The Moonlit Unity Ball - Open to ALL Werewolves

[Thorian Thalric]

Location: Eboncrest Citadel – The Grand Ballroom
The heart of Blackfrost Dominion, beneath the light of the Moon.

The bells of Eboncrest tolled deep and solemn, a sound that rolled across the frozen tundras, through the Veilwood, and beyond to the farthest corners of Lycanthro Vale.

Tonight, the Citadel stood reborn: its vast stone halls awash in the silver sheen of moonlight, draped in banners bearing the crest of Blackfrost... a wolf crowned by a circlet of stars. Ice crystals glimmered like scattered diamonds along the towering pillars, and the air thrummed with ancient magic, old as the Vale itself.

Before the assembled wolves, gathered from every corner of the realm ... Alphas, Betas, Elders, warriors, healers, and those unmated yet seeking their destined half...  Thorian Thalric stood tall atop the marble dais, the True Alpha's presence undeniable, his frostfire eyes aglow.

A hush fell over the gathering as he raised his hand.

"Hear me, wolves of Lycanthro Vale," his voice rumbled, carrying through the vastness of the Grand Ballroom, laced with power that stirred the very marrow of those present.

"We are scattered no more. Tonight, under the blessing of the Moon, we stand united... not as five divided packs, but as one people."

His gaze swept the room... proud and solemn.

"Darkness rises beyond our borders. Enemies whisper in the winds, seeking to fracture our strength, to tear down what the Goddess herself has built. But we shall not break. We shall dance in defiance. We shall forge bonds that no claw nor curse can sever."

A pause. One filled with reverence.

"Before we begin, I ask you now... let us hold a moment of silence."

The chamber grew still.

"In honor of those lost…Of the valiant, fallen Nightshade Pack, whose lands have grown quiet but whose spirits shall never fade. May their memory guide us, and may their sacrifices bind us more tightly together."

The moment passed like breath on frost. And then...

"From the ashes of that devastation, the Moon has shown me a gift. A light in the dark. A soul destined to stand beside mine."

With deliberate grace, Thorian extended his hand, palm open, and turned toward her... not as a King to a subject, but as a mate to his equal.

"It is my great honor to present to the Vale her new Luna... Queen Emmeral, once of Nightshade, now of Blackfrost and Luna of Frostclaw. My fated. My heart. My strength."

He waited, offering her the moment... to join him, to be seen not just by him, but by all.

"Let the realm see what fate has wrought. And let none doubt the Moon’s will."

The moment swelled with magic, heavy and sacred.

And then, his voice rang out, full and commanding: "Let the Moonlit Unity Ball begin."

Music surged... deep drums and lilting flutes... and the great doors of the Citadel swung wide, flooding the ballroom with wolves from every walk of life.

The future had arrived.

The Moon watches all… and fate waits for no one. 

OOC Notes:

• Feel free to jump into the thread at any time!

• No posting order required.

• Post length is flexible... from quick interactions to longer narrative posts.

• Questions? Contact King Thorian here on Valtheris or in the Valtheris Discord general chat. 

• Locations within the Eboncrest Citadel are in the first post after this opening thread. You can use any location as you partake in this event. 

[Alicia Blake]

Alicia shrugged slightly, she knew Reyes was just being vigilant but she also knew with the rumours surrounding the dreadspire alpha finding a mate who no one knows the identity of, she knew people would be curious about her. Though part of her also knew Dante had a few enemies, so she wondered if any of them were planning on showing their faces here. 

She noticed a shift in Reyes's behaviour recognising it as when he would focus on his mindlink. She eyed him nervously waiting for the update on what was happening. When he mentioned Dante was coming she breathed a sigh of relief "he's okay" she had spent weeks worrying about his safety, hating that they hadn't heard anything about what was happening out there. But now he would finally be back. 

Her mood shifted immediately at the thought of being reunited with her mate. She stood taller as she looked around the room calmly. Though there was also a new fear in her, it was about to be the first time anyone other than Reyes saw them together as mates. Could she really handle the pressure of everyone knowing she was now the Luna of Dreadspire Pack. 

She shook her head slightly not wanting to let the fear of the unknown ruin her night. She had survived the wild lands on her own for years, she can survive a party with some nosey alphas. Though part of her wondered how other packs would take the news of her past, could they really respect a pack that has a rogue as a Luna. 

