3-𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

It was the night and the time of the full moon celebration. I made my way through the crowded hall, exchanging greetings and smiles with the pack members. The air was filled with the delicious smell of roasting meat and the sound of laughter and chatter.

As I greeted the last of the pack members, I spotted a vacant seat at the edge of the hall and made my way towards it. I sat down, taking a moment to collect my thoughts and observe the celebration.

The pack was in high spirits, and it was clear that everyone was excited to celebrate the full moon. I, on the other hand, couldn't help but feel a little out of place. Just as I was starting to feel like I was going to be stuck in my own little world for the rest of the night, I heard a sweet, honeyed voice behind me.

"Well look who's here, all alone" Xylara said, her voice was sweet coated but i couldn't help but feel confused. Was she being sarcastic?

"I'm jealous you're not surrounded by people, it's such a hassle to deal with bodyguards following you all around and being the center of attention? I feel quite tired sometimes, to be Luna."

I forced a smile as I slowly nodded my head. In school.we were in the same class and we were never close. Before her announcement as Luna, I hated her for being too sweet and making everyone seem like a bad person. After her announcement as Luna, I hated her for having all the attention and love, including Kaidën's.

I'm sure she knew about my hatred for her, no I was certain!

"I know right? I do not prefer such attention and overprotectiveness." I replied with the same quantity of sarcasm, trying to keep my tone light.

“I'm sure you are,” Xylara's smile was like a knife's edge, sharp and cutting. "After all, you're always so... enthusiastic about your life"

I felt a surge of annoyance at her tone, but I bit back my retort. I wasn't going to let Xylara get under my skin, no matter how hard she tried. I took a deep breath and tried to change the subject.

"So, Luna, how's the baby? I've been meaning to come visit you and see how everything is going."

Xylara's expression changed uncomfortably, that made me a little shocked. Her eyes twitched and she was shifting in her spot before hesitatingly opening her mouth.

"Oh, the baby is doing wonderfully, thank you for asking," she said, her voice was a little cranky. "It feels nice to see Kaidën so excited for the baby, he is literally very protective of it. He keeps telling me to take care of myself and the baby.”

Did I ask?...No! Then why did she bring up Kaidën? I smiled, trying to be sincere.

"I'm sure it's a big adjustment, but you seem to be handling it well."

Xylara's gaze narrowed slightly, and I could sense a hint of warning in her tone. I saw her gulping before she hid it with a smile…what was she hiding?

"Yes, well, someone has to keep the Alpha's heir happy and healthy."

I felt a twinge of discomfort at her words, but I tried to brush it off. I didn't want to get into a confrontation with Xylara, especially not in public. Just then, Kaidën appeared at Xylara's side, a charming smile on his face.

“Luna, the chief of the patrol pack wants to see you.” he said, his eyes averted to me with a hint of coldness and emptiness as usual and it hurts. I thought we were a little closer after that moment in the corridor, it seems like I was wrong.

"Yeah. I'll Be there, Love"

Xylara's smile was saccharine sweet as she caressed his cheek and he smiled a little at her before extending his arm out fkr her to hold. How pathetic. I always imagined myself in her place like a hopeless poor girl.

"Astrid, Congratulations on your mating. I wish you both eternal love and happiness” My fist tightened as I gritted my teeth giving out a tight smile but it dropped when I saw her smirking before she was out of my sight.

Why do I keep getting weird vibes?

I watched as Xylara and Kaidën walked away, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy at the way Xylara had touched Kaidën's cheek, and the way he had smiled at her. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I was being ridiculous. Kaidën was mated to Xylara, and I was soon to be mated to the Sylpher Pack's Alpha. I needed to focus on my own life, rather than getting caught up in feelings that were never going to lead anywhere.

I took a deep breath and stood up, smoothing out my dress. I needed to mingle and make an appearance, rather than sitting by myself all night. As I made my way through the crowds, I was stopped by various pack members who wanted to congratulate me on my upcoming mating. I smiled and thanked them, trying to make small talk, but my mind was blank and dull.

I was starting to feel like I was going crazy, when I saw Evelyn, my attendant, making her way towards me. She had a concerned look on her face, and I could tell that something was wrong.

"Astrid, can I talk to you for a minute?" she asked, her voice low and urgent. I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. What was going on? I followed Evelyn to a quiet corner of the hall, where we could talk without being overheard.

"What's wrong?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities. Evelyn hesitated, looking around nervously before leaning in close.

"I overheard something earlier tonight," she whispered. "Something that I think you should know about." My curiosity was piqued.

"What is it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Evelyn glanced around the hall again, making sure we were still alone.

"I was walking past Xylara's chambers earlier, and I overheard one of her attendants," she said.

"They were talking about Kaidën, and how he's been acting strange lately." I felt a surge of interest.

"Strange? What do you mean?" Evelyn leaned in closer, her voice barely audible.

"They said that Kaidën has been distant and preoccupied, even with Xylara. And that he's been sneaking out of the pack house at night, without telling anyone where he's going."

My mind was racing with possibilities. What could Kaidën be up to? All of a sudden my mind went back to my father's words.

‘The person you think you love, Astrid... they are not what they seem. They have a secret, one that could destroy our pack and everything we hold dear.’

I gulped hard as my mind went blank. This is getting even messier. I smiled, shaking my head before opening my mouth.

“That's not our business to worry about, Evelyn.” I saw her eyes narrowing as a scoff escaped her lips. I turned around from her knowing what she was thinking.

I had to eventually forget him and think of him as our Alpha, nothing more. It was hard but I had to try at least. The night went on with a great celebration for everyone except me. There seemed to be a serious problem with me because one more minute in this boring place and I'll shift to my wolf and run away. Kaidën was nowhere to be found and to me he's the only reason I attend dreadful events like this.

Xylara's mood seemed to be off as well. She was trying her best to maintain her good girl image talking to everyone with elegance and respect, I would've left everyone cursing at me if I was in her place. Just as I was starting to think that I couldn't take it anymore, one of the elder pack members approached me.

"Astrid, we need your help with something," she said, her voice firm but polite. "One of the younger wolves has gotten into a bit of trouble, and we need someone to help calm them down."

I nodded, grateful for the excuse to leave the hall.

"Of course, I'd be happy to help." As I got up and made my way out of the hall, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The music and laughter were still echoing in my ears, but at least I was getting out of there.

I walked through the quiet corridors of the pack house, the only sound being the soft padding of my feet on the stone floor. Finally, I arrived at a small door that led out into the night. As I stepped outside, I was hit with the cool night air. The moon was full overhead, casting an eerie glow over the landscape. But as I looked around, I realized that something was off. The air was charged with a strange, electric energy. And then, I saw him.

Kaidën was standing a short distance away, his eyes glowing with an unnatural light. His body was tense, his muscles rippling beneath his skin as he struggled to maintain control. My heart almost stopped as I realized what was happening.

Kaidën's wolf was rising to the surface, and he was fighting to keep it back.

But as I watched, frozen in horror, Kaidën's control began to slip. His body began to shift, his limbs elongating as his wolf burst forth from his skin, a very loud groan escaped his lips as he held his head in his hand, his feet were wobbly. Shock spread across my body. I was paralyzed with bewilderment, unable to move or look away.

And then, just as Kaidën's wolf was about to fully emerge, I took a step back but due to a leaf that I stepped on, it caught his attention, his eyes golden and his body almost furry.