The sun was peacefully peeking in the early hours of the morning, its light filtering through the velvet curtains. Unlike yesterday, the events today are rather fruitful. Last night, I remembered the parade of maids and servants bedecking the castle grounds for today's festivities. I thought the Western Kingdom had no business with me for this upcoming occasion, but I was gravely mistaken. Seems like I was invited.

In the short span since waking up, I was tended to by a succession of palace maids. I must have tried on at least ten of the finest silk and fabric dresses, the kind that would appease any aristocrat—though they all felt uncomfortably tight. They didn't even consider what I was at ease with; they simply went through the motions of enhancing my appearance to some semblance of acceptability. The maids paid me little attention as they expertly fitted me into my chosen dress. The garment in question was a simple yet exquisite floral dress that fell just above my ankles. It hugged my form a little too snugly, accentuating my curves to perfection.

I almost cursed out a few profanities after they milled my hair into an updo, with a few stray strands dangling from the sides.

"You will not leave here, yet...not unless instructed so. The banquet will start in an hour. Bring your best behavior rogue," I almost flinched from her voice. Judging from the woman's tone, I can conjure that this was the head maid, and like every other palace maid, slightly bowed in her presence. I nodded when her eyes narrowed upon my lack of response.

After they finished their tasks, they exited my room without a second look. Alone once more, I finally let out a sigh. I can only hope that nothing goes awry later on...

I steal a quick glance at myself in front of the slightly distorted mirror. As I evaluate my reflection, it dawns on me that I possess a unique beauty. I can't help but hope that I'll evolve into the woman Fionna believed in and vividly described.

The afternoon descended with an unrelenting intensity, the blazing sun showing no mercy. Fortunately, I hadn't applied any lip stains or powder; otherwise, they would have surely melted under the scorching temperature. A sense of subdued discomfort lingered as those in positions of authority were fervently attended to and fanned by their attendants and servants. Not long ago, I had been grumbling about having my hair pulled back into a ponytail, but now I retracted all my objections—except for the reservations I still held about my outfit.

"The Alpha of East Ridge pack arrives!"

A booming voice resonated through the air, making its proclamation heard. Among the high-ranking officials seated at a distance, several nobles responded with disapproving harrumphs. Simultaneously, palace servants congregated along the service aisle, standing attentively in wait as the grand carriage came to a halt. From the bustling throng, a figure that I recognized emerged; studying his features, I discerned that it was Wells.

I unconsciously drew closer, masking myself amongst the mass of people gathered—waiting for more arrival. As the carriage pulls up, a man appeared out of the carriage. I assumed his age to be somewhere between fifty to sixty. Old but his physique—not quite. He was relatively lean and built, much like the people in this kingdom.

Neatly dressed, fancy, and aristocratic, his whole aura screamed honorable and high-born. Wells greeted him with a shake of their hands; that's when I realized he wasn't part of royalty.

"Where is his royal majesty?" The man gently asked.

"I am afraid his majesty won't be attending today's celebration."

The man shot a confused look. "Why not?"

"He is in the Riverwood's pack. And it would take at least a day or two to ride. But do not worry, alpha, the second prince, is the host of this event."

"Ahh, I see...and I heard the third prince came as well?"

"Correct."

"This is new. Prince Knight seldom pays visits, except when his one-year duty on the frontier concludes before he proceeds to the next,"

Looking at the picture, it seems like Alpha Knight was a responsible person. One that is highly sensible and committed to his duties. Though our encounters were fleeting, there was no doubt in my mind that he was a good man.

"I am not quite sure about his reas—"

The alpha pressed on, cutting wells off mid-sentence. "He brought a woman as well, I heard?"

My eyes flew towards them, but I instantly lowered my gaze as the man, or alpha, felt my quick snap. Noticing the flock of people around who were also intrigued, he returned his attention to Wells.

"Not just a woman...a prisoner as many emphasized."

"Ahhh—maybe someone who is affiliated with the Southerners...I see now."

Without lingering on the topic of interest, Wells was haste to change the subject. "Would you like to be accompanied to your quarters? The travel must've been exhausting,"

"Yes, thank you, Wells," The man responded.

As the hours wore on, I was on the verge of stumbling from my position. My ankles and legs had gone numb from the extended duration of standing without a chance to sit even for a brief moment. While there were others around me who were similarly not seated, their attire and footwear were much more conducive to comfort than mine. Unlike their situation, my clothes and shoes were somewhat unwieldy. Unable to uphold my composure any longer, I retreated against the stone wall behind me, relying on it to prop up my weary body.

Numerous nobles in the vicinity sneered at my perceived lack of decorum, yet I was already drained. When would this event finally commence? I could sense the distress and dismay mirrored in my own expression.

"Am."

I wasn't sure if it was because of my fatigue that I could hear someone calling out for me.

"Am! Dammit, just pay attention."

I flushed when I heard it loud and clear. Good thing I was the only person slouching against the cold stone wall, or else someone must've heard him. Him, yes, the voice is familiar. And I am confident that it belongs to another person who knows my existence in this palace—Chase Strevus.

"What? What is it?" I blurted out, my words almost lost in the air, uncertain of his exact location. My best guess was that he stood on the opposite side of the stone wall, yet I remained uncertain.

"I hope you aren't angered by this occasion."

