Chapter 18
Abigail's POV
I carefully wrapped the Moon's Tear in soft cloth and placed it into the wooden box. The lid closed, sealing the stone's faint glow in darkness, but its weight still pressed clearly against my palm.
I set the box on the dresser, my fingertips lingering on the wood grain for half a second before I turned to face the window. The moon hung low in the night sky, large and heavy, its silver-white light spilling across the stone floor, carving out patches of cold, hard luminescence.
A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.
"Come in." I withdrew my gaze, suppressing the irritation in my chest.
After Autumn closed the door, she walked to my side before speaking.
"Miss," she lowered her voice, "there's something you need to know."
"What is it?"
"After we returned, I went back to the market today." She glanced instinctively toward the door, making sure no one was eavesdropping before continuing. "I saw the young lady who targeted us today meeting with Miss Olivia."
My chest tightened sharply, as if doused with ice water. "Meeting with her? Are you certain?"
"Yes, Miss." Autumn's gaze was firm. "They were in a relatively secluded corner, near the herb stalls. I only caught part of their conversation, but..."
"That woman was asking about payment. She said things like 'after the ceremony' and 'just as we agreed.' Miss Olivia told her to be patient, saying once everything was finished, she'd get what she deserved."
I felt my hands gradually clench into fists on my lap, knuckles aching faintly. "Did you hear anything else? About what specifically they're planning?"
Autumn shook her head, frustration flickering in her eyes. "No, Miss. After that they lowered their voices. If I'd moved any closer, I would have been discovered. But that tone... it was clearly conspiratorial. And whatever it is, it's most likely going to happen at the Awakening ceremony."
"I understand." I kept my voice low. "Thank you, Autumn. Continue watching their movements. If you notice anything unusual—no matter how small—tell me immediately."
"Of course, Miss."
Autumn bowed to me and quietly withdrew from the room.
The door closed behind her, leaving me alone in the darkening chamber. Moonlight from the window poured in silently, stretching a pale, long shadow across the stone floor.
I reached out and opened the wooden box, touching that familiar coolness, taking the Moon's Tear out once more and cradling it in my palm.
The stone pulsed faintly in the dimness, its soft glow flowing against my skin like a wordless response to my unease. Nicholas had said "not bad" with seeming casualness, but that glance was clearly more than that. What exactly had he seen in it? What did he know?
---
On the day of Elodie's Awakening ceremony, the sky was so clear it was almost blinding. The sun burned viciously overhead, heat pressing down like something physical, making even the air tremble slightly.
I stood in the center of my room, adjusting the deep blue gown Autumn had helped me into this morning. The fabric wasn't luxurious, but it was well-tailored with clean, sharp lines.
The door handle turned, and the door was pushed open directly—Olivia didn't even bother with the pretense of knocking.
Her gown today was a lavish cascade of cream silk and lace, the hem trailing across the floor. She stood in the doorway, her gaze sweeping over me from top to bottom.
"Oh, Abigail." Her tone was sickeningly sweet, like honey poured too thick. "You look... so lovely. This dress is really very—practical."
"Thank you for your concern, Olivia." I looked back at her calmly. "You're as radiant as ever."
Her smile froze imperceptibly for an instant, then recovered to flawless perfection, as if the displeasure had never existed. She didn't respond, only turned toward the door, raising her hand to indicate I should follow.
"Let's go," she said carelessly. "I don't want to be late and have people think Crimson Fang Pack doesn't understand basic etiquette."
The journey to Nighthowl Pack's territory took most of the morning.
The carriage bumped along the forest path, the view outside a blur of retreating tree shadows and dappled light. Inside the carriage, however, it was eerily quiet—only the sound of wheels grinding over gravel and the occasional snort from the horses.
Olivia sat across from me, her spine perfectly straight, hands folded neatly on her lap, her posture as elegant as if she were performing some public demonstration.
"You really put considerable thought into that gift." The carriage jolted slightly over a small pit. "I'm sure Elodie will appreciate it. It's truly... unique."
"Yes." I returned an equally sweet smile. "I wanted to give her something meaningful. A gift she'll remember."
A flash of something unreadable crossed Olivia's eyes.
"Oh, I'm sure she'll definitely remember it," she said softly.
I leaned back against the cushion, letting her continue her performance while my thoughts had already left this cramped carriage. I understood all too well the true meaning behind each of her gentle words. She loved drama, loved an audience, and excelled at setting traps in seemingly mild ways.
So let her enjoy herself.
Nighthowl Pack's territory was beautiful to the point of seeming unreal.
The dense forest gradually receded here, the tree line gathering into a dark border in the distance. Before us lay gently rolling hills, grassland glowing pale gold in the sunlight, scattered wildflowers swaying slightly in the breeze.
At the center of this open landscape stood a magnificent structure—the pack's main hall. Dark stone blocks and heavy timber formed towering walls, the peaked roof like the spine of some crouching beast, pointing straight toward the blue sky. Torches lined both sides of the path leading to the hall, and though it was still daylight, flames still burned, flickering in the breeze, pushing layers of roasted meat and woodsmoke scent into the air.
Wolves had already gathered in the open square before the hall. Low conversations rose and fell, weaving into a thick but not clamorous wave of sound. I recognized a few faces from the Moon Rising gathering, and also saw many unfamiliar ones—representatives from other packs and clans, all dressed in their finest, bearing different emblems and scents, having traveled specifically to witness Elodie's Awakening.
The carriage finally came to a slow stop.
Through the window I saw Elodie standing near the hall's entrance. She'd braided her dark hair into an intricate pattern, secured with small silver ornaments, making her look especially spirited. Her gown was deep crimson, seeming to emit its own light in the sunshine, like a rose kissed by flames.
The carriage door opened, and Olivia and I descended in turn.
Elodie looked up, her gaze landing on me, and the smile on her face bloomed instantly, unabashedly warm.
"Abigail!" She almost ran over, grabbing my hand. "I'm so glad you came!"
The warmth of her palm was genuine and direct, and the tightness in my chest loosened slightly in that moment.
"I said I wouldn't miss it." I gripped her hand back, the corners of my mouth curving up involuntarily.
Elodie's smile grew even brighter, then she turned to Olivia, nodding politely. "Miss Olivia, thank you for coming as well."
"Of course." Olivia's smile was gentle. "Being able to witness such a moment is our honor."
The pleasantries ended there. Elodie only gave a brief response before pulling her attention back to me, excitement nearly spilling from her eyes.
"Come, I want to show you around before the ceremony starts." She tugged at my hand. "They've prepared so many things, I have to show you."
She didn't even wait for my answer before pulling me forward, and I was happy to let her lead. We walked toward the square one after another, leaving Olivia standing alone by the carriage, forced to maintain her smile.
I couldn't help glancing back at her.
The moment my gaze fell on her, the smile on her face receded, revealing a cold, dark expression like a carelessly leaked crack. Quickly, she suppressed the emotion and donned her perfectly pleasant mask again, following at a graceful distance.