As they set up the lottery, I sit up, turn my head, and look out towards the desert. There is nothing left of the sunlight now except a long, glowing strip of fire on the horizon, and it makes me uneasy.
Over the past four weeks, movement from the snake has been detected and the rock has begun to glow. When Alisha started to have nightmares, we really sat up and took notice. Sarah and Scarlett reported dreams as well. Not wanting to create a panic, we’ve kept the information between us—but thisis the main reason we are taking such drastic action to organize the packs.
We can’t just sit here fighting each other while the ancient spirit looms over us. We have to try and settle this conflict so we can be ready for whatever the snake wants to throw at us.
“For this role, I appoint Dan Hunter!” Rex’s voice cuts through my thoughts, and I’m so surprised, I actually jump. Rex points at me, and I stand up, a little awkwardly.
“This will be the alpha of your new pack, the pack of Riverside!” Rex announces.
A cool shock runs through me, but I’m not really surprised.
I knew it was between Luke and me, and there was a good chance I’d be chosen. It’s just that now I know for sure how much work I have ahead of me.
Rex beckons to me, and I go up the front to stand with them, waving at the crowd and trying to smile. Nerves bubble in my guts when I see everyone looking at me, but it only makes me more determined.
Stability is what we need now. It’s the only way to protect these people and keep them safe. It’s actually a relief to be put in charge. Now I can face the problems head-on.
Then Rex’s next words cut through my inner pep talk, giving my confidence a nice, hard shake.
“All that is left to do now… is choose your luna.”
Chapter 2 - Grace
The sky is just beginning to darken as Rex begins to read out the names of everyone designated to join the new pack. I knew this was coming—Alisha told me about some of it—but now that it’s actually happening, anxiety rises in my chest, making my muscles tense.
A cool breeze blows in from the desert, and a rush of chills races across my skin. I can hear all the plants around me whispering and singing, even the grass under my knees. There is some kind of magic in the air tonight, and it feels like more than just the birth of a new pack.
As if that isn’t enough. The first families of Eccles have never made anything easy for anyone. Why should they start now?
My eyes flick over to the Eccles council and Bernadette standing behind them. I don’t have a kind word for any of them, even Gen.
What I told Alisha was such a tiny portion of the truth. My life here has been a living hell, and every single one of the council and first families is responsible.
When I look back at our leaders, Alisha catches my eye and smiles. I smile back, warmth growing in my chest.
My whole life, I wished for change, and then it finally came. Alisha is the best friend I’ve ever had.
I have to look away and swallow a lump in my throat. Alisha is my best friend, and I trust her with my life—but not all my secrets.
Rex continues to read out names, and murmurs drift through the crowd. A lot of people volunteered to go, and some,obviously, would refuse. The remainder chosen by lottery is just to even out the size and skills within the new pack in relation to the others.
I’m looking down at the ground, combing the grass with my fingers, when the sound of my own name rings through me like a bell.
“Grace Fenton!” Rex calls.
I jump a little, looking up at him with wide eyes. I see Alisha’s look of dismay, but neither of us can say or do anything, and Rex goes on to the next name.
Alisha holds my gaze, and I can see tears in her eyes. A sharp ache of loss lances through my chest as I think about leaving—but at the same time, it almost feels like liberation.
I love my little house and the big garden. I love being close to Alisha every day. But I can’t say I’m unhappy to leave Eccles behind me!
Even though the initial shock of hearing my name and the thought of what I’ll leave behind stings a little, I find my heart brightening as I think of the new pack.
Everyone’s truly on even ground. Misfits from every town. We can build something new there—without the interference of the guilds or the Eccles first families!
Alisha is still watching me, and I smile warmly, putting one hand over my heart. She smiles back, realizing that I’m not too upset about going.
We’ll still be close. We can visit each other any time we want. It’s really important that the alphas stay above our personal wants in this and don’t show any preferential treatment.
