#Chapter 101: Invitation

DEREK The phone buzzed on the desk beside me, cutting through the quiet of my office. I reached for it absently, expecting Joe or maybe Brock with an update. But the name on the screen made me sit up straighter. Aiden. I answered immediately. “Hey, bud.” “Hi!” His voice was bright, bubbling with energy. “Are you busy?” “Not for you,” I said, leaning back in the chair, already smiling. “So…we’re having a huge Moonbinding party tonight at Moonstone. With a feast and music and sparklers and a bondfire and my grandpa even said there’s gonna be a storyteller and a mooncake contest!” “That sounds like a lot,” I said, chuckling. “You’re making me jealous already.” Aiden didn’t miss a beat. “That’s why I’m calling. You should come. I want you to be there. I already asked Mom and she said it was okay, as long as you’re on your best behavior.” I blinked, caught somewhere between pride and panic. “She said that?” “Yup. So will you come?” I hesitated for only a second, and th