored, his eyes flashed gold, and I swear I could smell his arousal from three feet away. Claire's cheeks flushed pink, her lips parting on a soft gasp.

They stared at each other like the rest of us had simply vanished.

Fated mates.

The knowledge hit me like a physical blow. Seven years of marriage, seven years of love and partnership and building a life together, and now...

"How wonderful!" Charles clapped his hands together, oblivious to the tension. "Perhaps you could show Claire around, Alpha Edward?"

"Of course," Edward managed, though he still hadn't released Claire's hand. "I'd be... honored."

I stood there like a statue, watching my husband of seven years look at another woman the way he used to look at me.

"Actually," I heard myself say, my voice steady despite the chaos in my chest, "You should introduce Claire to some of the other pack representatives first, Alpha Charles. And Alpha Max from Moonhaven was asking about the grain shipments from your territory."

It was a transparent excuse to separate them, but Charles took the bait. "Ah yes, business before pleasure. Come along, Claire. We'll catch up with Alpha Edward later."

The relief that flooded Edward's face as she was led away told me everything I needed to know.

The rest of the evening passed in a nightmare blur. Edward tried to act normal, engaging in conversations about pack matters and seasonal preparations. But I could see him searching the crowd, tracking Claire's movements even while talking to other Alphas.

Meanwhile, I played the perfect Luna. I smiled, laughed at appropriate moments, discussed winter provisions with visiting pack members. Inside, I was screaming.

During a lull in conversation with the Moonhaven delegation, I turned to find Edward and discovered he wasn't beside me anymore. My eyes swept the hall, but I couldn't spot his tall frame anywhere.

A cold dread settled in my stomach.

"Luna Eleanor!" Alpha Charles hurried toward me, his face creased with worry. "I'm sorry to bother you, but have you seen my daughter? She said she was going to the ladies' room nearly thirty minutes ago, but she hasn't returned. Could you perhaps send someone to check on her?"

The world tilted.

"Of course," I managed, "I'll have someone look right away."

I motioned to two reliable omegas from our pack. "Please check the ladies' room and the adjoining corridors. Miss Richards may have gotten turned around in the manor."

But even as I gave the orders, a searing pain shot through my chest like someone was ripping my heart in half. At the same time, the mark on my neck began to burn like it was on fire.

I knew. God help me, I already knew.

Voices drifted down from the second floor. Worried murmurs from pack elders, Charles's sharp intake of breath. My legs moved without conscious thought, carrying me up the stairs with the crowd of concerned wolves.

Please let me be wrong. Please, moon goddess, let me be wrong.

Beta Joel stood outside a half-open door, his face pale as death. When he saw me approaching, something like pity flashed in his eyes.

"Luna," he said quietly. "Perhaps you should—"

"Open the door, Joel."

Slowly, reluctantly, he turned the handle.

The door swung open with a soft creak that seemed to echo through the entire manor.

What I saw in that moment made me absolutely sick.