Chapitre 26

The seamstresses jumped around me to put everything right. I felt like a doll in the dress meant for the big party. It was beautiful, light and classy. This dress did a Luna justice.

I looked at Astor through the mirror. He sat on a sofa and looked at me. He had it custom made for me. After our argument about Solana, he had tried everything to make me happy: jewelry, food, walks in the woods...

He wanted us to be like we were before. But the thought of Solana in the dungeon chilled me. For nine years she sat down there for the deeds of her father. She had protected me from Laila without concern for her own well-being.

She didn't deserve that.

And yet I knew that even if I could convince Astor, Alpha Udyr would never allow his release. But if it was an accident...

Astor got up from the sofa and walked towards me. The seamstresses bowed before leaving the room. My stomach clenched.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked, wrapping his hands around my waist.

On how I was able to free Solana...

"Nothing," I replied, looking to the side. Astor used access to my neck and planted a few kisses down my throat.

"You forget mate, I know when you lie..."

The heat in my cheeks spread through my body. I closed my eyes and opened my mouth. Part of me just wanted to give in, but there was something that was more important.

So I widened my eyes and took a step out of his embrace. I could feel Astor's frustration, but ignored it skillfully.

"I want to show you something," he said, taking my hand instead. The tingle was just further proof that our connection was stronger than ever. I followed him to the wall of windows that overlooked the garden.

I gasped.

Four guards stood around them while the chains restricted their movement. Solana hobbled between the lawn and flowers, rather reluctantly. In the midday sun her skin looked paler than the white rose petals. She stopped and stretched her head towards the rays. She paused with her eyes closed.

I turned to Astor questioningly.

"She's being given some freedoms she didn't have before," he replied, scanning my eyes. I knew he was trying to make me happy, and a part of my heart warmed.

"What about her wounds?"

"They will take their time to heal," he said, looking down at the garden. "I know she saved your life and even though it doesn't look like it, I'm grateful to her."

"Thanks," I whispered, leaning against him. He immediately wrapped his arm around me and kissed my hair. "What are you going to wear tonight?"

He lowered his head to me.

"I have my uniform," he said simply, and I nodded.

I was looking forward to the party a little. I had already seen part of the preparations and it promised to be an unforgettable evening.

The wolves had dressed up and were standing in different groups in the room. Behind the glass wall lay nothing but the beginning of the night. Alpha Udyr's throne was empty. I frowned and leaned towards Astor.

"Where is he?"

"He probably won't come," he grumbled, but gave no outward sign. His hand burned through my dress, offering a pleasant warmth. "This way."

Astor led me through the crowd of wolves to the table of honor where Talon was already seated. Imperceptibly, I leaned closer against my companion. Even the smile on the Beta's lips didn't reassure me at all.

"Nice to have you here," he said, standing up. Without saying a word, Astor nodded before pulling one of the chairs back for me. Internally, I breathed a sigh of relief that he sat down between Talon and me .

In front of us were noble plates with filled wine glasses. The golden light gave them a crimson glow.

"We should start."

A clang echoed through the room and caught the attention of the guests. They took their places before staring excitedly in our direction. Beta Talon stood up.

"Silverblood is stronger than ever. Riverclaw is a part of us now too, but before we celebrate, let's remember those who lost their lives."

On his cue, the room fell silent. I closed my eyes and thought about Luke. He deserved to be honored.

"And now, raise your glasses! We toast our victory and all victories to come! Let the party begin!"

Beaming faces looked at us and drank from their wine glasses. I did the same and the bitter taste numbed my throat. Cheerful music rang out from the dance floor.

"Well, you gotta give people credit," Talon said, "not only can they build weird instruments, they can make them sound in ways that make sense."

I frowned.

I didn't know him like that and I didn't want to get to know him like that. I knew the wolf behind it, who was merciless. Then someone new came to our table.

"Glad you're here, too," Astor said, sending me a shiver. Lannis bowed once before sitting down next to me.

"Thank you General Astor. Unfortunately I had a small accident. Please excuse my delay."

The clinking of cutlery rose from across the table and I was about to begin when a natural smell hit my nostrils between meals.

How did I know him?

pine bark, mint...

My eyes widened. Someone here had used a potion to mask his scent. I looked around the room, but saw nothing but wolves dancing and eating. My chair legs scraped back.

"Excuse me a moment," I said to Astor, who frowned at me. He knew something was wrong. "I won't be long, I'll be right back."

I walked along the edge of the hall and followed the trail that led me out. If I hadn't used the potion so often myself, I wouldn't have recognized it among the hundreds of smells, but for me it stood out.

The gates were still open.

I nodded to the guards and walked out into the summer night. The trail led along the edge of the palace to a back entrance. Someone wanted to make it look like they entered the festival through the main entrance.

With all my strength I pushed aside the stone door, revealing a narrow spiral staircase. It was definitely man-made, small as it was. With my head ducked, I climbed the stairs to the top.

I was back in the royal aisle.

I shuddered at the memories of Beta Talon.

The smell disappeared behind one of the many doors and I pulled the handle. She was locked. It was quiet behind. Should I check?

Curiosity won.

With all my strength I threw myself against the wooden door, which splintered under my force. I stumbled into the room before icing.

He was lying in the middle of the room.

The heart rested still in his chest.

A goblet lay beside him, but the rest of the liquid had seeped into the carpet. I put my hands over my mouth.

Alpha Udyr was dead.

"Look, look. She just can't help it," a voice said behind me and I jerked around. I took a few steps into the room.

Beta Talon strutted through the shattered door. I looked around. There was no escape route. I was cut off from the outside world.