Maria.

I stretched lazily on the narrow bed, my arms reaching above my head as a soft groan slipped from my lips. Every muscle in my body protested the movement, stiff and sore, as though I had been carrying the weight of the entire pack on my shoulders. It was only when I rolled slightly and caught sight of the faint glow seeping through the window that reality struck me.

It was almost time.

The birthday celebration would be starting any moment now.

The memory of the morning rushed back to me all at once. The moment I had slipped out of Adrien’s room at dawn, moving as quietly as my aching body would allow, I had gone straight to deliver food to Darren and Noah. I must have looked terrible, eyes dull, steps sluggish, shoulders drooping, because for once, neither of them had barked orders or thrown cutting remarks my way. They had barely spared me a glance, letting me leave without a word, silently granting me something rare.

Rest. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

I shifted again and slowly sat up, blinking away the remnants of sleep. My gaze drifted around the small room, and that was when I noticed it, Galen’s side of the room was empty. Her bed was neatly made, untouched.

She must have already gone to carry out her chores.

A small frown tugged at my brows. She could have woken me up. Today of all days, I really did not want to end up on Beta Torin’s blacklist. His punishments were never mild, especially during events as important as this. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to blame her. Everyone was on edge today. The entire pack revolved around one person and one person alone.

Vanessa.

Despite how tired I still felt, I forced myself out of bed. I had no choice. I took a quick bath, letting the cool water run over my skin, washing away the lingering heaviness in my limbs. It helped, only slightly, but it was enough to keep me moving. Once dressed, I headed straight for the kitchen.

The moment I stepped inside, noise hit me like a wave.

Voices overlapped. Laughter rang out. Servants rushed past one another, carrying trays, adjusting decorations, arguing over minor details. The banquet had already begun. The air was thick with excitement, anticipation, and the unmistakable scent of freshly prepared food.

I collected the dishes I had been assigned, arranging them carefully on the tray, my movements automatic now. Then I lifted it and made my way toward the garden.

As soon as I stepped outside, the atmosphere shifted.

The garden was alive, lanterns hung from branches, banners fluttered gently in the breeze, and pack members and guests alike filled the space, their attention fixed on the center of it all. I slowed my steps instinctively, drawn by the sound of a familiar, commanding voice.

Alpha Aidan.

"Distinguished guests and pack members," his voice rang out, clear and powerful, carrying effortlessly across the garden. "We are pleased to have you here with us to celebrate this special day—a day whereby a beauty was born."

The crowd stirred, murmurs rippling through them like a tide.

"And that beauty," Aidan continued, a smile evident even in his tone, "is none other than Vanessa Gonald."

Cheers erupted instantly.

Applause thundered through the garden, whistles and howls rising in celebration. I stood at the edge, tray still in my hands, watching as Vanessa stepped forward.

She was dressed in white.

Not just any white, but a flowing robe that clung to her form with elegant grace, making her look less like a guest of honor and more like a bride waiting at the altar. The fabric shimmered softly under the lantern light, and her hair cascaded down her back like spun gold. She looked ethereal. Untouchable.

Damien was the first to step forward.

He held out a silver hand fan, intricately designed, its surface gleaming as it caught the light. Vanessa accepted it with a bright smile, her fingers brushing his as she took it. The crowd murmured in appreciation.

Next was Aidan.

He presented her with a golden hairpin adorned with delicate petals, each one crafted with precision. Even from where I stood, I could sense its significance, dominance, longevity, power. Vanessa’s eyes sparkled as he gently placed it in her hair, and the crowd erupted again.

Then Adrien stepped forward.

Unlike the others, he wore a playful grin, one that immediately drew attention. In his hands was a box, simple on the outside, unassuming. He opened it slowly.

Gasps filled the air.

Inside lay an array of jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, each piece glittering in different colors, catching the light like scattered stars. Jewels that many girls would kill for. Vanessa’s hand flew to her mouth in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief and joy.

I stood there, unseen, unnoticed, watching it all unfold.

