Page 12 of The Onyx Covenant

I roll my eyes, though anxiety curls in my stomach. “I’m aware. Apparently, at nineteen, I’m practically ancient. On the verge of spinsterhood.”

“You’re the Alpha’s daughter. His only heir. They want to secure the bloodline.”

“I know what they want,” I snap, then take a breath. “Sorry. It’s just… I’m more than a broodmare for the continuation of some pure bloodline.”

Aria bumps her shoulder against mine. “Hey, I get it. That’s why we’re out here, right?”

I nod, gazing up at the sky where the Elios moon still hangs faintly visible despite the morning light—strong and unwavering, just like the stories say. Around it, a few other moons linger lower on the horizon, their pale forms barely visible, distant and quiet. None shine like Elios or cast the heavy shadow of Umbra, but they’re there, the silent watchers of our planet, Lunaterra. There are thirteen moons in all.

“I respect what my mother does, bless her,” I say quietly. “The moon priestesses have kept our traditions alive for generations. They say Elios is the protector, the moon that never falters, always guiding the strongest warriors. That’s why the priestesses focus on this moon in our district, which comes so close to our land. The light keeps the shadows at bay.”

I pause, watching the faintest flicker of another moon disappear behind a stretch of clouds.

“My parents always believed I’d follow that path. Said it was fitting since they’d named me Lyra after the Daughter Sun herself.” I smile faintly. “I used to believe that, too.” My gaze drifts back to Elios. “My faith’s still strong,” I add, almost defensively. “But lately… I don’t know. The passion just isn’t there anymore, not like it used to be.”

Aria snorts softly. “Yeah, well… endless lessons on healing magic and cryptic prophecies would kill anyone’s excitement.”

“I want to be able to defend myself, not rely on others for protection.” I pick up a small stone and turn it over in my hands, feeling its rough edges. “I want choices.”

Aria’s face tilts toward the sun. “And you’re good at fighting, Lyra. Really good. You could join the Nightblades.”

The thought makes me laugh out loud. “Can you imagine my father’s face if I told him that? His head would explode.”

“It might be worth it just to see?—”

A howl cuts through the morning air—deep and resonant, the Alpha’s call demanding attention. It’s the signal for all wolves to return to the main settlement immediately.

Aria and I exchange glances. “Shit,” she mutters, already gathering her things. “What now?”

“Could be anything. Community hunt. Pack meeting.” I shrug, but unease prickles along my spine. The call came early, even by my father’s standards.

We make quick work of hiding my training weapons in a hollow beneath the largest boulder. Can’t have evidence of my unladylike activities floating around. The priestesses would have a collective fit if they knew their prized pupil was learning to fight instead of perfecting her healing prayers.

“Race you back?” Aria suggests, eyes glinting with challenge.

I grin, already dropping into a runner’s stance. “Loser takes the winner’s temple duties for a week.”

“Deal. On three. One?—”

I’m already running, her shout following me into the trees. Fighting dirty isn’t just for physical combat.

The forest blurs around me. I could navigate these woods blindfolded, each root and fallen log mapped in my memory. The wind whips my hair behind me, and for a few precious moments, I feel free, unbound by expectations and heartbreak and duty.

Aria catches up halfway back, her longer legs giving her an advantage once she gets going. We’re neck and neck as our village comes into view, its stone structures gleaming in the morning light.

She pulls ahead in the final stretch.

“I’ll win next time,” I pant.

“Keep telling yourself that, priestess,” she calls back, slowing as we approach the settlement’s edge.

We compose ourselves before entering, smoothing our hair and adjusting our clothes to look like we’ve been doing anything but fighting. Aria’s path takes her toward the Nightblades’ quarters, while I need to rush back into my family’s home unnoticed.

“See you at whatever this gathering is,” she says, giving me a quick hug. “And, Lyra? Maybe give your father a chance. He might be more reasonable than you think.”

I snort. “You give him too much credit. See you soon.”

The central plaza is already filling with wolves answering the summons as I make my way along the back paths toward my home. I’m nearly there when a voice stops me cold.

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