[Dante Morales]

Reyes could see the change in her before she even spoke... the tension bleeding from her shoulders, the way her breath came easier at the mention of Dante. He gave a small nod in response, though he kept his thoughts locked behind a neutral mask. He’s alive, yes… but far from unscathed. Reyes didn’t like the thought of his Alpha limping into a ballroom full of wolves with more interest in power than unity. But that was Dante’s burden to carry... and his alone. Reyes’s job remained unchanged: keep Alicia close, keep her safe, and keep eyes off her until the moment Dante chose otherwise.

He was just about to speak when he caught the scent... sharp, powdery, with a bite of envy beneath it. Sybil. Reyes’s jaw tightened before he even saw her. He knew that stride too well, the calculated sway of hips, the way her eyes locked on a target like a wolf circling its prey. And tonight, that target was Alicia. Sybil approached with false poise, a smile painted across her lips that didn’t reach her cold, amber eyes. “Well now,” she said smoothly, gaze flicking over Alicia with poorly veiled disdain, “I don’t believe we’ve met.” Her nose lifted slightly, nostrils flaring. “But I do recognize that scent. Smells like Dante.”

Reyes moved before Alicia could answer, stepping subtly between them. Not threatening... not yet... but unmistakably in Sybil’s path. “Back off,” he said, voice low enough to stay under the music but firm enough to leave no room for misinterpretation. “You’re out of line.” Sybil’s gaze snapped to him, lips curling in a mock pout. “Oh come now, Reyes. I’m only curious. He’s been... distant lately. A girl can’t wonder what’s keeping her Alpha so occupied?” Her tone dripped with honey, but her eyes were poison. Reyes didn’t flinch. “This isn’t the time, or the place.” His stare warned her clearly: push, and there would be consequences. But Sybil wasn’t one to walk away easily... especially not when she smelled blood in the air.

[Alicia Blake]

Alicia kept beside Reyes noticing the change in his demeaner, though she wasn't about to question it. She knew if there was anything she needed to know she'd be told. Though she couldn't help but wonder if there was more to his chat with Dante than he is telling her. 

She frowned slightly when a familiar but unwelcome scent approached. As she saw Sybil she rolled her eyes debating whether she'd rather deal with her or strangers. She crossed her arms as she looked at the shewolf who was despirately trying to intimidate her. She couldn't help but smirk slightly at the woman's attempt. 

Alicia stood straight placing her hand on Reyes's shoulder "stand down Reyes, if she is foolish enough to try anything I can handle her" she gave Sybil a mocking smile "you wouldn't be too difficult to beat, not exactly a fighter" she could see that some of the guests were starting to pay attention. Of course they would, most had already figured that she was the mysterious mate that had been rumoured, and now a well known member of Dreadspire was trying to start something in such a public setting. Alicia couldn't help but smirk "imagine what Dante would think if he knew you were causing problems again, you are already on thin ice with him" 

[Emmeral Langley]

Emmeral could feel as she graced the community Andarna step forward, her green orbs shifting within their gaze of her presence to a striking amethyst beneath her sapphired mask - calling forward her Queen status and Andarna pridefully stood before all.

Her skin flaring, the settle of Thorian's pride swirled around her carrying her strong as she stepped back and they began joining in the festivities.

A momentary glance as an exchange happened between Connor and Thorian, Emmeral's hold upon his forearm tightened in comforts knowing the Rogue Alpha would be watched none the less from any spoils he may try bring. 

Making their presence towards the lower flooring, some territories Emmeral had already had the pleasure of meeting in her time as Delta, many offering condolences to her fallen pack others anew with their current standings with Thorian expressed in acknowledgement towards her, some witted remarks towards Thorian's hard exterior finally shattering but seeing something stronger standing in its wake, receiving each with grace and thankfulness.

Her gaze never straying far from Thorian's, the bond surging pridefully within, where his hands touched seared beneath his touch as they circled around various packs and along the way finding a glass of wine to sip upon between discussions, hearing their thoughts before they could steal a moment upon the dancefloor "Finally, some alone time" she amused within an exhale, her touch elegant in flow as they wrapped around his neck, drawing close to his chest. The music swelling to drown out all the murmuring voices as her eyes focused on Thorian.

[Dante Morales]

The evening had been going better than expected... until she showed up.

Reyes barely concealed the snarl rising in his throat. Sybil. The thorn in everyone's side. He'd never understood why Dante tolerated her...  every time she opened her mouth, she stirred chaos. He stepped subtly in front of Alicia, his eyes locked on the approaching she-wolf. “It would do you well to remember who you’re talking to, Sybil,” he warned, his voice low and edged in steel.

