Mary Ann’s POV
The Moon Council messenger’s declaration remained open in my hands.
Mary Ann Vale Sterling Volkov, First Daughter through Evelyn Vale’s line, is hereby recognized as the lawful Alpha heir of Nightveil Pack.
For several moments, no one inside Modric’s recovery room spoke.
The words did not feel like recognition.
They felt like another chain.
Luna of Ironclaw.
Daughter of Mooncrest.
Heir to Nightveil.
Three packs had placed their histories on my shoulders, and none had asked whether I wanted to carry them.
Modric watched me from the bed. He remained pale beneath the infirmary blankets, but his eyes were clear enough to understand what the declaration meant.
Power.
Responsibility.
Danger.
The Moon Council messenger folded his hands behind his back.
“The provision