The cheers, the gifts, the adoration, it all felt distant, like I was observing a world I did not belong to. I tightened my grip on the tray, steadying myself as the celebration continued, knowing one thing for certain.

This day was hers.

"Alpha Adrien is so romantic!" the girl beside me whispered, her voice bubbling with excitement as she covered her mouth and giggled, cheeks flushed pink.

I barely spared her a glance. My hands tightened slightly around the tray I was carrying as I shifted my weight and moved past her, weaving smoothly through the crowded hall to the next table. The scent of rich food and sweet wine clung to the air, mixed with laughter, admiration, and awe. Everywhere I turned, eyes sparkled with admiration for the Alphas, for the grandeur of the celebration, for her.

I placed the dish down carefully, offering a polite nod before stepping away again. That was when a sudden hush rippled through the room, like a wave rolling over restless waters.

Davian rose to his feet.

He did it slowly, gracefully, every movement commanding attention without him even trying. The hall seemed to hold its breath as he reached into his pocket and produced a small velvet box. When he opened it and placed its contents gently into Vanessa’s hands, an audible gasp swept through the crowd.

A diamond earring.

No—earrings. They caught the light instantly, scattering brilliant reflections across the room. They were delicate yet undeniably expensive, the kind of jewelry that whispered power, wealth, and devotion all at once.

Vanessa’s eyes widened, her lips parting in disbelief before her smile bloomed, wide, radiant, almost blinding. It was the kind of smile that made people believe in fate, in fairy tales, in love that conquered all.

"Thank you, Alphas, for making my day so memorable," she said, her voice warm and steady despite the emotion shining in her eyes. She turned slightly, lifting her glass. "To our distinguished guests and the Alphas seated here, thank you all for coming."

She raised her glass higher, and instantly, the hall followed. Crystal clinked against crystal, the sound echoing like a promise sealed in celebration.

I exhaled quietly. My task was done.

Turning on my heel, I adjusted the tray in my hands and began heading back toward the kitchen, my steps light, practiced, until my gaze snagged on something that made my breath hitch.

All four Alphas were kneeling.

The room erupted again, gasping louder this time, shock and excitement colliding in the air. I froze mid-step, my heart thudding hard against my ribs as I watched them extend their hands forward together. Nestled in their palms was a single diamond ring, glittering with a brilliance that felt almost cruel.

Time slowed.

"Vanessa Gonald," they said in unison, their voices deep and unwavering, "would you do us the honour of being our Luna?"

The words struck something deep inside me, sharp, unexpected, painful.

My wolf stirred violently, a restless growl curling in my chest as my heartbeat thundered so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it. A strange, dark ache spread through me, tightening around my heart, squeezing until it hurt to breathe.

And then my vision blurred.

Tears gathered without permission, burning at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill. I clenched my jaw, swallowing hard, confusion crashing into me all at once.

What was wrong with me?

Why did this hurt so much? Why did irritation coil with the pain, sharp and bitter, as I stared at the sight before me?

Get it together, I scolded myself harshly. This doesn’t concern you.

"Come on, Maria," I whispered under my breath. "Pull yourself together."

Seconds stretched unbearably long, the silence heavy and expectant, until Vanessa finally spoke.

"Yes," she said, her voice trembling with joy. "I will!"

The hall exploded.

Cheers, applause, shouts of celebration filled the air as the Alphas slid the ring onto her finger, sealing the moment. My chest tightened painfully, and before anyone could notice the tears welling further, I turned around.

I walked away.

I didn’t look back. I couldn’t.

My steps were quick, almost hurried, as I made my way toward the exit, the noise behind me fading into a distant roar, until a familiar voice cut through it all.

"To celebrate our engagement," Adrien announced loudly, his words carrying effortlessly, "a special gathering will be held among we Alphas, and everyone will be granted the chance to ask for just one thing!"

His words followed me out like a shadow.

And for reasons I couldn’t explain, my heart sank even deeper.