Chapter 2 The Gathering

Maya’s POV… The sun hung low in the sky as the evening drew near, casting an amber glow across the Blood Moon pack. I stood at the edge of the Palace balcony, my eyes scanning the horizon, my heart still heavy with the loss of my family. I had barely slept last night, consumed by thoughts of the traitor who had taken everything from me. My fists clenched at my sides as memories of myfamily—my father, my brothers—flooded my mind. The need for vengeance burned in my chest, relentless and unforgiving. “I will not wait,” I whispered to myself, my voice filled with raw resolve. “I will find the traitor.” As I spoke the words, my mother appeared in the doorway. The older woman’s face, though lined with grief, was firm as she stepped into the room, her eyes locking with mine. “Maya,” my mother’s voice was gentle but edged with quiet authority. “Come inside. It’s time.” I didn’t move at first, my eyes still fixed on the distance. “Time for what?” I murmured, barely acknowledging mymother’s presence. “To stop this madness before you destroy yourself,” mymother said softly, her voice trembling slightly. “I have lost a mate and two sons. I can’t bear the thought of losing my only daughter as well.” My throat tightened, and the words my mother spoke hitme like a physical blow. The pain in my mother’s eyes was enough to still my rage, even if only for a moment. “Maya,” she continued, her voice low but strong. “You need to live. I need you to live. And to do that, you cannot let this consume you. You cannot go after the traitor alone. If you do, you will lose yourself in the darkness.” I turned toward my mother, with eyes full of pain and frustration. “But, Mother… I have to do this. No one else will.” “I will arrange something,” Lady Elara said with quiet resolve. “Something that will ensure you don’t lose yourself. I won’t let you go to war, not like this. You’ll continue the family bloodline, and I will see to it that you have someone to fight beside you, someone to protect you and help you find your way back.” My brow furrowed. “What are you talking about?” Iasked, confused and irritated by my mother’s words. Lady Elara gave a small, sad smile. “A mate. You will marry, Maya. And your life will carry on. The pack needs you. I need you.” Her voice faltered, the weight of her words almost too much to bear. “The pain of losing your father and brothers will always be there, but you must find your place, for both of us.” I shook my head, feeling my anger bubble again. “You want to marry me off? After everything that’s happened, after the bloodshed, you want me to forget it all and find a mate?” Lady Elara took a step forward, her voice soft but full of understanding. “No, my dear. I don’t want you to forget. I want you to survive. And sometimes, that means finding a reason to live—beyond revenge, beyond pain. I know it’s hard, but you are more than this moment of grief. You are the future of our people.” I stood in silence, torn between the burning need for vengeance and my mother’s plea. I had always known that my family’s bloodline would pass through me, but it had never felt more like a burden than it did now. Yet, in my mother’s eyes, I could see something else—a desperate hope, a plea for her daughter to find peace amidst the chaos. “I’m arranging a matchmaking event,” my mother said, her voice steady despite the weight of her words. “You will meet with suitors, men who could help you, who could share in the weight of the pack. You will choose one, and you will go forward. It’s the only way.” I could feel the tears pricking at the back of my eyes again. I wanted to fight it, to scream in defiance, but mymother’s plea was too much. She had already lost so much. Losing me as well was something my mothercouldn’t bear. For a long moment, I stood still, the world spinning with confusion. But, in the end, I knew my mother was right. As much as it hurt, I couldn’t allow my grief to tear meapart. “I’ll do it,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “For you, Mother.” *** The evening of the matchmaking event arrived, and I was dressed in a gown of deep blue, my hair carefully braided and adorned with simple silver beads. The hall was filled with suitors, men from various packs, all eager to prove their worth. I stood at the center of it all, feeling like an object, a prize to be won. But I kept my posture straight, my eyes focused ahead, despite the turmoil inside me. The chatter of the suitors filled the room, but one voice cut through the noise. “Lady Maya,” a deep, commanding voice said from behind me. “It is an honor to finally meet you.” I turned to see a tall, imposing figure standing before me. He had the broad shoulders of a warrior and the air of someone used to command. His dark hair fell in waves around his face, and his sharp, confident eyes met minewith a cool, calculating gaze. He was Alpha James of the Silverfang pack, one of the most powerful alphas in the kingdom, known for his fierce leadership. “Alpha James,” I said, my voice steady but my heart racing. I had heard stories of him—but I hadn’t expected him to be so… commanding in person. James gave me a small, respectful bow. “Your reputation precedes you, Lady Maya. I’ve heard much of your courage, and it is an honor to be in your presence.” I couldn’t help but study him, his posture perfect, his aura demanding respect. “The honor is mine, Alpha James,” I replied, trying to keep my voice calm. He studied me for a long moment, his gaze lingering, and then he spoke again, his voice softer, almost as if he were speaking to himself. “I know this is difficult. But sometimes, the greatest strength lies not in vengeance, but in the ability to continue, to build something new.” My eyes narrowed slightly, my defenses rising. “And you think that’s what I need? To build something new with you?” James met my gaze unflinchingly. “I think you need a reason to live beyond the shadows of what’s lost. And if I can offer that, I will. I swear it.”