This was the moment every guest had been waiting for, Alpha or beta, Luna or warrior, pack members and what not, the one that had everyone buzzing with wild anticipation.

The full moon climbed high over the pack grounds, glowing brighter and more magical than anyone had ever seen, like the Moon Goddess herself had shown up just to bless the whole crazy celebration.

Her silvery light poured down across the clearing, making the massive bonfire blaze even hotter and more alive.

Cheers exploded from every direction, ripping through the night air as they howled and danced under that breathtaking sky, hearts pounding with pure joy.

Damon wove his way through the excited crowd, passing out sheets of paper to every group before heading back to the leaders’ circle. By the time he got there, Alpha Ravyn had already handed out the white sheets.

Everyone settled into their spots, heads bowed as they poured their deepest, most desperate wishes onto the paper.

Seraphine wrote with her heart racing: I wish to be mated to Voren during the Blood Moon Festival.

Voren’s wish burned with fierce love: I wish to be mated to Seraphine during the Blood Moon Festival, and I want her to have the strength to give birth to our pup safely, healthy and strong.

Corvine: I wish to be mated to Athaliah during the Blood Moon Festival. Before now, his intention for coming was just to protect Seraphine and enjoy the ceremony but after meeting Athaliah, everything changed.

Athaliah: I wish to find my destined mate during the Blood Moon Festival.

Alpha Killian: I wish to be mated to Athaliah during the Blood Moon Festival.

Kael: I wish to be mated to Jasmine during the Blood Moon Festival.

Jasmine: I wish to be mated to Beta Corvine during the Blood Moon Festival.

Damon: I wish to be mated to Princess Athaliah during the Blood Moon Festival.

Prince Jasper: I wish to be mated to Luna Seraphine during the Blood Moon Festival.

Tallulah: I wish to be mated to Alpha Voren or Beta Corvine during the Blood Moon Festival.

Emery: I wish to be mated to Beta Corvine during the Blood Moon Festival.

Zane: I wish to be mated to Emery during the Blood Moon Festival.

Daisy: I wish to be mated to Alpha Voren during the Blood Moon Festival, and I wish Seraphine Walker would die before then.

Ravyn: I wish to be mated to Sera during the Blood Moon Festival. I also wish she would accept Daisy as her co-Luna.

Luna Mayo: I wish to be mated to Alpha Voren during the Blood Moon Festival. I should become the Luna of the Grimroot Pack.

Luna Joyce: I wish to be mated to Alpha Voren during the Blood Moon Festival.

The wishes kept coming, one after another, full of raw longing. Even the regular pack members scribbled down dreams of snagging Alpha Voren as their mate, their hearts overflowing with desperate hope as they poured every secret desire onto those white sheets.

When everyone finally finished, Ravyn stood tall and looked out over the massive gathering, his voice carrying strong and clear.

"Seal your wish with your blood, then offer it to the fire."

Without a second of hesitation, claws extended from fingertips all around the gathering.

One by one, they pricked their fingers, letting a single drop of blood stain the paper before folding it carefully. Soon dozens of those folded wishes sailed through the air and landed in the roaring bonfire.

The flames shot up even higher, crackling wildly like they were devouring every single hope and dream hidden inside the papers.

The entire crowd exploded with even more excitement, their voices blending into one huge roar that shook the whole gathering.

"It is said that wishes written beneath the full moon and sealed with blood are always heard by the Moon Goddess," Ravyn called out. "Tonight, celebrate with everything you’ve got!"

As the cheers rang out louder than ever, Ravyn’s eyes drifted straight to Seraphine.

He watched her step closer to the flames and toss her folded wish into the fire, his gaze lingering on her with an intensity that made his chest ache.

Before he could get lost in the sight, loud drums suddenly pounded through the night, drowning out everything else.

The music exploded across the clearing with unstoppable energy.

A group of omega drummers hammered away with pure passion, their powerful rhythm vibrating through the ground so strongly that even wolves standing far back could feel it in their bones.

Laughter filled the air as everyone rushed toward the open space around the bonfire, dancing like they’d never stop, bodies moving freely under the moonlight.

The celebration was in full swing now, wild and unforgettable.

Long tables groaned under mountains of roasted meat, fresh fruits, sweet desserts, and every kind of drink you could imagine.

Pack members loaded up their plates while others spun and laughed beneath the moon, their joyful voices mixing perfectly with the thundering music.

Voren walked over to Seraphine, his expression serious but warm. "It’s time for us to get out of here."

She looked up at him and instantly knew what he meant. A soft smile pursed her lips as she nodded. "You’re right."

She’d seen enough of these gatherings to know exactly how the night always ended—once the Alphas drank too much, their judgment and self-control went right out the window.

That was exactly how she had ended up in bed with Ravyn last time, and she had zero intention of letting history repeat itself.

The two of them turned and had only taken a few steps when hurried footsteps came after them.

"Voren."

Ravyn caught up quickly, stopping right in front of them. "Are you leaving already?" His face stayed calm, but his eyes flicked toward Seraphine for a moment before returning to Voren. "Can we talk?"

Seraphine didn’t catch the deep longing burning in Ravyn’s gaze.

But Voren saw it immediately. His jaw clenched tight, and all the warmth vanished from his face. His eyes darkened dangerously as he stared straight back at Ravyn.

"Yes," he said, his voice steady but carrying a clear, sharp warning underneath. "We need to talk."