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. My stomach tightened with anticipation.
"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?"
I nodded, unable to suppress my smile. Though I didn't admit it aloud, a small part of me felt disappointed—I'd secretly hoped to be selected despite my discomfort speaking before the Council.
"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 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.
Haley stood transfixed, staring across the room with a dazed expression. Following her gaze, I saw Damon standing with his friends.
A terrible premonition gripped me as I heard Haley whisper: "Soul mate."
In that same heartbeat, Damon's gaze snapped toward Hailey—and between them, an invisible current surged, violent in its intensity. The unmistakable mark of soulmates.
I froze. What? Damon and Hailey—soulmates? No. No, that was supposed to be us. This had to be some cruel mistake！
I dug my nails into my palm—the pain sharp, grounding—and forced myself to look again. There was no mistaking it: the shimmering tether between Damon and Hailey. The irrefutable mark of a soulbond
Suddenly,my world collapsed around me.
Damon—my Damon—was Haley's soul mate? I stood frozen, tears welling in my eyes as the truth crashed over me.
Damon looked between Haley and me, confusion evident on his face. Beside him, Travis and Chuck wore expressions of shock.
"Stella, I..." Haley stammered.
I snapped out of my trance, the wolf within me howling in agony. My entire life felt like a lie. All those moments with Damon on Moonlight Meadow, our midnight conversations, our plans for the future—all meaningless.
Damon took a step toward me, but a low growl stopped him.
I glanced at Haley, who covered her mouth in shock at her own possessive reaction. I knew she understood what this meant for me, for our friendship. She was already feeling the protective instinct toward her mate, likely fearing he might reject her for me and anger the goddess.
My heart broke for Haley too, knowing her soul mate loved another girl—her best friend.
I couldn't bear it anymore. I turned and ran.
Behind me, voices called my name, and I heard the sound of wolf paws hitting the ground as someone transformed to follow me. I ran faster than I ever had, my emotions triggering my transformation mid-stride.
Pain shot through my body as bones cracked and reformed, fur erupting from my skin. I landed on four paws, my new wolf form allowing me to outpace all pursuers.
I let my wolf instincts take over while my human side wept for my lost friendship and love. Corvina led us deep into the ancient forest until we found a stone cave. I crawled inside, closed my mind to all mental links attempting to reach me, and cried myself to sleep.