Chapter 9
Nickolas knelt beside a cluster of the silvery blooms, his expression thoughtful. "In Storm Strider territory, we have legends about Moon Lilies. They're said to bloom only where true bonds have been forged."
"True bonds?" Ioannis asked, crouching beside him.
"Between mates, between pack members, between allies who become family." He glanced at her sideways. "Your grandmother must have been a romantic."
"She believed in the power of symbols," Ioannis corrected gently, though warmth spread through her chest at his words. "Every flower, every stone placement in our gardens tells a story."
They continued along the winding path toward the Moon Temple, a circular structure of white stone that seemed to glow in the dappled sunlight. Ancient wolf symbols were carved into its pillars, telling the story of their pack's founding.
"My grandmother used to bring me here when I was small," Ioannis said as they entered the sacred space. "She'd tell me stories about the first Alpha and Luna, how they found this valley after the Great Dispersal."
Nickolas moved to examine the carvings, running his fingers over the worn stone. "The craftsmanship is remarkable. These must be centuries old."
"Nearly five hundred years," she confirmed, settling on the stone bench in the centre of the temple. "Grandmother always said this place holds the memory of every important ceremony, every mating bond, every Coming of Age, every Alpha succession."
"Including yours?" Nickolas asked, turning to face her.
The question hung between them, loaded with implication. In a few weeks, she would stand in this very temple for her Coming of Age ceremony, officially becoming an adult member of the pack. And if their fathers' plans came to fruition...
"Yes," she said quietly. "Including mine."
Nickolas moved to sit beside her on the bench, careful to maintain a proper distance while still being close enough for a private conversation. "Are you nervous about it? The ceremony?"
"Terrified," Ioannis admitted with surprising honesty. "Not of the ceremony itself, but of what comes after. The expectations, the responsibilities..." She paused, stealing a glance at him. "The decisions I might have to make."
"About us?" His directness caught her off guard again.
"Among other things." She traced patterns on the stone between them. "I always imagined I'd have more time to figure out who I am before deciding who I want to spend my life with."
Nickolas was quiet for a long moment, his gaze fixed on the carved wolves dancing around the temple's perimeter. "In Storm Strider culture, we believe that sometimes the best decisions are made with the heart, not the head. In saying that, how about we go and get something to eat?”
Ioannis smiled, a genuine curve of her lips that reached her eyes. "I'd like that. The kitchens usually prepare a light midday meal in the garden pavilion."
As they left the Moon Temple, she found herself walking closer to Nickolas than propriety might dictate, drawn to his steady presence. The morning's interactions had shifted something between them, the political arrangement now tinged with personal curiosity.
"Your brother mentioned you're fond of the berry tarts served there," Nickolas said as they followed the stone path toward the gardens.
"Federico really has told you everything about me, hasn't he?" she asked, half-amused, half-exasperated.
"Not everything," Nickolas replied, his voice dropping to a tone that sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. "Just enough to make me want to discover the rest for myself."
The garden pavilion came into view, an elegant structure of white stone and climbing wisteria that provided shade for outdoor meals. To Ioannis's dismay, Violeta was already there, seated at one of the tables with a cup of tea.
"How... convenient," Ioannis murmured under her breath.
Nickolas followed her gaze and sighed softly. "Your non-friend is persistent."
"You have no idea," Ioannis replied, squaring her shoulders. "She's been positioning herself as a potential match for every eligible Alpha heir within three territories."
"Including me?" There was a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Especially you. The Storm Striders are powerful allies."
As they approached the pavilion, Violeta looked up with perfectly feigned surprise. "Nickolas! Ioannis! What a delightful coincidence. I was just enjoying the morning air."
"Lady Violeta," Nickolas greeted her with formal courtesy, though Ioannis noticed his posture had subtly stiffened. "I trust you're finding your stay with the Eternal Eclipse Pack pleasant?"
"Absolutely enchanting," Violeta replied, her smile calculated as she gestured to the empty chairs. "Won't you join me? I was just about to order more refreshments."
Before either could respond, Federico appeared at the pavilion entrance, his timing suspiciously perfect. "There you are! Father's been looking for you, Violeta. Something about a message from your parents."
Violeta's smile faltered for just a moment before she recovered. "How thoughtful of Alpha Holland to personally relay a message. If you'll excuse me..."
As she departed, Federico winked at them. "You're welcome. She's been waiting there for nearly an hour."
"Your intervention is appreciated," Nickolas said, his formality dissolving into genuine gratitude. "Though I'm curious, was there actually a message?"
Federico's grin was answer enough. "Let's just say Father understands the importance of uninterrupted conversation during courtship." He gestured toward the table. “Although I think Father is considering sending Violeta home to her own pack.”
"Oh, that would be a relief," Ioannis sighed, settling into one of the wrought-iron chairs beneath the wisteria-draped trellis. "Though I suspect she'd find some reason to return."
"She's certainly determined," Nickolas observed, taking the seat across from her. His eyes lingered on Ioannis's face, studying her with that thoughtful intensity that made her pulse quicken.
Federico snorted. "That's a diplomatic way of putting it. Anyway, I'll leave you two to your meal." He turned to go, then paused. "Oh, and Io? Mother mentioned something about the Moonweaver's Comb fitting this evening. Don't forget."
As Federico departed, a comfortable silence settled between them. Servants appeared with platters of fresh fruit, cheese, and the berry tarts Nickolas had mentioned. The sweet scent of sun-warmed berries filled the air.