Chapter 66 — On Edge
Rowan straightened his tunic one last time before stepping into the hall, the weight of tonight pressing against him like a stone. Every part of him was tense, his wolf prowling back and forth inside his chest, ears pricked and fangs bared.
‘Calm,’ Rowan thought, rubbing a palm across his sternum. ‘We’ll get through this. One step at a time.’ But his wolf only gave a low growl in return, restless, sensing trouble ahead.
Rowan made his way down the torchlit corridor toward the great hall, boots sounding heavily on the flagstones. Music and murmured conversation drifted faintly toward him through the halls.
As he turned a corner, an omega male rushed around it too quickly, nearly colliding into him. The impact jarred Rowan backward a step.
“Watch it,” Rowan growled, hand shooting out to catch the omega’s shoulder before he toppled over entirely.
The omega’s face paled as he realized who he’d run into, bowing his head low. “Alpha, I—I’m so sorry,” he stammered, breath trembling. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
Rowan narrowed his eyes. “Are you in a hurry?”
“Yes, Alpha,” the omega answered quickly, hands wringing together as he kept his gaze trained on Rowan’s boots. “I was sent back to the kitchen for more drinks. The celebration’s already starting.”
Rowan studied him a moment longer. “And you couldn’t have gone a little slower?”
“My deepest apologies,” the omega whispered, dipping into a deeper bow. “I meant no disrespect.”
Rowan finally released his hold, stepping aside. “Just keep your eyes up next time.”
“Yes, Alpha. Thank you,” the omega rushed out before hurrying past him toward the back hall.
Rowan watched him go, gaze lingering on the omega's retreating form until he disappeared into the shadows.
‘Something’s off,’ his wolf murmured, ears flat.
‘You feel it too?’ Rowan thought back.
‘He smelled like fear. But not the kind that comes from running into you.’
Rowan flexed his hands. ‘Our enemies could be anywhere tonight.’
‘And they will strike when we least expect it,’ his wolf agreed with a growl.
Rowan took a long, slow breath, tamping the wolf's protective energy back into its cage as he resumed his stride.
That was when Kalen’s voice pushed into his mind. ‘Where are you?’ The Beta's familiar voice rang along the link.
Rowan paused. ‘On my way. Got held up by one of the omegas. Practically ran me over in the hall.’
‘Everything okay?’ Kalen’s concern was sharp.
Rowan frowned as he answered. ‘I’m fine. Didn’t recognize him right away, though. Something felt off.’
There was a short silence, then Kalen’s voice returned. ‘Want me to check on him?’
Rowan considered that, eyes narrowing as he started walking again. ‘Do it. Discreetly. I want to know what he was doing and who sent him.’
‘Got it. Anything else?’
Rowan flexed his jaw. ‘Have you seen anything strange tonight? Anyone out of place?’
‘Not exactly.’ Kalen’s voice was clipped, all business. ‘But some of our warriors have noticed unfamiliar scents near the east perimeter earlier. Nothing that screamed rogues, but it’s enough to keep me on edge.’
Rowan’s hands curled into fists at his sides as they moved past another stretch of corridors. ‘Keep a few extra men in place. And make sure no one uninvited enters.’
‘Already ahead of you, Alpha. I’ve doubled patrols around the packhouse and set up scouts at every blind spot. No one will surprise us tonight.’
Rowan gave a low, satisfied hum. ‘Good. I’ll be down in a moment. Keep me updated if anything shifts.’
‘Of course. And Rowan?’
‘Yeah?’
‘Keep your eyes peeled.’
Rowan broke the link with a short exhale and resumed his pace toward the grand staircase.
Every part of him thrummed with cautious energy.
‘Our enemies will make their move tonight. Be ready for anything,’ his wolf murmured as they reached the marble steps that led down toward the ballroom.
“I plan to,” Rowan muttered under his breath.
He descended, shoulders squared and chin up, hearing the gentle clink of glasses and the muted rhythm of voices just ahead. The celebration was in full swing, or at least it appeared to be from the outside.
And they were waiting for him—his pack, his warriors, the elders, and Rhea.
Rowan paused outside the carved wooden doors, drawing one final, steadying breath before he pushed them open and stepped into the light.
Conversation tapered off as every face turned toward him. Firelight and candle flames reflected in dozens of eyes—some loyal, some uncertain, some watchful in a way that made his wolf bristle.
Rowan’s stride slowed as his gaze finally settled on Rhea.
Rhea was already waiting in her ceremonial white dress, hands folded demurely, gaze cautious as it met his.
For a fleeting moment, the breath caught in his throat.
He’d seen Rhea countless times before—at council meetings, training sessions, and fleeting glances across crowded rooms—but tonight was different. The gentle light from the chandeliers kissed her hair, a silky cascade that framed her face perfectly. Her white gown clung to her form in a way that was graceful rather than showy, making her seem like some regal vision pulled straight from a dream.
And when her gaze lifted to meet his, there was a softness in her dark eyes, an understanding that rooted him where he stood.
Rowan felt his wolf still in his chest, for just a heartbeat, caught off guard.
She looked radiant.
And for the first time, a thought crossed his mind unbidden—maybe the Elders had a point.
Maybe Rhea truly was a Luna who could stand beside him and face whatever was coming.
The whispered voices around him fell away for that one suspended moment as he took her in.
‘Our people deserve someone strong at our side,’ his wolf murmured thoughtfully, his voice sounding a bit confused to Rowan’s ears.
Rowan held his breath, brow furrowing as the weight of that thought hit him.
He hadn’t planned for this, hadn’t planned to feel this sense of…possibility when he looked at her tonight.
And yet, here it was.
Still, just as quickly as the thought appeared, Giselle’s face rose up in his memory—the bond they shared like a warm and glowing thread through his soul.
And with that came the ache that hadn’t left him since she was taken.
Rowan let his gaze linger a moment longer on Rhea before pushing the conflicted thoughts aside.
Whatever tonight held, whatever his people expected of him—his heart already belonged to someone else.
He only hoped that when this was all over, he’d have the chance to prove it.
With measured steps, Rowan strode into the ballroom, prepared to face whatever—and whoever—stood against him.
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