Chapter 75: Moments of Peace Anna’s POV

The clearing was bathed in warm, golden light as the sun broke through the treetops. The air felt light on this rare morning, as though the world had decided to take a respite from its usual chaos. The Crescent Grove Pack members were busy getting ready for the fair. Their chatter and laughter gave the room a life I hadn't felt in a long time.

Since we got here, I didn't feel like I had to look over my shoulder all the time for the first time.

"Lia, could you please get me that pile of ribbons?" One of the omegas I had been working with, Saria, called out from the other side of the area.

I nodded and carefully walked toward the pile she had pointed out so I wouldn't trip over any of the decorations that were lying around. There were lanterns, garlands, and streamers of every color, which showed how seriously the Crescent Grove Pack planned the party.

 Saria teased as I handed her the ribbons,  "You're surprisingly good at this."

I tried to sound friendly when I said, "Don't let anyone else hear you say that. I have to protect my reputation."

Her eyes glistened as she laughed. "I believe I have your secret safe."

As the morning went on, I was forced to prepare one of the bigger tables close to the clearing's center. Nearby, Lucas—I should have said Caleb—was helping a group of younger warriors with the lantern-stringing.

"Take care of that!" Lucas’s words rang out, a mix of amusement and exasperation as one of the boys nearly dropped a lantern.

When I looked over, I saw that he was holding the light steady. His face was softer than usual. He had a strange look about him. Almost calm.

“You’re staring,” Saria muttered, pushing me with her elbow.

I tore my gaze away, heat rising up my neck. "I’m not."

“Sure you’re not,” she stated with a knowing smirk before turning back to her work.

By noon, the clearing had changed. Tables were adorned with colorful cloths, lamps hung from the trees, and the smell of roasting meat floated into the air. It was almost enough to make me forget everything—Oliver, Leo, the constant anxiety of being exposed.

Almost.

“Hey,” Lucas’s voice burst through my thoughts. I turned to see him standing a few steps away, a tiny smile on his face.

"What?" I questioned, crossing my arms.

“You’ve got something—” He made a vague gesture at my hair.

My fingers brushed a stray ribbon that had become knotted in my curls as I reached up. I frowned and yanked it out. "I appreciate the heads-up."

He laughed, and the sound was so sincere for a second that I was taken aback.

I narrowed my eyes at him and accused, "You’re enjoying this."

He smiled widely and said, "Maybe a little."

As the afternoon went on, I was put in charge of a team that was meant to set up a game booth for the festival. Wooden targets and a stack of little beanbags made up the basic setting, but the younger pack members seemed to enjoy it.

At one point, Lucas walked over and watched one of the children try to hit a target while crossing his arms.

When the child made a shot, Lucas nodded his agreement and stated, "Not bad."

"You think you're capable of more?" I raised an eyebrow at him in challenge.

He grinned. "You're on."

Lucas proved to be a frustratingly skilled player.

"Beginner's luck," I remarked as he hit another target squarely.

With a smug smile, he leaned closer and added, "Admit it. You’re impressed."

I shot back, "Hardly," but I couldn’t help but smile a little as it tugged at the edges of my mouth.

The tension between us seemed to lessen for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. Laughing and chatting with him in this way was weird, almost unreal.

However, the moment was short-lived.

The warm glow of the lights filled the area as the sun began to set. The voices of the pack members blended into a beautiful hum as they gathered around the center fire.

I was sitting on the fringe of the crowd, looking at Lucas. His mood was solemn as he spoke to one of the more experienced fighters.

I let myself relax for a little while, to think that perhaps—just possibly—we might be able to find some peace here.

But I knew better in my heart.

The camaraderie of the pack acted as a sobering reminder of all I had lost. And I couldn’t let my guards down, no matter how much I wanted to think otherwise.

Not quite yet.

Lucas joined me by the fire as the evening grew darker. At first, he just sat there, looking at the flames without saying anything.

At last, he remarked in a quiet voice, "It's nice."

"What is it?"

"This." He made a vague gesture at the crowd. "The laughing. The light. I haven’t seen anything like it in a long time."

I didn’t answer, since I wasn’t sure what to say.

He turned to face me after a time. "Do you think that this is how things might work out for us? One day?"

I looked into his eyes, and the frailty in them made my heart hurt. "I’m not sure," I said. "But I hope so."

It was the truth, but it wasn’t much.

And that was sufficient for now.