Chapter 6

Stella's POV

Morning light filtered through the frost-covered window, casting pale blue patterns across our sleeping quarters. I stirred first, feeling Haley's warmth beside me. Today was the day—the Wolf Ritual at the Clan Hall, followed by the tribal celebration and Polar Night Festival.

"Haley, wake up," I whispered, gently nudging her shoulder. "We need to prepare for the ritual."

She groaned but opened her eyes, a smile quickly replacing her sleepy expression. "It's finally happening!" She sat up, pushing her dark hair from her face. "We have what, three hours to prepare?"

"About that," I confirmed, already moving to check our warrior training assessment results that had been delivered earlier.

Haley rushed past me, reaching the tablet first. Her hands trembled as she unlocked the screen. "I passed all the trials!" she exclaimed, tears welling in her eyes.

"I passed too," I announced proudly, peering over her shoulder at my own results.

Haley's expression held a mixture of joy and subtle envy. "Let me guess, the daughter of Brian received the highest marks in every category again?"

Of course it goes without saying—when have I ever not taken first place?

"I'll collect herbs for the ritual while you prepare food," Haley suggested, already gathering her foraging basket.

I returned with smoked wild boar, goat cheese, acorn cakes, wild honey, dried fruits, and freshly brewed malt ale. We ate while gathering herbs, the morning passing in laughter and excitement. For the first time in days, I felt completely at ease—no ominous Storm Sense clouded my thoughts.

"Hold still," Haley commanded as she wove my hair into the intricate ritual braids. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across my bedroom as we prepared for the ceremony.

"Is this really necessary?" I complained, wincing as she tugged at a section of hair.

"Absolutely. You must look your best today." Her fingers moved deftly, creating a complex pattern that symbolized my warrior status. Half my hair was braided tightly against my scalp, while the other half remained loose—representing my final day before full adulthood.

Next came the ritual paint. Haley's artistic hand traced wolf patterns around my eyes, then added green totems across my cheekbones—symbols of moonlight blessing. When she finished, I barely recognized the young woman in the copper mirror.

My warrior leathers complemented the fierce appearance, and my mother's emerald ring completed the sacred ensemble.

"You look stunning," Haley breathed, stepping back to admire her work. "Almost otherworldly."

I turned to help with her preparations. I wove her hair into a low side braid, adorned with bronze ornaments symbolizing her elder family lineage. Deep blue aurora patterns encircled her eyes, matching her family emblem. When finished, she looked both mysterious and alluring.

"I'll envy whoever becomes your soul mate!" I declared dramatically, clutching my chest in mock heartbreak.

Haley laughed. "Oh, Stella, you're even more beautiful than I imagined! Part of that is my handiwork, of course!"

"Girls!" My mother's voice called from outside. "The sun is already setting!"

I made a face at Haley. "Sounds like she's getting emotional already."

"I heard that," Mom's stern voice replied. "Come out now!"

In the main room, Mom was wiping tears while Dad stood with a solemn expression. The sight made my heart twist with unexpected emotion.

"Dad, what's wrong?" I asked softly.

"Hmm," he murmured, his voice low. "I'd rather see you in full warrior gear, but you both truly look like daughters of the Moon today."

"I love you, Dad," I said, embracing him tightly.

The forest path to the Clan Hall felt longer than usual as Dad escorted us through deepening shadows. Suddenly, a wave of dread washed over me—a Storm Sense so strong it made my heart race. I struggled to maintain my composure, but Dad noticed immediately.

"Are you well, my little warrior?" his voice touched my mind through Mind-Link.

"Yes, just... a bad feeling about tonight. I'm sure it's nothing. You know how this gift comes uninvited sometimes."

Dad's mental voice was warm with concern. "Well, if you need me, call me through the mind-link and I'll come immediately, my daughter."

"I know. Thank you, Dad. I love you."

"And I love you, little one."

The Clan Hall glowed with ceremonial light as we arrived. The sacred space had been transformed for the ritual, with a stone bowl of Wolf's Blood at its center, surrounded by white candles representing the moon. Young tribal members gathered in clusters, some already sampling the ritual wines despite the prohibition for those who hadn't undergone the Wolf Ritual.

Haley and I each poured drinks—she chose honeyed fruit wine while I selected herb-infused malt ale. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and nervous energy.

"I need to cleanse my hands." Haley announced. I followed a few steps behind her.

Halfway there, Haley suddenly stopped, her nostrils flaring as she scented the air. Without warning, she veered away from our intended path. I tried to follow, but the crowd made it difficult to keep pace with her swift movements.

When I finally caught up, Haley stood transfixed, staring ahead like a deer caught in headlights. Following her gaze, I saw him—Damon.

To be fair, this guy does look a bit effeminate right now. In my words, he's a cunt boy.

Haley stood transfixed, staring across the room with a dazed expression. Following her gaze, I saw Damon standing with his friends.

A premonition gripped me as I heard Haley whisper: "Soul mate."

In that same heartbeat, Damon's gaze snapped toward Haley—and between them, an invisible current surged, violent in its intensity. The unmistakable mark of soulmates.

I froze. What? Damon and Haley—soulmates?

Suddenly, everyone turned to look at me all at once.

“Why are you all staring at me? Is there a flower growing on my face? Or am I running around naked right now?” I snapped.

So what if I’m not with Damon? Big deal! Just because we grew up together doesn’t mean I have to end up with this sissy boy!

Hayley approached, stammering, “Stella, I had no idea this would happen—”

I glanced at the undisguised glee on her face and sneered, forcing out, “It’s fine. You two make a great couple.”

“Please, Stella, hit me! Your calmness is scaring me.”

“I’m afraid I’d kill you with one punch.”

Since when did she get so two-faced? Did she really expect me to throw a tantrum?

“STELLA!” Damon suddenly roared.

The little prick charged over, shoving Hayley behind him and feigning regret as he cried, “Stella, don’t take it out on Hayley! This is the Goddess’s will—she bound my soul to Hayley’s!”

“Sure, whatever you say,” I droned.

As Damon rambled on about how I shouldn’t be sad, I felt my temper spike. Of course I was upset—who wouldn’t be, put on display like this? But let’s be real: I’d already sensed Damon’s feelings were never genuine. The Goddess sees all.

In an instant, Damon’s cronies chimed in, some “supporting” me, others defending Hayley, turning the scene into chaos.

“ENOUGH!” I thundered.

I couldn’t take it anymore. This wasn’t my fight anyway. Time to bounce.

I bolted from the hall, shifting into a wolf mid-stride. Pain ripped through me—bones cracking, reforming; fur erupting from my skin. On all fours, my new body left any pursuers in the dust.

“Corvina, let’s get out of here,” I snarled, letting my wolf instincts take over.

“Honestly, I’ve never liked that Damon guy,” Corvina admitted.

“Save it. Move.”

She led me deep into ancient woods until we found a cave. I crawled inside, shutting down my mind, blocking every mental link trying to reach me.

I’ll sleep it off. Tomorrow’s another day. Soulmates? Tradition says I’ll find mine. No sweat.

But what I didn’t see: beyond the clan’s borders, storm clouds were gathering.