Marc's earlier claims were indeed accurate—the magical branch he provided could guide us to our destination. Upon arriving at the entrance of Cander's palace, I was met with the sight of numerous guards patrolling the perimeter. To avoid drawing attention, I decided to head towards the garden at the rear of the grand estate.

As I settled onto a park bench, taking a moment to breathe, four stunning women approached me. They were like angels, each radiating their own unique charm. Zena and Ivela, both statuesque and elegant, were Cander's younger sisters. Sera, with her feline-like eyes, and Anna, who had a penchant for wearing jackets, accompanied them.

I greeted them with a polite, albeit slightly awkward, smile. "Hi..."

“Sister-in-law, where have you been?” Ivela asked, her face showing a hint of distaste.

“Yes, we've been searching for you everywhere,” Zena added, scrutinizing me with suspicion.

“T...that's right, Luna. We were all worried about you. Are you alright?” Sera, the one with the narrow eyes, inquired with concern.

“If Luna isn’t at the palace, Alpha will be very angry. She might punish us all. But beyond that, is there anything unusual or suspicious you noticed?” Anna, ever the talkative one, joined in.

“Alright, may I speak now?” I asked, addressing the four women.

Realizing they had bombarded me with questions, they smiled sheepishly. Anna, in particular, seemed embarrassed, scratching the back of her head as if she were itching. I responded with a sweet smile.

“Go ahead, Luna,” Sera encouraged.

“I was just feeling bored in the room, so I decided to step outside and enjoy the view,” I explained. Although this was mostly true, I couldn't disclose everything, particularly about Marc.

“But I’ve searched for you around here several times and couldn’t find you,” Zena said, still eyeing me suspiciously.

“Yes, Luna. Oh, by the way, your wedding party is scheduled for tomorrow,” Anna's words made my eyes widen in shock.

“Anna, ugh—” Ivela warned.

“Wh...what are you doing, Anna!” Sera also chided her friend.

“Wh...what?” I asked, still in shock.

“Why? I’m just stating the facts. Alpha Cander has prepared various wedding arrangements for Luna and—” Sera quickly covered Anna’s mouth with both hands.

“Where is Cander now?” I asked, trying to hide my frustration.

“Don’t be angry, Luna,” Zena said soothingly.

“Yes, Luna. Cander means well, even if he can be a bit insistent,” Ivela added, defending her brother.

“I need to see him now. Where is Cander?” I insisted.

“Sorry, Luna, but Alpha hasn’t returned from his business yet,” Sera replied, still keeping Anna’s mouth covered.

“It’s best if you return to your room. Cander will be home soon,” Zena suggested, and I walked away without acknowledging the four women further.

I arrived at Cander’s room, and about ten minutes later, Cander’s group arrived. I peeked out the window and saw Cander descending from his vehicle. His younger siblings immediately rushed towards him, bombarding him with questions. From my vantage point, I couldn’t hear their conversation, but Cander’s gaze caught mine, and he smiled.

I quickly withdrew from the window, my heart racing. The protest I had intended to voice had vanished. Instead, a strange feeling settled within me. I climbed into bed, covering myself with Cander’s thick blanket.

Creak.

The sound of the bedroom door opening made me shiver even more. I closed my eyes tightly and prayed silently. The bed shifted as someone climbed in, and a strong arm encircled me, causing my heart to race.

“Is there something you want to say, dear?” Cander asked in a deep voice.

“N-no,” I answered softly.

“My sisters mentioned that you seemed upset with me. What’s wrong, dear?” Cander inquired again.

“N-no,” I repeated, this time my voice even softer.

“Darling, I can’t hear you. Could you turn to face me and say what’s on your mind?” Cander’s keen hearing was evident as he pressed gently.

I hesitated, then slowly turned to face him, cautiously lifting the blanket from my head. “I-I just wanted to ask,” I murmured, still avoiding his gaze.

“What do you want to ask?” Cander’s voice grew louder, though still gentle.

“A-about tomorrow?” I asked nervously.

“Tomorrow! What about tomorrow, dear?” Cander’s irritation was palpable.

I gathered the courage to meet his eyes, finding his sweet smile both reassuring and disarming. Just as I was about to speak, Cander kissed my forehead, causing my heart to skip a beat. I closed my eyes tightly, trying to steady my breath.

“What about tomorrow, dear?” Cander asked again, gently stroking my hair.

“Wh...why didn’t you tell me that we’re getting married tomorrow?” I asked softly.

“You don’t like it?” Cander’s response was more of a question.

“No, that’s not it. But why didn’t you mention that we’re getting married tomorrow?” I pressed.

“Darling, what if I told you that tomorrow we’re not getting married, but—” Cander’s explanation was cut short.

The door to Cander’s room burst open, revealing my aunt Lena with an annoyed expression. We both scrambled out of bed. Lena embraced me tightly, and I silently returned her hug.

“What are you doing? Do you think I’m a stranger? It’s outrageous that you’ve lied to me about the Werewolves and kept it from me,” Lena’s irritation was clear.

“I-I wasn’t trying to deceive you, Aunt,” I began, but Lena ended her embrace and glared at me.

“Were you and Cander planning to meet with that man too?” Lena pointed at the handsome man standing outside Cander’s room.

“No...no, I’m sorry. I truly don’t know how to explain,” I replied, my face filled with apology.

“It’s not just Vina’s fault, but mine too. I wasn’t honest with you, Aunt,” Cander stepped forward, standing beside me.

“Alright, apology accepted!” Lena said with unexpected enthusiasm.

I looked at my aunt, who seemed genuinely pleased. Lena smiled and hugged me again.

“No, nothing. Honey, thanks to you, I get to see him again,” Lena said, tears of joy in her eyes.

“And tomorrow, I’m marrying him!” I was stunned once more.

“So, tomorrow, isn’t it...” I couldn’t finish my thought, overwhelmed by the shock from Anna’s earlier comment.

“Honey, you misunderstood. Tomorrow is Lathan and your aunt’s wedding day. We’ll catch up after that,” Cander whispered in my left ear.

“So, I misunderstood. Annnaaaaa—” I shouted in frustration.

In Zena’s room, the four women were laughing heartily at their Luna’s reaction. There was no fear in their prank; it had all been Zena’s idea. They had orchestrated the prank to see the shocked expression on their innocent Luna’s face.

“A...are we going too far?” Sera asked, her fear evident.

“Haha...don’t worry, Sera. Sister-in-law will forgive us,” Ivela said confidently.

“That’s right. Our Luna is very kind. We won’t face any punishment from Alpha,” Anna added, assured.

“Alright then. You’d better head home. Your husbands will come looking for you if you stay here too long!” Zena commanded.

“Yes, Miss,” the two women replied in unison, their laughter continuing.