Page 103 of The Onyx Covenant

“Were you ever really worried I wouldn’t?” I ask, trying to sound light, though we both know how close we came to disaster in that ritual.

He shakes his head, a rueful smile breaking through. “I should have known better. You’ve always been unstoppable when you set your mind to something.” His grip tightens on my hands. “I was wrong about Theron’s choice. Wrong about a lot of things. And I want you to know that I’m with you now. Both of you. Whatever comes next.”

The admission costs him, I can tell. Years of pack rivalry don’t dissolve overnight. But he’s trying, and that means everything.

“Thank you,” I whisper. “That matters more than you know.”

Mother pushes forward then, unable to contain herself any longer. She pulls me into a fierce embrace, and I breathe in her familiar scent—herbs and home.

“My brilliant girl,” she murmurs against my hair. “Always knew you were meant for greatness.”

I laugh against her shoulder, feeling suddenly like a child again. “I’m not sure surviving a deadly maze counts as greatness.”

She pulls back, framing my face with her hands. “It’s what comes after that will make the difference. And you’ll handle that just as well.”

Over her shoulder, I spot Theron across the grounds, standing with Kieran rather than beside his father. The distance between them speaks volumes. Our gazes meet briefly, and he offers a small smile that sends warmth cascading through me.

“Look at you,” Mother says, following my gaze. “Already thinking like a leader.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“To a mother? Always.” She kisses my forehead. “We’ll let you celebrate with your friends. Your father and I should mingle—make nice with people who’ve been sneering at us for years.” Her eyes twinkle mischievously.

As my parents move away to join the growing crowd of pack members—both sides talking awkwardly on the Onyx Covenant grounds—a familiar voice rings through the murmur.

“Look who’s a big deal now.”

I turn to see Aria striding toward me, resplendent in a deep blue dress that reflects the flaming torchlights like rippling water. Her smile is wide and infectious.

“Aria!” I exclaim, grabbing her hands.

She loops her arm through mine, steering me toward a quieter corner of the grounds. “So how does it feel? Being the talk of every single wolf for miles around? I’ve heard your name so many times today I’m considering changing mine just for some variety.”

The grounds around us are filling with members of both packs, old rivals now forced into an uncertain alliance. Some faces are openly hostile, others cautiously optimistic.

“Honestly? It still doesn’t feel real,” I admit. “Yesterday, I was fighting for my life, and today, everyone’s acting like I’m suddenly important.”

“Oh,” Aria says, patting my arm. “You have no idea. Half the people here are absolutely seething with jealousy, and the other half are tripping over themselves to declare how they’ve ’always supported unity between the packs.’?” Her impression of the self-important elders is so spot-on I have to stifle a laugh.

“And which half do you fall into?” I tease.

“Please. I’m in the third, much more exclusive category of people who are just here for the free food and the drama.” She winks, then grows suddenly serious. “But truly, Lyra, so many people are behind this union. The younger generation especially. We’re tired of the old grudges, the pointless rivalry.”

I nod, feeling the weight of expectation settling on my shoulders. “I know. That’s what makes it so terrifying. We can’t fail.”

“Speaking of failing…” Aria nods subtly toward where Theron’s father stands, surrounded by his traditional supporters, his face like stone. “What’s the plan for dealing with the chief opposition?”

I sigh, the worry I’ve been pushing down bubbling back up. “I don’t know yet. Theron thinks his father will eventually come around, but?—”

“But he’s a stubborn old wolf who’s been running things his way for decades,” Aria finishes. “How long do you think it’ll take Theron to wrestle control once you’re officially installed at the Onyx Covenant?”

“Months, at least. Maybe longer.” I run my fingers over the tender skin where the manacle had been. “Gods, Aria, can you believe it? In a week, I’ll be helping run the Onyx Covenant. Me. With actual power and responsibility and?—”

“And a gorgeous mate at your side,” Aria cuts in with a sly grin. “Don’t pretend that’s not a significant perk.”

I feel heat rising to my cheeks. “That’s hardly the point.”

“Maybe not the main point,” she concedes. “But definitely a very nice bonus point.” She nudges me playfully. “Look, I know your head is spinning with plans and politics and potential disasters, but maybe for tonight, just focus on one thing.”

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