Vengeance Under the Full Moon

It had been a week since I arrived and I knew Draven and Ravenna was the most surprise of them all. I stood in front of the grand mirror in my quarters, adjusting the silver clasp on my cloak, letting my fingers linger over the smooth fabric. A calm smile tugged at my lips, but my heart pounded with the fury of a storm. Draven’s betrayal played in my mind on a loop, but I couldn't afford to let that rage show. Not yet.

Not until I had everything I needed to destroy them both.

With a deep breath, I stepped out into the cool air of the hallway. My heels clicked against the stone floor as I made my way to the dining hall where Draven was waiting. The wedding was approaching fast, and tonight, it would be just the two of us. I would act the part of the doting, oblivious fiancée, and Draven… he would fall into my trap, as easy prey always did.

I reached the door and hesitated. The smell of cedar and pine—the scent I once found comforting—was now tainted with memories of whispered conversations, shared between him and Ravenna.

The door creaked open, and there he was. Draven Thornclaw, my mate, sat at the head of the long wooden table, gazing into the fire like a man deep in thought. His dark hair, messy in that effortless way I used to find endearing, and his sharp jawline caught in the flickering light made him look every bit the mate I once adored. But now? Now, he was just a puppet, and I was pulling the strings.

I plastered on my sweetest smile and strode toward him. "Draven," I purred, my voice honeyed and soft. "You’ve been so distant lately. It’s making me… lonely." My fingertips lightly grazed the back of his neck as I leaned down, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

He flinched ever so slightly before catching himself, and I noticed the stiffness in his shoulders. "Zerra," he said, his voice strained as he turned to face me, offering a weak smile. "I'm sorry. There’s been a lot on my mind lately, with the packs, the wedding…"

"Mm," I murmured, sliding into the chair beside him. "I can imagine. But you don’t need to face any of it alone, Draven. I’m here. We’re supposed to be mates." My eyes met his, searching for any flicker of guilt or hesitation. I found it. He was squirming under my gaze, and I couldn’t help but savor the moment.

"I know," he said, his hand brushing mine in what was probably meant to be a comforting gesture. "You’ve always been strong, Zerra. I… I just want to make sure everything is perfect for us. For the future of the pack."

I let out a soft laugh and leaned in closer, my lips inches from his ear. "The future of the pack… or the future you’re building with Ravenna?" I whispered, barely loud enough for him to hear.

Draven froze, his breath catching. For a split second, panic flickered in his eyes before he quickly masked it. "Zerra… what are you—"

I placed a finger against his lips, silencing him. "Shh." I smiled again, this time softer, more genuine. "I didn’t mean anything by it, love. I know how hard you’re working for us, for me. And I’m grateful."

I watched him closely as my words wrapped around his guilt, squeezing it tighter. His shoulders sagged a little in relief, and I leaned back, giving him a reprieve from the suffocating tension. For now.

"Let’s not talk about Ravenna or any of that tonight," I continued, placing my hand on his chest. "Tonight is for us. The wedding’s almost here, and I want to make sure you’re still mine, Draven. Body and soul."

He swallowed hard, but I could see it—the uncertainty, the conflict. I could almost feel the weight of Ravenna’s presence looming over him like a shadow. But I would not let her win. Not tonight.

"I’m still yours, Zerra," he said quietly, his hand coming to rest on my thigh. But his touch felt wrong, empty. His fingers lacked the spark they once held, and it took everything in me to keep smiling.

I could sense the hesitation in him as he pulled me closer. His lips grazed mine, tentative, like a man lost between two worlds. I deepened the kiss, threading my fingers through his hair, willing him to forget Ravenna, even if just for this moment. Let him believe the facade I was creating, let him feel the pull of our bond once more.

He responded, but it felt forced, like he was going through the motions. His mind wasn’t here, not fully. But that was fine. I didn’t need him to be sincere. I just needed him to fall into the web I was weaving.

When I pulled back, I traced his jawline with my thumb. "I’ve missed you," I whispered, voice thick with false emotion. "We haven’t been like this in so long… I almost thought you didn’t want me anymore."

His eyes softened, a flicker of guilt crossing his features. "I do want you, Zerra. It’s just…"

"Just what?" I asked, tilting my head in mock curiosity, though I already knew the answer.

"I’ve… I’ve been distracted," he admitted. "Ravenna’s been… helping with some negotiations. It’s been a lot to handle."

Ravenna. Even just hearing her name stirred the anger simmering beneath my skin. But I kept my expression neutral, forcing a gentle laugh. "You don’t need to explain anything to me, Draven. I know how hard it’s been for you."

He exhaled, his grip tightening slightly on my waist, as if searching for comfort in my presence. The irony of it almost made me laugh.

"Let’s forget about all of that," I said, sliding onto his lap, my hands resting on his broad shoulders. "For tonight, let’s just be us again." I kissed him again, more aggressively this time, tasting his hesitation, his confusion. But he kissed me back, and for a moment, I let myself enjoy the power I had over him.

The power that would soon crush him.

As I pulled away, I rested my head on his shoulder, allowing him to think he had me where he wanted. But it was I who had him in my grasp. My mind drifted to Ravenna, and I could almost hear her venomous voice in my ear.

Not for long, sister. Not for long.

"Zerra," Draven murmured against my hair, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Are you happy?"

I smiled against his neck, pressing one last kiss to his skin before standing. "Of course, love. I’m happy. The wedding is so close, after all."

The wedding. The very ceremony that would be Ravenna’s undoing.