THE STREETS OF THE PACK WERE BUSY.

After the chaos at breakfast and the chilling threat from Alpha Brent, I was too shaken to do much but nod at anything Nora told me.

Nora decided to take me outside the Alpha's Den later that morning.

"You've been cooped up too long, dear," she gently uttered while holding a light cloak out for me. "Come. I'll show you around the pack grounds. It'll help settle your mind."

I hesitated at the doorway and was half afraid Brent would be there with another box and another threat but the halls were surprisingly quiet.

We stepped outside and I immediately noticed how much warmer it felt out here. The den was all stone and shadows, but outside, the Blood Moon Pack grounds were alive. The scent of soil and pine filled my lungs. Wolves trotted lazily across training fields and some workers carried crates of goods toward the market square. Children giggled near the stream that cut across the western end of the territory.

Nora finally led me down a paved path lined with red-blooming bushes.

"Now," she began. "While you're here, especially while you carry the Alpha's heir, you will be protected at all times. By law, by the Luna, by the Council. But it also means you must obey the customs."

I nodded slowly. "What does that... involve, exactly?"

"Basic things," she replied while waving a hand as we walked. "No leaving the territory unaccompanied. No entering the Alpha's chambers without request. Attend scheduled appointments with the physician. Keep a calm presence. Eat well and rest. Keep your body strong."

I tried to absorb it all, but the word heir echoed too loudly in my head.

"So the whole pack," I trailed off while watching a pair of older wolves shift back into human form and dress beside a fire pit. "They all rely on me and the Alpha?"

Nora slowed and looked at me seriously. "Yes, child. You're carrying the future of the Blood Moon Pack. The next Alpha or perhaps Alpha pair, if fate allows."

It didn't feel real. I was just me. But now I was everything.

We walked a little farther and passed a group of warriors stretching near the training grounds, and I hesitated before asking, "How does it actually happen? I mean the process?"

Nora heaved a deep sigh and then looked a little embarrassed. "To be honest, I don't know the exact details. The Alpha has been quiet about it. Even the physicians were only told basic information."

I frowned. "So, it's just going to happen, and I'll be told last?"

Nora placed a hand gently on my shoulder. "You're not a prisoner anymore, Lot 18. But you're not fully free either. Things will unfold as they must. Just be patient."

Before I could ask her any further, another woman dressed in a similar uniform hurried up to us.

"Nora," she uttered while slightly out of breath. "The Luna is asking for you. Urgently."

Nora turned to me. "Will you be alright if I leave you for a little while?"

I hastily nodded. "Yes, I'll be fine. I promise."

She hesitated. "Don't go too far. Stay near the central square. You're recognizable. Not everyone here will understand your position."

"I will," I replied and gave her a faint smile. "Go. She needs you."

With a parting pat on my arm, Nora finally rushed off and disappeared back toward the Alpha's Den.

I stayed in place for a few moments while staring up at the stone towers in the distance. Then, after a few seconds, I let my feet carry me into the nearby market.

At first, it was fascinating. Stalls lined the main path, packed with goods some woven fabrics, fresh meat, herbs I had only seen in textbooks. The scent of spices and roasted meat filled the air while people bustled past me, shouting greetings and bargaining.

After a while, I started to feel the shift. Eyes followed me as I walked. Not hospitable or curious eyes, it was sharp, questioning ones.

A few wolves muttered as I passed. One woman scoffed and pulled her child behind her as if I were a threat. Another vendor narrowed his eyes and whispered something I couldn't hear.

I tried to ignore it, walking quickly through the thinning crowd.

Without realizing it, I turned down a narrower path. The stalls became fewer. The buildings were taller, casting shadows that felt too long. The scent changed too, less spice, more smoke. More sweat.

I realized, I didn't know where I was anymore. My pace immediately quickened.

A group of young men leaned against the wall nearby, their eyes dragging over me like they had every right.

One of them stepped forward. He had a lazy grin and golden eyes that didn't smile.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Alpha's little toy," he eerily uttered. "Didn't think they had just let you out on your own like that."

I swallowed hard while backing up a step. "I'm not—I don't want any trouble."

He stepped closer. "Trouble? Nah. I was just gonna say hello." His hand reached toward my arm.

I hastily jerked away. "Don't touch me."

He grinned wider. "Feisty. The Alpha must like—"

A feral growl immediately shattered the air. Everyone stopped and a tall shadow appeared at the mouth of the alley. It was Alpha Brent.

He had no mask this time. Just his face carved in stone and fury. Every werewolf within reach backed away like the plague had entered the alley. The one who had tried to touch me paled and practically fell over himself trying to vanish into the shadows.

I couldn't move.

Alpha Brent's eyes locked on mine.

"What," he hastily uttered. "Are you doing in a place like this?"

"I—I didn't mean to wander this far," I stammered. "I was just looking around. I thought I was in the market—"

He stalked toward me. "You thought?"

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I didn't know..."

He grabbed my wrist tightly, but not enough to hurt me. "If it weren't for my Luna's request, I would've left you here and let them tear you apart. You think you matter to me, surrogate?"

His words stabbed me deeper than his grip.

I froze. "No... I-I mean, I didn't think—"

"You didn't," he snapped. "And if you ever step out of bounds again, I won't come for you next time."

He hastily let go and turned his back on me and started walking away. I just stood there while shaking and watching his broad form disappear into the distance.

I finally realized what kind of world I was truly in. One where I was vital and disposable all at once and I had no idea how to survive it.