Chapter 77: Spring Tensions
After months of heavy snow and crisp cold, winter had finally thawed and gave way to spring. Snow was finally melting, and the days were starting to turn warm.
“Those lanterns need to be higher, Hazel,” Jessie’s bossy voice cut through my moment of peaceful appreciation. “The festival starts tomorrow, and everything needs to be perfect.”
I bit back a sigh and continued hanging the colorful paper lanterns along the forest clearing. The spring festival was one of the biggest events of the year—a three-day celebration shared between Emberfang and Ironhound packs in the neutral forest patch that separated our territories. Tonight’s fireworks would officially kick off the festivities.
“The lanterns are at exactly the right height,” I replied, not bothering to hide my irritation. “Any higher and they’ll get lost in the tree branches.”
Jessie flipped her sleek black hair over her shoulder. “Luna Evelyn specifically said they should be visible from both sides of the clearing.”
“And they will be,” I countered, feeling a throb begin at my temples. This headache had been building all morning, and Jessie’s constant nitpicking was only making it worse. “The triplets approved this layout yesterday.”
Her eyes narrowed at the mention of Lucas, Liam, and Levi. “Luna Evelyn put me in charge of decorations, not you.”
“And the Alphas put me in charge of the entire festival coordination,” I reminded her, standing my ground despite the pounding in my head. “So unless you want to explain to them why you’re undermining their decision...”
I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of satisfaction at Jessie’s scowl. Three months ago, I would have quietly accepted her domineering attitude, desperate to avoid conflict. But things had changed. I had changed.