Estelle’s POV

The ring nestled in dark purple velvet took my breath away.

The silver-colored metal band was polished to perfection. An oval moonstone sat at the center, its surface shifting between white and brilliant blue as I tilted the box. Diamonds surrounded the moonstone in a perfect circle, each stone catching light like tiny stars.

The band itself was a work of art. Delicate leaf carvings wrapped around the silver, so detailed I could make out individual veins. Pale blue sapphires dotted the band like dewdrops on branches.

“Holy shit,” Caleb breathed beside me.

I stared at the ring, unable to form words.

“That’s...” Caleb leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Estelle, that ring is probably worth more than most people make in a lifetime.”

He was right. The craftsmanship alone spoke of master jewelers. The moonstone was flawless, larger than any I’d seen before. The diamonds were perfectly cut, and the sapphires were a rare shade of blue that matched my eyes.

“This is too much,” I said quietly, closing the box with a soft snap.

“Too much for what?”

I looked up at Caleb’s confused expression. “Our arrangement doesn’t call for expensive jewelry.”

Caleb pursed his lips, deep in thought.

“I need to return this,” I said instead, standing from my chair. “Where did that messenger go?”

Caleb caught my wrist gently. “Wait.”

“Caleb—”

“Just think about this for a second.” His voice was serious now. “Why would the Lycan King send you a ring?”

The question I’d been avoiding hung between us.

“I don’t know.”

“Estelle.” Caleb’s grip on my wrist tightened slightly. “That looks like an engagement ring.”

I stared at the closed jewelry box in silence. While I wasn’t an avid fan of jewelry, it would be a lie to say that I hated it. Every woman loved a good sparkle, and I couldn’t find myself impartial to that.

However, this was also a really expensive ring. For a business arrangement like ours, such an expensive engagement ring was unnecessary.

I opened the box again, staring at the beautiful ring. It was exactly the kind of piece I would have chosen for myself if I’d had unlimited resources and exquisite taste. The moonstone called to something deep inside me.

“Even if you’re uncomfortable with keeping it,” Caleb continued, “you can’t just send it back through a messenger. That would be incredibly insulting.”

“So what do you suggest?”

“Talk to him directly. Face to face.” Caleb’s expression softened.

I closed the box again and carefully slipped it into my purse. Caleb was right.

“Fine.”

Caleb smiled and returned to his breakfast. “Should we finish eating and head home?”

I nodded, though my appetite had disappeared entirely.

We finished our meal in comfortable silence before heading to the parking area.

***

Third POV

Asher checked his phone for the third time since waking up.

No new messages. No missed calls. No sign that Estelle had even looked at any of his attempts to contact her.

The only messages he received were from his mother and sister, asking about Estelle’s whereabouts.

He set the phone on the nightstand with more force than necessary.

She was still ignoring him completely. Usually, Estelle came back within hours, apologetic and ready to make peace. This cold war was unprecedented.

And it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

The werewolf negotiation conference required his full attention. Without Estelle handling pack business back home, everything was falling apart. If she were here, everything would have gone so much smoother.

He dragged himself out of bed and into the inn’s small shower. The hot water did nothing to improve his mood.

Downstairs, the inn was bustling with other conference attendees. Asher spotted several Alphas he recognized, along with their Betas and advisors. Everyone looked tired. The negotiations weren’t going well for anyone.

“Rough night?” Nigel appeared beside him, looking equally exhausted.

“Something like that.” Asher poured coffee from the inn’s breakfast buffet. “How are Ashley and the twins? My mother has left me a couple of messages, but I’ve not opened them.”

“Good.” Nigel grabbed a pastry before biting into it. “I hope. Have you heard from Estelle?”

Asher’s jaw tightened. “No.”

“Still fighting?”

“Apparently.”

They found seats at a small table near the window. Outside, the inn’s parking lot was full of cars and SUVs belonging to conference attendees.

“She’ll come around,” Nigel said. “She has never left Moonveil for so long before.”

Asher wasn’t so sure this time. The look in Estelle’s eyes when she’d left had been different. He would never forget the frost in her voice the last time they spoke.

His phone buzzed. For a moment, hope flared in his chest.

But it was just a reminder about the morning session.

“We should head over soon,” Nigel said, checking his own phone.

Asher nodded, but his attention was caught by movement outside. A small crowd had gathered near the covered parking area. People were pointing and whispering among themselves.

“What’s that about?” he asked, gesturing toward the window.

Nigel turned to look. “No idea. Want to check it out?”

They finished their coffee and headed outside. The crowd had grown larger, mostly conference attendees who should have been preparing for the morning session.

Asher pushed through the group until he found someone he recognized.

“What’s everyone looking at?” he asked.

The man turned, excitement clear on his face. “The Luna of the Blackmoon Pack was here. Stayed overnight.”

Asher’s blood ran cold. “The Luna of the Blackmoon Pack? She’s here?”

The Blackmoon Pack was legendary. One of the most powerful packs in the entire region, with connections and resources that smaller packs like Moonveil could only dream of. Their Alpha had recently died, leaving behind a daughter to inherit.

On any normal day, Asher would never have the opportunity to even meet someone from Blackmoon, let alone their Luna. The pack operated on a completely different level than his own.

But if she was here, at the same inn where he was staying...

This could be the break Moonveil needed. An alliance with Blackmoon would solve all his problems. Their influence could elevate his pack’s status overnight.

He just needed to convince this new Luna.

“Yes,” Nigel said beside him, his voice filled with the same excitement Asher felt. “I overheard that she stayed overnight, actually. But she’s just about to leave.”

“And you didn’t tell me?” Asher asked, his voice slightly raised.

Nigel stared at him with wide eyes as Asher pinched the skin between his eyebrows.

“Did you see her? Where is she?”