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Nolan once promised me: "If you get into Royal Crescent Academy, that sacred quill will be yours." The academy only accepted ninety-nine cadets each year. And I really became the first person from our Pack in ten years to get in. The gift arrived right on time. Sender: Nolan Mercer. Note: Royal Crescent Acceptance Gift. Then I opened the card. "Serena, don't be upset about failing the Assessment." "I hope this quill helps you succeed next time." Serena. My adopted sister. I fought for eighteen years to earn that honor. And the gift meant to celebrate it went to the girl who failed. Fine. She can have the Luna crown too. And she can have my wandering-eyed mate while she's at it. My acceptance letter to the Royal Crescent Academy shook the entire Ravenbrook Pack—our territory hadn't seen an offer in ten years. My parents promised an unforgettable celebration. Yet at the venue, I waited two hours past noon in absolute silence. Not a single soul showed up. I couldn't reach anyone—except my adoptive sister, Serena. Her soft, mocking laughter leaked through the receiver before she even spoke. "Lyra, didn't anyone tell you?" she chirped. "The celebration was called off last night. The whole pack is gathered at the Pack House right now." I sprinted through the woods toward the Pack House. It was dead silent. Nothing moved under the thick pines except the distant, eerie howls of wild beasts. Serena's call rang again. "Just kidding! You didn't run back there, did you?" She giggled. "Destination parties are all the rage now, so we moved everything to a private yacht. Get moving." Exhausted and burning, I ran. When I finally broke through the tree line, only the bitter sea wind greeted me. Serena switched to video, leaning into the camera and laughing until she nearly choked. "You took way too long! We pulled out an hour ago, sweetie." She smoothed her hair, her tone turning into a patronizing purr. "Fine, I'll stop teasing. There was never a party, Lyra. They just brought
