Chapter 4

Ioannis couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Of course she has."

Her mother's laughter was light as she moved toward the door. "Remember, daughter, you have advantages Violeta does not. Use them wisely tonight."

After her mother left, Ioannis dressed carefully, the midnight blue fabric flowing around her like water. The silver embroidery caught the light as she moved, creating the illusion of stars shifting across the night sky. She added only one piece of jewellery, a simple silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon that had been her grandmother's.

When she descended the main staircase an hour later, conversations hushed momentarily as heads turned in her direction. She spotted Federico immediately, standing with a group of Storm Strider guards near the grand fireplace. He gave her an encouraging nod.

Then she saw Nickolas, engaged in conversation with her father and several pack elders. He wore formal attire in the Storm Striders' colours, a charcoal grey jacket with silver accents that emphasised the breadth of his shoulders. When he turned and saw her, his expression changed subtly, a flash of genuine appreciation in those storm-grey eyes before his diplomatic mask returned.

"Stunning as always," came Violeta's voice from beside her. The girl wore an elegant gown of deep emerald that complemented her chestnut hair perfectly. "Though perhaps a bit dramatic for a simple welcome feast?"

"My mother selected it," Ioannis replied evenly. "A gesture of respect for our honoured guests."

Violeta's smile didn't reach her eyes. "How thoughtful. I was speaking with Nickolas about the upcoming Moon Dance. He seems quite knowledgeable about the traditional ceremonies."

"I'm sure he is," Ioannis said, refusing to take the bait. "If you'll excuse me, I should greet our guests."

She moved away before Violeta could respond, making her way through the gathering toward Federico. Her brother met her halfway, offering his arm with exaggerated formality.

"You clean up well, little sister," he teased. "Mother's choice?"

"How did you know?” Ioannis asked, already guessing, “She had ordered it to be made alongside my coming-of-age dress, I have no doubt.”

"She has a knack for timing," Federico replied with a knowing smile. "And speaking of timing, our Storm Strider guest hasn't taken his eyes off you since you entered."

Ioannis resisted the urge to look in Nickolas's direction. "You're imagining things."

"Am I?" Federico guided her through the crowd with practised ease. "Because he just excused himself from Father's conversation and is heading this way."

True to Federico's word, Nickolas approached them with measured steps, his presence causing a subtle ripple through the gathering. Pack members parted before him, some with curious glances, others with speculative smiles.

"Lady Ioannis," Nickolas greeted her, his deep voice carrying just far enough for those nearby to hear. "Your brother has been monopolising your company since my arrival. I wonder if I might steal a moment of your time?"

Federico released her arm with a theatrical bow. "Far be it from me to stand between diplomatic relations. I believe Elder Marlow was looking for me anyway."

As Federico slipped away, Ioannis found herself alone with Nickolas for the first time. Up close, she could see flecks of silver in his storm-grey eyes.

"Your gown," Nickolas said quietly. "It reminds me of the night sky over Storm Striders' territory."

"You have midnight orchids there?" Ioannis asked, surprising herself with her directness.

A smile touched his lips. "No, but we have moon roses that bloom on the highest ridges. Their petals are silver-blue, almost luminescent in the darkness."

"I've only seen drawings of them," she admitted. "They're notoriously difficult to cultivate outside their natural habitat."

"Perhaps you could sketch them firsthand someday," he suggested, his tone careful but his eyes intent on her reaction.

The implication hung between them – a future where she might visit his territory, not just as a diplomatic guest but as something more. Ioannis felt her pulse quicken.

"I would like that," she replied honestly. "I've heard the view from Howler's Peak is unmatched at moonrise."

"It is." Something in his expression shifted, becoming more genuine. "Though I suspect you'd find beauty where others see only shadow."

Before she could respond, the dinner gong sounded. Nickolas offered his arm with formal precision. "Would you do me the honour of accompanying me to the table, Lady Ioannis?"

She placed her hand on his forearm, acutely aware of the solid muscle beneath the fine fabric. "I would be delighted, Heir Harvey."

As they walked toward the great dining hall, Ioannis felt Violeta's gaze burning into her back. The political dance had begun in earnest, but for the first time, Ioannis wondered if there might be more to this arrangement than mere alliance.

The feast was elaborate, even by pack standards. Five courses of traditional Eternal

Eclipse delicacies were served on the finest silver, with goblets of moonberry wine for the adults and sweet clover nectar for the younger pack members. Ioannis found herself seated between Nickolas and an elder from the Storm Striders, while Federico sat across from them, occasionally catching her eye with subtle, encouraging nods.

"Your territory is even more beautiful than I remembered," Nickolas commented as servers brought out the main course, venison glazed with forest honey and mountain herbs. "The midnight orchids in particular. I spotted them on our approach through the eastern woods."

"You recognise them on sight?" Ioannis asked, genuinely surprised.

A hint of amusement crossed his features. "Federico may have described them to me in detail. He mentioned they're your favourite subject to sketch."

Ioannis shot her brother a look that promised retribution later. Federico merely raised his goblet in a mock toast, grinning unrepentantly.