AURORA’S POV
I sat in the living room of our home, with my fingers drumming impatiently against the armrest of the chair as I stared at the ceiling.
The mating ceremony was supposed to be the most exciting time of my life, but everything was moving so slowly.
Zane was distant, barely looking at me, and I could feel something slipping through my fingers.
I needed to take control.
I needed to make sure everything went according to plan.
The thought of Aria somehow interfering made my blood boil, but I pushed it down.
I would deal with her later.
My mother walked into the room, her heels clicking against the floor with measured steps.
She looked at me with knowing eyes, and a small smile playing on her lips.
“You look troubled, Aurora.
What is on your mind?” she asked curiously.
I sighed heavily, sat up straighter, and replied with frustration.
“The mating ceremony, Mother.
Everything is moving too slowly.
Zane barely pays attention to me.
He is always gone, always busy.
I do not know what to do anymore.
I feel like I am losing control.”
My mother sat down across from me, and said calmly in a calculated manner.
“Aurora, a good Luna knows when to be patient and when to push.
You cannot appear desperate.
That will make you look weak.
But you also cannot sit back and let things happen on their own.
You must guide them.
You must steer the ship.”
I leaned forward, my eyes bright with curiosity, and asked, “What do you mean?
How do I steer the ship without looking desperate?”
She smiled coldly with a knowing glint in her eyes and replied calmly, “You must appear sweet and patient, but you must also make your presence known.
Go to the palace.
Show your face.
Remind them that you are the future Luna.
Ask about the ceremony.
Ask about Zane.
Make them see that you are eager and committed.
But always with a smile, Aurora.
Always with a smile.
People trust a woman who smiles.
They never suspect her.”
I felt a wave of admiration for my mother.
She had always known how to play the game, how to get what she wanted without ever appearing demanding.
I nodded slowly, a plan forming in my mind.
“Then let us go to the palace.
Today.
I will not let him avoid me any longer.” I said, determined.
My mother smiled brightly at me and said, “That is my daughter.
That is the future Luna I raised.”
We arrived at the palace an hour later, dressed in our finest clothes.
I wore a soft blue dress that made me look elegant and approachable, my hair perfectly styled, my makeup flawless.
My mother walked beside me, her posture straight and confident, her silver gown flowing behind her like she already belonged in the palace.
We were greeted at the entrance by Tristan, Zane’s Beta.
He bowed politely, wearing a professional expression on his face, and said with a slight edge in his voice that he could not mask properly.
“Lady Elara, Lady Aurora.
What a pleasant surprise.
How can I help you?”
According to pack customs, we have been expecting a visit from him for some time now.
I thought it would be appropriate to come and see him ourselves.
It is only proper that he pays his respects to his future Luna’s family before the ceremony.”
Tristan’s expression remained neutral, but I saw a flicker of something in his eyes, hesitation perhaps.
Then he cleared his throat and said with a bow.
“I am afraid the Alpha Prince is not available at the moment.
He went to check on a project outside the territory.
He left early this morning.”
I felt a flash of frustration, but I kept my smile in place, and my voice soft and sweet.
“A project?
How interesting.
What kind of project?
I would love to know more about what keeps him so busy.
A Luna should be involved in her Alpha’s affairs, after all.”
Tristan hesitated for just a moment.
Then he gave a small smile at me and said, “I am not at liberty to say, Lady Aurora.
It is a private matter.
He will return soon, I am sure.
I would not worry too much about it.”
My mother exchanged a quick glance with me, and I knew she was thinking the same thing I was.
Something was off.
Zane was never around when we visited.
It was becoming a pattern, and I did not like it.
Before either of us could respond, the doors behind us opened and Alpha Alaric walked in, accompanied by one of the pack lords.
He was a tall, commanding figure, his silver hair giving him an air of wisdom and authority.
Everyone in the room stood up immediately, and bowed our heads respectfully.
Alpha Alaric’s eyes landed on us, and his expression softened into a warm smile.
