“Room for two more?” Scarlett asks, already pulling up chairs.
“Always,” Nova says. “We’re planning the Spring Equinox. You’re just in time.”
Harper quickly summarizes. “Main stage sponsorship, security positioning, healing tent. Still brainstorming community integration.”
Scarlett’s eyes light up. “The bonfire is always the centerpiece. If Ash Hollow supplies the wood and coordinates setup, it shows real investment in Silverwood.”
“We could collaborate with Ember and Pine,” Nyxiana suggests, glancing at Scarlett. “Your Lodge could co-host some activities. Good exposure for your business, builds bridges for the pack.”
Scarlett nods thoughtfully. “I like that. Shared events, shared visibility.”
“Cross-community workshops,” Nyxiana continues. “Crafting, maybe. Informal collaboration between different traditions.”
Evie leans forward. “I love the workshop idea. Back in Wildwater Falls, I ran the community library—organized reading groups, crafting circles, that sort of thing.” A shadow crosses her face briefly. “I miss that. Being part of something.”
Scarlett touches her arm. “You’re still adjusting. Moving to Silverwood was a big change.”
“I know.” Evie’s smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “It’s just ... Scarlett and Kaspian have the Lodge, their life together. I feel like I’m—“ She stops, shakes her head. “Never mind.”
“Like a third wheel?” Harper asks gently.
Evie laughs, but it sounds hollow. “Yeah.”
Nova exchanges a glance with me, then leans forward. “Evie, I’d like to extend an official invitation. Join Ash Hollow. Not as a guest—as pack.”
The table goes quiet. Evie blinks, her eyes scanning every face in the booth. She’s clearly not expecting this.
“Seriously?”
“We have space,” Nova continues, her Alpha authority settling over the words. “An empty cabin near Nyxiana’s. Full pack protection, community support. Your dragon heritage would be welcomed, not just tolerated.”
Nyxiana nods. “I came from Bloodmoon Realm, knowing no one. The pack accepted me immediately. And honestly ...” she glances at Evie, “I could use help figuring out this dragon thing. You’ve never shifted either, right?”
“No,” Evie admits. “I don’t even know if I can.”
“We could work on it together,” Nyxiana offers. “Two dragons trying to figure out what we are.”
Scarlett squeezes Evie’s hand. “I’d miss you at the Lodge, but you deserve a real home, not just a place to sleep. And Silverwood’s not far—we’d still see each other a lot.”
Evie looks around the table, overwhelmed. “I ... could I visit first? Before deciding?”
“Of course,” Nova says warmly. “Come spend a few days. Meet everyone, see if it feels right. No pressure.”
Harper pulls out her phone. “This weekend work? I can set everything up.”
Evie nods slowly, hope lighting her face. “Yeah. I’d like that.”
Chapter 9
Callum
Ipour one last beer and straighten the row of sandwiches as the rumble of approaching vehicles reaches my ears. The pack around me buzzes with anticipation, moving into position around the Lodge entrance like we’ve rehearsed a hundred homecomings before.
The vehicles pull up—Derek’s truck and one of the larger SUVs. They made the short drive from the portal at Tir na Sorcha, where Lachlan keeps a stable gateway for allied travel.
“They’re here,” I announce.
The pack moves toward the entrance, anticipation crackling through the bond. When the door opens, Rhonan and Serena step through, and the room explodes with welcome—shouts, laughter the rush of pack members surrounding them.
