Hiding My Twin Pups From their Alpha Dad novel Chapter 67

A few weeks later….

The Festival of Flames had always been a night of joy and fire, a tradition older than most of the wolves dancing under the golden lights. It was meant to celebrate survival, honor fallen ancestors, and welcome the power of the full moon. But tonight, for Eva, it felt like standing at the edge of something dangerous—something burning too bright, too fast.

The Silverstone grounds glowed with torches and bonfires. Crimson silk banners waved in the breeze. Laughter echoed between trees, and the rhythmic beat of drums filled the air like a second heartbeat. Everyone wore their finest. Eva’s dress shimmered like starlight, silver thread stitched into the soft folds of deep midnight blue. Her hair was pinned back with a moon-shaped comb. She looked like a queen, but her eyes carried storms.

Eva stood alone near the steps of the platform, watching the flames flicker in the distance. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, as if letting go might cause her to unravel. The sound of footsteps behind her made her tense, but she didn’t turn.

“You look like you’re trying to disappear,” came a familiar voice.

She turned then, slowly, finding Valen standing behind her. He wore a dark tunic embroidered with silver thread that caught the firelight. His presence was magnetic, his smile warm. But there was always something unreadable in his eyes—like a hidden page she wasn’t allowed to turn.

“I’m just watching,” Eva said, brushing a hand across her arm. “This night belongs to them.”

Valen offered her his hand. “It can belong to you, too. Dance with me.”

She hesitated for a heartbeat.

Then she nodded.

As Valen led her to the center, the crowd made space. They began to dance, slow and smooth, her hand in his, his other hand resting on her waist. The music softened, and for a moment, everything else blurred—the war, the prophecy, the fear. All she saw was the way his eyes searched hers, the way his voice trembled when he whispered her name.

“You deserve to feel beautiful tonight,” he said softly. “Not because of your title. But because you are.”

Eva looked away, blinking back a sudden rush of emotion. “You always say the right thing.”

“Because I see you,” Valen replied. “All of you.”

From the edge of the crowd, Max stood stiff as stone. His jaw clenched, fists curled tight at his sides. His gaze didn’t leave her—not once. Every spin she took in Valen’s arms was another strike to his chest. Every smile she gave Valen was a reminder of how late he’d been.

She had waited. Once. Long ago. He hadn’t noticed her then. Or maybe he had, and just didn’t know how to care the right way.