“Lady Elara, Lady Aurora.
What a wonderful surprise.
What brings you to the palace today?” He said cheerfully.
I stepped forward, with a graceful bow, and said sweetly, “Alpha Alaric, it is an honor to see you.
My mother and I came to visit Zane.
We were hoping to discuss the mating ceremony preparations.
There are so many details to plan, and I wanted to make sure everything is perfect.
I have been thinking about the flowers, the music, the guest list, everything.
I want it to be a day the pack will never forget.”
Alpha Alaric chuckled warmly and gestured for us to sit.
“Ah, the ceremony.
Yes, I understand your eagerness.
Zane has been very busy lately, but I am sure he will make time for you soon.
He is a good man, just burdened with responsibilities.
The life of an Alpha is not an easy one.”
My mother smiled, and said in a voice smooth as silk.
“We understand that he is busy, Alpha.
We just wanted to show our support and see if there is anything we can do to help with the preparations.
We are ready to assist in any way we can.
I have already begun compiling a list of guests and organizing the seating arrangements.”
Alpha Alaric nodded his head approvingly, and said, “That is very kind of you, Lady Elara.
I will be sure to let Zane know you came.
He will appreciate the gesture.
It is good to see such dedication from his future Luna’s family.”
Then he turned to Tristan, and asked in a firm voice.
“Tristan, where is my son?
I was told he was not in the palace.
What is this project that keeps him away?”
Tristan bowed his head and replied calmly, with an unreadable expression on his face that gave nothing away.
“He went to check on a property, Alpha.
I believe it is something he has been working on for a while.
He wanted to oversee it personally.”
Alpha Alaric raised an eyebrow suspiciously, but did not press further.
“I see.
Well, when he returns, tell him to visit the Sinclair household tomorrow.
It is only proper that he pays his respects to his future Luna’s family.
I will not have him neglecting his duties.
The pack expects a proper courtship.”
My mother beamed and inclined her head.
“Thank you, Alpha Alaric.
That is very generous of you.
We look forward to seeing him.
It will be a wonderful opportunity for him to get to know our family better.”
I smiled sweetly, but inside, my mind was churning.
Why was Zane always disappearing?
What was he hiding?
I forced myself to stay calm and stepped forward, keeping my voice soft and innocent.
“Alpha Alaric, I hope you do not mind me saying this, but I really want to be with Zane.
I want to start my life as Luna.
But the preparations are moving so slowly, and I do not know what to do to quicken things up.
It feels like I am waiting for something that will never come.
I have been patient, but I am starting to feel anxious.”
Alpha Alaric looked at me with kind eyes, and patted my hand gently.
“Patience, my dear.
These things take time.
Zane is a busy man, but he will come around.
Do not worry.
He will see what a wonderful Luna you will be.
You are exactly what this pack needs, Aurora.
Graceful, beautiful, and committed.” he said warmly.
I nodded, keeping my smile still in place and said brightly, “Of course, Alpha.
I trust your wisdom.
I just want everything to be perfect for our future.
I want Zane to be happy.
I want the pack to be proud of their Luna.”
Alpha Alaric smiled at me warmly, and said, “And it will be, Aurora.
It will be.
You have my word.
Now, why do you not stay for some tea?
I am sure we can find some refreshments for you.”
I smiled and thanked him, but inside, I felt a cold knot of suspicion tightening in my chest.
Something was not right.
Zane was avoiding me, and I was going to find out why.
I could feel it in my bones.
We stayed for tea, making polite conversation, but my mind was elsewhere.
All I could think about was Zane and what he was hiding.
As we finally left the palace, my mother leaned close to me and whispered sharply, “Do not worry, Aurora.
We will find out what he is hiding.
He cannot avoid you forever.
And when we do, we will use it against him.
No one makes a fool of my daughter.”
I nodded, with my jaw clenched tight, and said, “I know, Mother.
And when I find out, he will regret ever trying to keep secrets from me.
I will make sure of it.”