I furrowed my brows in confusion. "Why would I be mad?"

"You see...I was kind of responsible for bringing you here. My brother is completely unaware of this. That's why I had the maids arrange for a veil... a magical veil to conceal your scent,"

I failed to mask my shocked expression. "Why would you bring me here if it's not allowed?"

"I assumed you might be feeling lonely in your chamber. I couldn't help but picture you perched by the window, observing the proceedings below."

I was on the verge of hissing my disapproval, as my attendance at this event hadn't been officially sanctioned by Alpha Knight. Yet, Chase's consideration left me momentarily speechless. It felt as if my prayers had been answered; someone had finally stepped into my bewildering world, someone who was genuinely interested in getting to know me and conversing. I pressed my lips together, holding back the urge to smile.

"Am?"

"Thank you, Chance. I love everything about today. Thank you."

"I'm relieved to see you content. The two of us should stick together. I sense an authenticity in you, something I can't quite feel from others."

"Where exactly are you, Chase? Are you behind me?"

"Ummm—I'll tell you in a little while. Something urgent came up. I must fix this first."

"A-alright...Goodluck with hosting this banquet,"

He didn't answer back.

****

In contrast to what happened earlier, the castle grounds were lined with thousands of seats, all encircling the center podium—except for the entrances lined with red carpet. As expected, the sitting arrangement was already classified and reserved. The elites are situated front-row, and the rest, by their respective social status. Being uninvited, let alone unknown by many, I chose to be seated near the border of the stone walls—the edge of the castle grounds.

For a multitude of reasons, I was thoroughly convinced that the surroundings held a touch of magic. Everything appeared enchanted, from the shimmering fireflies to the violet glow of the torches, to the intricately embroidered seats and the gentle descent of snowflakes. I was so entranced by the decorations that I failed to notice the announcer making their way to the podium.

"Ladies and gents, creatures from far and wide, we are all gathered here to celebrate tonight's Moon rising event.”

Moon rising?

"—a phenomenon that only happens once in a century, a great time to heal and look back on our history!"

Several applauses filled the castle grounds. I unconsciously followed suit. The announcer continued his speech; however, I wasn't keenly listening, and I knew I should, but something felt off. The soft lights emitted by the bowl torch dimly flicker as the wind perked up.

"And for this season, we welcome Lorraine Madden, daughter of the Alpha of Moonstone pack, to guide us with the appreciation ceremony,"

Beyond the threshold of the palace entrance, Lorraine swept out every ounce of breath from the crowd as she sauntered her way to her designated seat near the tribune. Clutching my veil, I realized how fortunate I was to have my face hidden; otherwise, my insecurity would have soured my mood and interest in this occasion. One is because she was beautiful; second, she has everything I can never have—and that included the interest of my mate. However, groveling was of no use. Now that I am alone in this sort of fancy mess, without Chance or even Fionna to accompany me, I resorted to being a nobody. Barely chiming in with the crowd and learning to back away from someone who notices me.

Subsequently, a man strode towards the center of the platform, asserting his presence as the announcer introduced him by name.

"Alpha Ric, a pleasure to grace the stage."

The man named Alpha Ric had a distinct scar on his face. Without wasting much of our time, he gestured towards another entrance. "Allow me to introduce my nephews...Alpha Prince Chance Strevus of the Green Mist pack, and Prince Strevus, soon to be King of the Western Kingdom..."

The audience burst into applause, but my focus swiftly shifted. Future King? My mind raced with questions. What had become of the firstborn? Weren't they traditionally designated as the heirs?

Near the archway, the two masculine figures stood shoulder to shoulder. Alpha Chase was slightly shorter than my mate. Internally, I scolded myself for referring to Alpha Knight Strevus as my mate. To the best of my knowledge, our bond had already been severed. The mere thought left my emotions in turmoil. I often found Alpha's gaze deeply compelling; alas, the very eyes I longed to lock with never met mine in the same way. If only he could see through my emotions and perhaps recognize a change in a person that I think I am, maybe our spirits would intertwine. And perhaps, he would also think of me as someone beautiful.

"And my nephew's betrothed...future Luna and future Queen to the throne,"

Lorraine rose from her seat, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Behind me, there were chants of 'Luna' and 'Queen,' accompanied by enthusiastic applause. As a true mate, I could discern the underlying reason for the ache in my heart each time I sensed the presence of the two individuals I had grown wary of—Lorraine and Alpha Knight Strevus. Even though no one was aware of my identity, the sensation persisted, unaffected by the display of approval from both nobles and commoners toward Lorraine as their future Queen. Those cheers conveyed a telling message.

"In celebration...we acknowledge the Moon Goddess, creator of all creatures, to bestow us strength and, of course, blessings to—"

The announcer's voice faded into the background as my attention became engrossed in something beyond my comprehension. A sensation and perception that eluded understanding. A gentle rush of air and the faint thuds of determined footsteps drew my focus; rising from my seat, I scanned my surroundings. However, it soon dawned on me that all eyes were fixed on me. The entire assembly was seated, whereas I remained standing, amidst the proclamation of thanksgiving and admiration.

"Excuse me, lady—"

Apparently, my senses were precise, though I wish it wasn't. Without giving myself doubt, I screamed in bewilderment.

"Someone…no many are coming…"