Chapter 1

The dawn light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across Emma's cherubic face as I gently slipped the white ceremonial dress over her head. Today, my baby girl turned five. Five precious years of being my entire world, my reason for breathing in a pack where I was merely tolerated.

"Hold still, sweetheart," I whispered, carefully arranging the crown of moonpetal blossoms in her dark curls. The flowers glowed with a faint silvery light, their petals releasing a sweet scent that made Emma giggle.

"They tickle, Mommy!" Her small hands reached up to touch the delicate crown, eyes wide with wonder.

I knelt before her, straightening the sash of her dress. "These are special flowers, Emma. They only bloom under the full moon, and they're picked just for special little girls on their birthday."

"Like me?" she asked, her smile revealing the gap where her front tooth had fallen out last week.

"Exactly like you." I cupped her face, memorizing every detail—the constellation of freckles across her nose, the amber flecks in her hazel eyes, the dimple in her left cheek. My chest tightened with a love so fierce it bordered on pain.

Inside me, my wolf Lyra purred with contentment. *Our pup is beautiful.*

"Will the Alpha be there?" Emma's voice dropped to a whisper, her eyes suddenly uncertain.

The question stabbed at my heart. Her own father, and she couldn't even call him 'Daddy.' James had made that rule clear from the day she was born. *She will address me as Alpha, nothing more.*

"Yes, sweetheart. The whole pack will be there to celebrate you." I forced brightness into my voice, refusing to let her see the hurt. "The Come of Age ceremony is very important, even for little ones like you."

We left our small cottage at the edge of pack territory, walking hand-in-hand toward the main pack house. Emma skipped beside me, her crown of moonpetals bobbing with each step, white dress fluttering around her ankles. Pack members nodded respectfully as we passed, a few offering birthday wishes to Emma, who beamed with shy pride.

At the pack house entrance, Elder Elara waited, her weathered face breaking into a smile at the sight of Emma.

"There's our birthday girl," she said warmly, bending to Emma's level despite her arthritic knees. "I have something for you." From her pocket, she produced a small wooden wolf, intricately carved and polished to a warm glow.

Emma gasped with delight, accepting the gift with reverent hands. "Thank you, Elder!"

"A strong wolf to watch over you," Elara said, her eyes flicking meaningfully to mine. "Remember, little one, true strength comes from within."

I knew her words were meant for me as much as for Emma. Elara had always been kind, one of the few who saw the truth behind the façade of our perfect Alpha family.

"Luna," a voice called from inside. "The ceremonial space needs your approval."

"I'll be right there," I called back, then knelt before Emma. "Stay right here with Elder Elara, okay? Mommy needs to check something inside."

"Can I show my wolf to the other children?" Emma asked, clutching her wooden treasure.

I hesitated, glancing at Elara, who nodded reassuringly. "Just stay near the house, little one."

"I promise!" Emma nodded solemnly, then skipped toward the garden where a few pack children played under the watchful eyes of their mothers.

Inside, I quickly approved the ceremonial arrangements, my mind half on Emma. Something felt off today, a prickling unease I couldn't shake. Lyra paced restlessly within me, sensing my disquiet.

I was heading back outside when it hit me—a wave of pure terror through the mother-daughter bond I shared with Emma. My heart stopped, then raced painfully as her fear flooded my senses.

*Mommy! Help!*

I bolted outside, frantically scanning the area. Emma was nowhere near the other children. The scent hit me then—rogue wolf, feral and dangerous, carrying the metallic tang of blood. My blood turned to ice.

I ran, following the scent and the pull of our bond, rounding the corner of the pack house toward the ceremonial grounds. And there, at the edge of the clearing, lay a small white shape in the mud.

"EMMA!" My scream tore through the morning air as I fell to my knees beside her tiny, broken body. Deep claw marks had torn through her ceremonial dress, blood staining the white fabric crimson. Her crown of moonpetals lay crushed beside her, petals scattered and dimming.

I gathered her into my arms, her blood soaking into my clothes. Her pulse fluttered weakly against my fingertips, her breathing shallow and ragged.

*James!* I desperately sent through our mate bond, the connection I'd barely used in years because of his constant coldness. *Emma's been attacked by a rogue! She's dying! Please, we need your healing power NOW!*

His response came immediately, but not with the urgency I needed. *I'm busy, Sarah. Rebecca twisted her ankle during training and needs my attention. Can't this wait?*

*Our daughter is DYING!* I screamed through the bond, cradling Emma closer as her breathing grew more labored. *Please, James!*

*You're always so dramatic,* came his dismissive reply. *Get the pack healer and stop disturbing me.*

The bond went silent. I looked down at Emma's pale face, her eyelids fluttering as she fought to stay with me.

"Mommy..." she whispered, her small hand reaching up to touch my face.

"I'm here, baby. I'm here." My tears fell onto her cheeks as I rocked her. "Help is coming. Stay with Mommy."

But as the pack healer finally arrived, rushing toward us with her bag of supplies, I felt it—the moment my daughter's heart stopped beating.