The laughter of the pups echoed softly from the play area—high, bright bursts of joy that drifted across the courtyard like tiny fireworks, rising and falling with every breath of the evening wind. Lantern light swayed above them, scattered across the stone paths like warm stars pulled down from the heavens just for this night. Nathan’s excited chatter mixed with Leo’s shy giggles, grounding the moment with innocence despite the weight of destiny pressing in from every corner of the celebration. Elders conversed in hushed voices, warriors exchanged nods of respect, and the pack feasted and toasted the full moon—yet the truest joy lived in those small, carefree sounds.
Veronica stood a short distance away, hands folded nervously in front of her stomach, fingers twisting into the fabric of