Sybil stepped forward with a mocking laugh, her eyes gleaming with challenge. “You? You’re nothing, Reyes. I’ll speak how I damn well please.” Her gaze flicked back to Alicia, scanning her with open contempt. “What the hell do you know about me, bitch?” she spat, her voice dropping into a growl as she advanced. Reyes extended an arm in a flash, stopping her cold. “Back the fuck off, Sybil,” he growled, temper rising. If Dante didn’t show soon, this would get ugly.

Sybil scoffed. “Me, on thin ice?” She laughed harshly. “Dante and I are meant to be. He’d never believe some no-name over me.” Reyes didn’t budge, but his glance shifted to Alicia, silently checking she was still calm... though her presence behind him was as steady as ever. Sybil narrowed her eyes. “Why the hell is she giving you orders?” Her gaze darted between them. “Who is she?” Then, without warning, Sybil lunged, reaching for the mask... but Reyes caught her wrist mid-air with a growl. “Let me the fuck go!” she hissed, struggling against his grip, but she was no match for him.

Across the room, Reyes saw movement... his men were already cutting through the crowd. Eyes were turning toward them now. The moment was no longer private. “You better calm yourself,” Reyes muttered through clenched teeth, holding Sybil fast, “because if you keep going, there won’t be anyone left to clean up the mess you make.”

[Thorian Thalric]

Thorian’s hand shifted slightly at Emmeral’s waist, guiding her with the ease of instinct, his gaze drinking her in beneath the golden sheen of the chandeliers. She moved like a Queen... proud, composed, utterly radiant ... the perfect contrast to the cold, glittering stone of the Citadel around them. Every thread of her gown, every subtle tilt of her head, told the wolves of the Vale exactly what she was now. Not a whisper of doubt dared linger near her. And he… he was content to let the world watch her shine. 

“She’s ours,” Draco growled with smug reverence. “They see it now. They feel it.” 

“Let them,” Thorian answered inwardly, his jaw ticking faintly with pride. “Let them remember what strength looks like.”

He nodded once in passing to the Alpha of Thornecrest and again to the emissaries from another pack, the weight of diplomacy never far from his shoulders.. but even with the revelry swelling around them, his attention narrowed at the subtle disturbance forming across the ballroom.

A tension pulsed behind the crowd, sharp and rising. He caught the flicker of movement... a flash of a she-wolf's unmistakable sneer, a male stepping in between, another she-wolf's mask tipping just slightly as she braced. Voices sharpened, and for the briefest moment, Thorian’s grip on Emmeral tightened. The first one's hand moved... reaching... and the male intercepted. No blood, not yet. But the line had been tested. 

“You want to step in,” Draco muttered. 

“I want them to remember whose walls they stand within,” Thorian countered. His gaze didn’t leave Emmeral, but the storm behind it had already begun to gather. “But not yet.”

The music swelled again, drowning the sharp edges of conversation. Let them simmer a little longer. He would not shatter the unity of this night just yet... but should the line be crossed, it would be his voice that silenced the room.

[Emmeral Langley]

Feeling the prideful support of Thorian as they navigated through the forming crowds whom eased onto the dancefloor. Pairings of renowned couples old and new as they eased into the flow of the music.

Eyes always remained near in watch of Thorian, easing his shoulders in support as her fingers ran along the collaring of his jacket, pressing her palm to his heart in affectionate address as they slowly eased in movement to the music.

A slight touch to her index finger as she adjusted the edging of sapphire his mask provide in conceal as he faced her. The soft glow the chandeliers rain danced across his striking features, that brought him even more ruggeredly handsome within Emmeral's eyes, her thumb sweet to feather across his lower lip before resting to his chest where it remained against the thrum of his heartrate.

Stirring scents of a she-wolf dangerously prowling along the edging as she swept past men in her travels, some unable to fight the affect of allure to those unmated, a soft shake to her head as their togetherness would only last so long.

Murmurs surfaced around them, distant chaos stirring beneath the serenity of calm as packs entwined with one another in mingle. The wave of infuriation within the bond despite Thorian's gaze in remain of only her. Following the busy linesight of onlookers to those whom took in the commotion as Emmy saw Alicia with a different she-wolf, Reyes demeanor protective in nature as Sybil's distaste was unkept of those around them of hearing.

