Chapter 45 Whispers Beneath The Firelight

• BRIANA
• Balancing the last bowl of salad in my hands, I follow Evette out to the long tables set up near the bonfire. The flames crackle warmly in the night air, laughter spilling across the clearing. I can’t help but smile as I watch the Moonveil wolves—who will officially become part of Ivory Fangs next week—chat easily with our own pack. They already act like family, joking about training together and taking turns on patrol tomorrow.
• But beneath that lighthearted energy, something heavier lingers. The wolves who used to belong to Silver Paw sit stiffly, glaring at the Shadow Moon visitors. Their stares are filled with old grudges and distrust. On the other side, Shadow Moon keeps close to themselves, wary and reserved. I had worried this might happen since we didn’t assign seating for the bonfire. Still, the hostility cuts deeper than I expected. A chill ripples through me even though the fire burns hot.