A packmate gave her a nudge, and she finally snapped out of her daze, making her way to the raised platform on unsteady legs.
In that instant, Kael's face turned the color of raw liver.
It was a shade born of shock, humiliation, and barely contained rage all churning together.
His fists clenched so hard his knuckles went white. His once-straight spine curved forward slightly, coiled tight, his stare boring into Lyra on the stage.
Selene was clearly rattled too.
She twisted toward him, one hand pressing down on his rigid arm, her lips moving rapidly as she whispered something urgent.
Kael didn't seem to hear a word. His chest heaved violently.
Growing desperate, Selene reached under the table and seized his hand, her fingers locking around his palm, fighting to contain the explosion building inside him.
From the raised platform, I saw it all with perfect clarity.
Lyra had reached me now, still looking dazed.
I handed her the ornate honor plaque and the ceremonial mount token. Her hands trembled as she took them.
"Th-thank you, Alpha Blackthorn... thank you to the pack..."
She was so overwhelmed she could barely string words together.
"You earned it."
I smiled, clasped her hand in the traditional greeting, and gave her shoulder a light pat.
The applause continued below. Wolves rose to their feet, cheering and releasing short howls of approval.
Lyra clutched her prizes, her face flushed apple-red, bowing again and again.
After stammering through her acceptance words, she floated off the platform in a happy fog, still hugging the honor plaque.
I cleared my throat and raised my voice to carry across the hall.
"Everyone, may I have your attention please."
The great hall gradually quieted, all eyes returning to the platform.
"The Moon Gala honors have now concluded."
"However, this year we have one more honor to bestow... a very special one."
A ripple of curiosity stirred through the gathered wolves, whispers spreading like wildfire through the great hall.
I gave a slight nod to the omega attendant standing at the side of the raised platform.
She approached carrying a square gift box draped in deep blue velvet, a silver ribbon tied around it that caught the torchlight with understated elegance. Her steps were measured, unhurried. She placed the box on the stone podium before me.
It wasn't large, but it was exquisite.