Raising her chin towards as her jawline tightened "Seems someone needs to be reminded of their place, here and elsewhere" Emmeral's tone low only for Thorian as her gaze remained fixated on Alicia, pride of her handing herself despite her status being remained unknown to her rightful title within the Dreadspire Pack "They keep this up and I'll happily show my title to the furball."

The wooden floor darken around them as the bottom of Emmeral's navy dress darkened as her shadows drew forward, silent in prowl, testing in protection around her and Thorian before she recalled her shadows, her gaze moving from Alicia's to Thorian's "I know I told Dante i'd play nice and watch out but he didn't say I couldn't intervene" Emmeral's tone light but underlined dangerous of protection towards those she loved.

Alicia and her had gone back some years, they had history and Emmeral was glad she found her home, Emmy was not going to stand by and allow anyone's thought of entitlement was above others but even then she knew hers and Thorian's were above all.

[Alicia Blake]

Alicia smirked slightly as she watched Sybil causing a scene. She was still calm as she stared down the she-wolf "who I am is none of your concern, just know if you don't calm yourself soon things will get ugly" She turned to Reyes smiling to him "have your men get her out of sight before she damages the pack's name, I'd prefer not to detract from the festivities" 

Alicia noticed Emmeral looking over to her and smiled kindly bowing her head to her friend before turning back to the she-wolf that was causing problems "Dante is on his way, I think it best you control your behaviour before he arrives, unless you want him to see you making the pack look bad"

She grabbed another glass of wine before approaching Sybil getting close to the woman's face "and let me make one thing clear, you are nothing to Dante, he does not care for you anymore than any other member of his pack, he protects you as is his duty as your alpha, but that does not free you from the consequences of picking a fight you can not win" her eyes flashed gold for a moment as Diadora threatened to come to the surface to put Sybil in her place. 

Alicia stepped away from Sybil and calmly began walking through the crowd deciding it was best to avoid a scene for now. Though she would be sure to put Sybil in her place once the truth of her identity is revealed to the pack. She smiled as she sensed Reyes come up behind her "it is taking everything in my power not to go rogue on her" she sighed shaking her head slightly "but I respect Emmeral enough to behave myself for now, if she tries anything else it's game over for her" 

[Thorian Thalric]

Thorian’s palm settled firmly at the curve of Emmeral’s back as the two of them drifted deeper into the heart of the ballroom. The flicker of chandeliers overhead bathed her in a soft golden glow, the sapphire and gold of her gown catching the light with every subtle movement. His eyes lingered on her — not just in appreciation, but in quiet awe. She wore the weight of her crown like she was born to it, as if the Goddess herself had molded her from shadow and starlight to stand at his side.

She reached up to adjust the edge of his mask, her touch light but sure. Her fingers brushed his jaw, then settled against his chest, and he swore his heart kicked against her palm.

“You chose well,” Draco murmured with a low thread of satisfaction.

“I didn’t choose,” Thorian answered silently, gaze never leaving her face. “She was always mine.”

The pulse of the ballroom shifted — a subtle tremor beneath the elegance. Thorian didn’t need to look to know why. The tension he’d been tracking since they arrived was swelling, no longer quiet. Eyes were shifting to the far side of the room. Voices dropped into cautious silence. He followed their gaze just long enough to catch a glimpse of Sybil mid-struggle, Reyes holding her in place, Alicia unshaken and sharp as ever.

Thorian’s lips twitched. “You’re not even pretending to be diplomatic tonight.”

She didn’t take her eyes off the confrontation. He could feel it in the bond — her readiness to strike, her shadows already stirring at her feet like waiting hounds. When she made her next remark, a warning meant for Sybil and no one else, he huffed a quiet breath through his nose.

“Protective of Dante’s mate now?” he muttered, amusement laced through the edge of his tone.

Her jaw set. Her focus remained. His pride deepened.

“She’s earned it,” Thorian said more to himself than anyone else. “And you…”

He trailed off, gaze dragging over the poised line of Emmeral’s shoulders. “You remind this realm that power doesn’t always roar — sometimes it watches.”

He lifted her hand to his lips briefly, a show of reverence beneath the crowd’s gaze. Then his eyes flicked back to the gathering storm in the corner.

“Let them have their moment,” he said calmly, voice low. “If it boils over, we deal with it. Until then…” He turned back to Emmeral, a smirk barely ghosting across his face. “We let the wolves circle.”

