CHAPTER 10
The Full Moon Festival & Rosa's Coronation
Rosa's POV
The castle buzzed with activity, an air of extravagance hanging in every corridor. The Silver Moon Pack's Full Moon Festival was always lavish, but this year, it was nothing short of royal. Lanterns lined the palace path, glowing with silver light that mirrored the moon. Petals floated down from tall towers like a cascade of blessings. The scent of sweet wine, roasted game, and exotic spices curled through the air, reminding me that tonight wasn't just a festival—it was my coronation as Luna.
And yet, I had never felt so numb.
I sat silently as the maids fluttered around me, pinning golden threads into my dark curls and fastening the corset of the white gown that sparkled like frost. They painted my lips a soft shade of wine and dusted my cheeks with color I didn't feel. My hands trembled, though no one seemed to notice. Once they were done, they all curtsied and left quietly.
Alone at last, I stood and faced the mirror.
That's when I saw her.
In the reflection stood a radiant white wolf, eyes glowing, and in the middle of her forehead lay a silver crescent-shaped mark.
"You see me now," she said softly, her voice echoing like the wind in my mind. "I am Lora. Your wolf. And I have waited so long to meet you."
My breath hitched. Tears welled up in my eyes.
"Lora..."
"You must find our mate," she whispered. "He is near. I can feel him."
I shook my head. "We don't have a chance with him. I've already accepted my fate. I'm the Alpha's chosen mate. We'll reject our mate when we find him."
Lora's glowing eyes dimmed in sadness, but she said nothing more. A knock sounded.
"Luna, it's time," a maid called from beyond the door.
I wiped my tears and followed.
They led me to the ceremonial bridal carriage. Decorated with silver vines and glowing moonflowers, it resembled a dream. As we arrived at the festival grounds, I caught sight of Bryant standing tall by the arched gate that led into the venue. He wore a deep black traditional robe lined with silver embroidery, and a wolf insignia adorned his chest. His dark hair was slicked back, jaw sharp, eyes intense. He looked like a true Alpha.
I was momentarily stunned.
His voice cut through the silence. "You're late."
We joined hands, his touch warm but commanding. Together, we stepped into the grand venue. Instantly, everyone present bowed, acknowledging us as the Pack's rulers. The scent of roses and sandalwood enveloped the room as we made our way to the throne.
Seated beside him, we began the rites: bowing to each other, making solemn vows, sipping sacred wine from the ceremonial chalice. My heart ached with every step.
Then the celebration began.
Women in silken blue danced barefoot on the marble stage, performing the Moon Blessing Dance. Food flowed endlessly—roasted boar, honey-glazed fruits, sparkling wines, and fine pastries. Nobles, pack leaders, and royal guests murmured in awe of the luxury.
Then came the introductions.
Bryant stood. "You must meet the former Alpha."
We approached his father—a broad-shouldered man with cold eyes—and beside him, his wife, Adrian's mother. The woman's smile was tight and shallow.
"So," the former Alpha said, eyeing me. "Where do you come from, girl?"
Bryant quickly interjected. "She's the daughter of a commoner."
The disapproval on their faces was palpable.
"A commoner? That's what you chose to stand by your side as Luna?" his father said flatly.
"Enough," Bryant replied coldly.
His stepmother offered me a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "We shall see if she is worthy."
Before I could respond, another voice broke in.
"Brother."
Adrian.
He was tall, almost as tall as Bryant, with chestnut hair and mischievous eyes. He smiled at me and took my hand, brushing a kiss over my knuckles.
I stiffened.
"We've met before, haven't we?" he asked.
A flash of memory hit me. That night in Red Blossom... I had disguised myself, snuck out of the palace, and nearly gotten assaulted by three drunk men before he saved me. He never knew I was a princess.
"Perhaps," I whispered.
Bryant's eyes darkened as he grabbed my hand possessively. "Let's go."
He led me away, jaw tight, body tense.
Then she entered.
Princess Matilda.
She wore a deep crimson gown, hugging every curve, her neckline plunging scandalously low. Her golden hair curled around her shoulders, and her lips were painted red like blood.
She walked straight to Bryant, brushing her fingers against his arm casually.
"You clean up well, Alpha," she purred, eyeing me from head to toe with veiled disdain.
I didn't miss the way she looked at him—like he was hers. Her smile to me was thin, practiced.
"Congratulations, Luna," she said sweetly. "You must feel so... lucky."
I smiled back, equally false. "Luck had nothing to do with it."
From the shadows, ministers and lords approached, offering gifts—an ancient scroll, a jeweled dagger, silk robes, and a crescent-shaped moonstone necklace.
As the festivities swirled around me, I felt it.
The pull.
The wind shifted. My body tingled.
Lora's voice echoed in my mind: "He is here."
I gripped Bryant's hand tightly, but my heart beat wildly for another reason.
The full moon was high.