Stilla POV
Today is the day of the lunar eclipse party.
I woke up at nine to head over to Julia's house. She was busy trying on dresses, picking hairstyles, and discussing makeup with her two assistants—and my companions—Railey and Mailey. The twins had been with my sister for a while, assigned by Alpha Jackson to protect her.
We took a break for lunch, brought by Railey, and Julia started explaining the party to me.
"Every pack will be there—at least 80 werewolves. The former Alpha King and Luna will attend with their son, the current King. Try to stay away from him—even though I know you won't get close, it doesn't hurt to warn you.
The Alpha King is... reserved, and angry—he still hasn't found his mate, and that makes him release his strength and rage unpredictably. People fear him. Without a mate, it's hard for him to control himself.
Alpha Jackson and I will greet him, but you don't have to if you don't want to.
There will be music and dancing in the center of the hall. The royal family will have a private balcony—unless they decide to join the guests below."
She took a deep breath before continuing.
"Mailey, Railey, you may leave and take a rest."
After they exited, she turned to me again.
"Stilla… there will be many people. That means you might find your mate. If you do, you can go with him and join his pack.
Don't be afraid—Moon Goddesses have long protected mates from harming each other. It's been that way since the beginning of the Werewolf Kingdom. Of course, I'm not saying I want you to leave me—I just want to prepare you."
(I told you—our mate won't hurt us!)
Glady's voice echoed inside me.
(Be quiet—anything can happen with a werewolf!)
I replied sternly.
Maybe my mate would hurt me… or worse, get others to do it. Anything's possible. I took a deep breath and let my face go blank.
"We need to get ready now, there isn't much time left."
Julia stood up as Railey and Mailey re-entered the room.
***
Stilla POV
Sitting in the car on our way to the party, I was beside Jake, with Alpha Jackson and my sister Julia in the back.
Julia had picked out a long red dress for me—which I wore with difficulty—and I refused to wear any makeup. I never liked that stuff... or more honestly, never had the chance to.
I was nervous.
Inside me, Glady felt that something was going to happen. Jake sensed my anxiety, held my hand gently, and whispered, "Don't be afraid," so quietly I barely heard it. I patted his hand to let him know I was okay, and whispered, "Thank you."
Jake was my best friend.
We arrived.
Alpha Jackson stepped out first, offering his hand to help Julia. She looked beautiful. After she stepped out, Jake opened the door for me and helped me down. I slipped my arm into his.
"Hold on tight, beautiful. A werewolf might snatch you before we get to the palace," he teased.
"Don't joke with me," I replied softly. "But thank you."
We entered the palace.
The hall was massive, decorated in shades of blue and white, with crystal chandeliers that made the ceiling look like it was lit by stars.
Near the stairs was a balcony with six spaced-out chairs. Two of them were larger than the others. I guessed they were for the King and Queen—the others for the former royal couple and their children.
The hall was packed. I began to feel overwhelmed. Jake squeezed my hand.
"Take a deep breath, Stilla. No one will hurt you here. Just enjoy tonight," Jake said to me through mind-link.
I smiled at him, just as I saw Alpha Jackson and Julia standing and greeting two other Alphas.
"Alpha Jackson, Luna Julia, how are you and your pack?" one of them asked.
More and more Alphas came forward to greet them. I felt increasingly uncomfortable. I'd never been around so many Alphas before. I was about to slip away—until a powerful voice silenced the room.
"We present to you: Princess Andrea and Prince Dustin. The former King and Queen. And lastly… His Majesty, Alpha King Lucas."
The moment his name was called, everyone bowed to show respect. The Alpha King's voice rang out with a single word:
"Rise."
Everyone lifted their heads.
At the sound of his voice, Glady grew excited and started shouting things I couldn't even understand. I ignored her and focused on protecting myself in case danger struck.
Music started playing, and people began dancing.
Moments later, the royal family descended from the balcony and started greeting guests. They were heading in our direction.
I tensed. Julia noticed.
"Sweetheart, if you want to leave—if you don't want to meet him—you can," Julia whispered.
"Thank you. Jake, I'm leaving," I told him.
"I'll come with you," he answered.
I turned to leave—
But a strong voice stopped us.
"Stop."
I froze. I didn't turn around, but Jake did.
Suddenly, a scent hit me—so fresh, like pure rain.
Glady's excitement skyrocketed.
Seconds passed.
The scent came closer. I felt something powerful standing behind me, that same scent surrounding me.
Jake stepped forward and bowed in respect.
"My respect to Alpha King Lucas."
"Where are you going?" the Alpha King asked.
I didn't know why, but tears filled my eyes. Jake noticed and tried to help.
"She's just a member of our pack," Jake said.
Julia stepped forward.
"Yes, Alpha. She's my sister."
"Then I want to see her."
"Alpha… she's not feeling well. I ask you to please allow her to leave," Jake said gently.
"Alpha Jackson, if you want your Beta to keep moving for the rest of his life, I suggest you ask him to step aside so I can see this young lady."
Jake stepped aside in defeat.
Footsteps approached me. I didn't move. My face was still turned down. He waited for me to turn—but I didn't.
So he did.
He turned me to face him.
My eyes remained lowered. I saw his shoes.
"Look at me."
Just two words—
But they sent shivers down my spine.
I was too scared to look up. The Alpha King sighed—losing his patience.
"Don't be afraid. I'm with you," Julia mind-linked me.
I gathered my strength. Took a deep breath. Raised my eyes.
His eyes… dark, mysterious… the moment our eyes met, they turned even darker.
He spoke one word:
"Mate."
My entire world stopped.
I was in shock—and so was everyone else.
They all stared at us.
But not Glady. She was ecstatic.
"We found him! We found our mate!"
(Glady, stop! Can't you see what's happening? He's not just an Alpha—he's the Alpha King! Have you forgotten everything?!)
Memories from five years ago hit me like a crashing wave.
Glady recoiled in pain. I lowered my eyes again, gathering courage.
"Your Majesty… I'm sorry, but you must be mistaken…"
A loud growl shook the hall.
My body trembled. A weak voice escaped my lips, stopping the Alpha King mid-growl.
He pulled me into his chest and shouted:
"Mine."
The moment I was close to him, I felt a strange mix of fear and safety.
I pulled away quickly, putting distance between us.
I kept my gaze down.
But not for long—
Darkness crept in.
And then I felt nothing.