[Dante Morales]

Sybil snarled, baring her teeth like an unhinged wolf denied a fresh kill. “Who the hell does she think she is?” she snapped, loud enough to draw a few curious glances. Her posture was feral, her pride wounded. “Hiding behind a mask, acting like she owns the place?” Her voice was rising, fury getting the better of her. Reyes didn’t blink. He stepped between her and Alicia’s retreating figure, hand clamping down on her arm before she could charge after her. “You’re making a damn spectacle of yourself,” he muttered, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “Keep going and you’ll embarrass more than yourself—you’ll stain the entire pack in front of half the damn region.”

She tried to yank free, but his grip was unrelenting. Her breathing was heavy, furious, and shaking with the rage of being sidelined. Reyes leaned in, lowering his voice to a quiet threat. “You don’t get to question who she is. Not here. Not now. You’re not in the loop for a reason, Sybil—take the hint.” He let her go with a final shove back, eyes cold. “Dante’s not here to clean up your messes this time. So keep your claws to yourself, or I’ll make sure you're the one answering for this stunt when he gets back.” With a curt glance to one of his men, he signaled for them to shadow her before turning his back on her entirely.

Reyes caught up to Alicia in a few strides, posture loose but alert. A low chuckle escaped him, dry and amused. “You know,” he said under his breath, “for someone trying to stay low-profile, you’ve got a real talent for stirring the pot.” He scanned the ballroom casually, eyes never resting too long in one place. “Pretty sure Sybil’s going to be growling in the corner for the rest of the night.” His smirk faded just slightly as he added, “You alright?” Not just a formality—he was watching her closely now, reading her posture, ready for the next spark.

[Alicia Blake]

Alicia laughed softly as she looked at him smiling slightly "I might be trying to keep a low profile, but I'm tired of her acting like she runs the pack" she sighed shaking her head slightly. She looked towards Reyes smiling as she nodded "I'm fine, I could handle Sybil if she gave me a reason" she laughed softly shaking her head "you don't need to worry about me, just don't want to cause problems before Dante is here" 

She smiled as she took another glass of wine before leaning against a wall quietly. She looked at Reyes seeing the concern in his eyes "I'm not about to go feral on anyone, at least not unless they do something to deserve it" she smirks a little "I might be a rogue but I have self control, otherwise Sybil would have already been handled" 

Alicia looked at Reyes smiling sweetly "I know how to behave when I have to, just be ready if she pulls anything like that once we are back at the pack" she shrugged slightly swirling her wine absentmindedly "once everyone know who I am I can finally put that she wolf in her place" she smiled at the thought of it, so far she had been an outsider so she had to behave, but once everything was in the open and people knew she was Luna of the pack, the could command respect from them. Though she already know it was going to be hard to win over some of them.

[Dante Morales]

Reyes stayed half a step behind Alicia, his posture casual to anyone watching, but his eyes missed nothing. She was handling the aftermath of Sybil's tantrum with more restraint than most alphas he’d seen, and that earned her more of his respect... though he didn’t say it. He scanned the ballroom as they moved through it, noting the subtle shift in energy now that attention had turned their way. Whispers trailed behind them, half-curious, half-speculative. Let them wonder.

He leaned closer as they passed a group of unfamiliar alphas, keeping his voice low. “You’ve got everyone’s attention now. Not bad for someone who didn’t even want to come.” There was that faint smirk again, dry and sharp as ever. But beneath it, he stayed alert... watching the exits, the staircases, the waitstaff, and anyone bold enough to stare too long.

Then it hit.

The familiar brush of Dante’s presence slipped into his mind like a pulse of heat. "I’m here. Front entrance." The words came tight, clipped... but Reyes felt the thread of exhaustion under them. The injury must still be dragging him. "Keep her calm. I’ll be there in seconds."

Reyes's gaze flicked to the grand archway near the ballroom doors. Without missing a beat in their stride, he muttered just loud enough for Alicia to hear, “He’s here.” He tipped his chin subtly in the direction of the entrance. “Try not to let your mask fall off when you rush him.”

And then he stepped in.

Dante’s tall frame moved through the entrance like he owned the place... which, in many ways, he did. Fully masked, his sharp, commanding presence was unmistakable. The deep, almost regal black of his formal wear fit like armor, tailored to hide just how much he was favoring one side. Flanked by two of his most trusted men, the trio cut through the hum of conversation like a blade through silk.

The crowd reacted before they even saw his face. Eyes turned. Voices hushed. The Alpha of Dreadspire had arrived.