Twin Flames, Broken Bonds

Vera

Oh no.

"Kara..."

"Have fun!" She disappeared before I could protest.

I took a deep breath, smoothed down my shirt, and headed for the formal receiving room.

This was fine. It was just a political meeting. Nothing to worry about.

Except when I opened the door, I found not just Alpha Kieran waiting for me, but Darius as well, standing on the opposite side of the room with his arms crossed and murder in his eyes.

And Kieran, tall and golden-haired with warm hazel eyes, smiled when he saw me like I'd just made his entire day.

"Luna Vera," he said, his voice rich and genuinely pleased. "You look well. I was hoping we'd have a chance to talk."

Behind him, I heard Darius make a sound that was almost a growl.

This was going to be a disaster.

"Alpha Kieran," I said, forcing a smile. "Welcome to Shadowcrest. It's... good to see you again."

And as I stepped into the room, closing the door behind me, I couldn't help but think:

Three months suddenly felt like a very long time.

The tension in the formal receiving room was thick enough to choke on.

I stood just inside the doorway, acutely aware of both Alphas watching me. Kieran with open warmth and interest. Darius barely contained hostility that seemed to roll off him in waves.

"I apologize for the impromptu visit," Kieran said, his easy smile never faltering despite the death glare Darius was giving him. "I was passing through the territory on my way to the Summit planning committee and thought I'd stop by to discuss the seating arrangements."

"Seating arrangements," Darius repeated, his voice flat. "That's what you came here to discuss."

"Among other things." Kieran's gaze shifted to me, and something in his expression softened. "I also wanted to check on Luna Vera. The last time we met, she seemed... uncomfortable. I wanted to make sure she was settling in well."

Three months ago, at that pack gathering, I'd been a mess. Barely holding myself together, trying to smile while Darius spent the entire evening at Selene's side. Kieran had found me hiding in a garden, close to tears, and had sat with me for twenty minutes. Just talking. Being kind.

I hadn't realized he'd noticed how miserable I was.

"I'm fine," I said, moving further into the room. "Thank you for your concern, Alpha Kieran."

"Please, just Kieran." He gestured to the seating area, plush chairs arranged around a low table. "And I hope you'll join us for this discussion. The Summit seating is partially your responsibility as Luna."

I glanced at Darius, expecting him to dismiss me like he usually did. But his jaw was clenched so tight I was surprised his teeth didn't crack, and he gave a sharp nod.

"Of course," he bit out. "My Luna is involved in all pack business."

The lie was so blatant I almost laughed. But I kept my expression neutral and took a seat. Kieran sat across from me, and Darius positioned himself between us, his body language screaming possession and warning.

It would have been flattering if it wasn't so hypocritical.

"So," Kieran pulled out a document from the leather bag he'd brought. "The Summit is in six weeks. All regional Alphas will attend, along with their Lunas. The seating arrangement is critical for maintaining pack alliances and preventing conflicts."

He spread the document on the table, a detailed seating chart with dozens of names I didn't recognize.

"Traditionally, the host pack, Nightshade, this year sits at the head table with their closest allies. Shadowcrest is listed here..." he pointed to a spot near the center, "...along with Ashwood, Ironbark, and Silverpine."

I leaned forward, studying the chart. "Why are we positioned between Ironbark and Silverpine? Aren't they rivals?"

Both Alphas looked at me with surprise.

"You know about the Ironbark-Silverpine conflict?" Kieran asked.

"I've been reading through the alliance documents this morning." I tapped the chart. "Three years ago, Silverpine accused Ironbark of poaching on their hunting grounds. The dispute was supposedly settled, but according to the treaty notes, there's still tension. Putting them at the same table seems like asking for trouble."

Kieran's smile widened. "I'm impressed. You're absolutely right." He glanced at Darius. "Your Luna has a good eye for politics."

Darius said nothing, but I could feel his gaze burning into me.

"What would you suggest?" Kieran asked, directing the question to me, not Darius.

I studied the chart, thinking. "Move Silverpine to the secondary table, next to Moonridge. They have a positive trade relationship. Put the Redwood Pack between Shadowcrest and Ironbark instead, they're neutral with everyone."

"Smart." Kieran made notes on the document. "That could actually work. Darius, what do you think?"

"Fine." Darius's voice was clipped. "Is that all?"

"Not quite." Kieran set down his pen and looked directly at me again. "There's also the matter of the Luna's Council meeting. It happens the day before the main Summit. All Lunas gather separately to discuss pack welfare, territory concerns, things of that nature."

My heart skipped. "I didn't know there was a Luna's Council."

"Most young Lunas don't, their first year." Kieran's expression turned gentle. "It can be intimidating. The older Lunas have been leading their packs for decades. But I think you'd find it valuable. My sister usually attends as Ashwood's representative since I'm unmated. She mentioned she'd be happy to introduce you to the other Lunas if you'd like."

It was such a simple offer. Such a kind gesture.

And it made me realize, with painful clarity, that Darius had never once offered to help me navigate pack politics. Never introduced me properly to other Alphas. Never even told me about the Luna's Council.

"I'd like that," I said quietly. "Thank you."

"Excellent. I'll have Lyssa reach out to you." Kieran gathered his papers. "I should get going. I have two more packs to visit before the planning committee meeting tonight." He stood, and I rose with him. "Luna Vera, it was a pleasure. As always."

He took my hand and brought it to his lips, a  formal gesture, nothing inappropriate. But the way Darius shot to his feet made it clear he didn't see it that way.

"Kieran," Darius said, his voice carrying a clear warning. "A word. Outside."

Kieran's eyes glinted with amusement. "Of course, Alpha Blackthorn."

They left me standing in the receiving room, and I heard their voices carry from the hallway, too low to make out words, but the tone was unmistakable. Darius was furious.

I was still standing there, trying to process what had just happened, when the door opened again.

But it wasn't Darius or Kieran who walked in.

It was Selene.

She looked perfect, as always. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders in glossy waves, and she wore a dress I recognized, one of the expensive ones from the pack house collection, the kind Darius had told me I could wear whenever I wanted but somehow they always looked better on her. But there was something sharp in her expression today, something calculating.

"So," she said, closing the door behind her with a soft click. "Kieran Ashwood. Interesting."

"Selene..."

"Don't." She held up a hand, but there was no guilt in her gesture. No apology. "I'm not here to fight with you, Vera. I'm here to talk. Sister to sister."

"We're not sisters anymore," I said quietly. "Not really. Not after everything."

"We'll always be sisters. Blood doesn't change." She moved closer, and I saw the determination in her eyes. "And because I'm your sister, I'm going to be honest with you. You're making a mistake."

I almost laughed. "I'm making a mistake? I'm not the one sleeping with someone else's husband."