Chapter 4

Just like every year, there was only one birthday cake.

This year's cake was also chosen by Adrian: Black Forest cake. It was Nora's favorite, but I was allergic to cherries.

I sat at the table, watching Adrian put a birthday hat on Nora.

I watched the delighted look on her face as she accepted her present.

I watched the smiles on everyone's faces as the whole family sang "Happy Birthday" to her.

What a happy family. Too bad there was no place for me here.

Then a slice of cake was set down in front of me.

I looked at Adrian as he arranged the forks, then stood up and said softly, "No, thank you. I'm allergic to cherries."

Adrian frowned, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes. "Come on, sit down. Don't be difficult right now. I'll make it up to you next time."

I nodded and obediently sat back down. "Okay."

There wouldn't be a next time.

I sat in my seat, quietly watching them enjoy the cake together.

Was I really not good enough to deserve love?

A delighted scream pulled me back to reality.

"Oh my God! I'm going to become the pack's healer!" Nora held up her phone excitedly, her eyes welled up with tears. She was hugging our parents.

Beside them, Adrian happily applauded for her.

Then I heard Nora complain in a playful voice, "But my promotion ceremony is tomorrow too. At the most important moment of my life, I'll be all alone. That's such a shame."

The hall fell silent for a second. When everyone looked up again, every pair of eyes was fixed on me.

"Lily." Adrian's voice came beside my ear, coaxing as he tried to reason with me. "Nora's promotion ceremony is something that only happens once in a lifetime. Could we push our bonding ceremony back a little? We could hold it at midnight. The moon will be at its fullest and brightest then."

I couldn't help finding it ridiculous.

Was I supposed to believe a bonding ceremony could happen more than once?

Adrian didn't wait for my answer before speaking again, this time with a hint of displeasure. "Lily, you've always been the most understanding one..."

So what?

Because I was understanding, I was supposed to keep standing behind him and be his backup choice?

"Okay. Move it to midnight."

It didn't matter when they held this bonding ceremony without its real bride.

Back in the little room at the end of the hallway, I thought for a moment before putting my leather-bound journal into my bag. It held every disappointment I'd experienced, over and over, throughout my life.

And now, I'd finally had enough.

They were still celebrating in the hall, their laughter coming one wave after another. None of it had anything to do with me.

Early the next morning, the whole house was bustling, but not for me.

Everyone was busy preparing for Nora's promotion ceremony—choosing clothes, preparing speeches, discussing the celebration banquet.

I, meanwhile, put on my usual boring black clothes, picked up a tiny bag, and walked out of my room. "I'm not going to the promotion ceremony. I need to get ready for tonight's bonding ceremony."

For the first time, Mom looked pleased as she straightened my collar. "Go ahead. We'll all come tonight to take part in the ceremony."

"Mm."

Adrian reached out, intending to touch my cheek the way he always did.

I stepped aside. "I'm leaving."

Adrian withdrew his hand in surprise. For some reason, he suddenly had the feeling that something had quietly slipped out of his control without his knowing.

He pulled himself together and forced a smile. "Make sure you take good care of the guests for me."

I didn't answer. I picked up my little black bag and turned toward the door.

As the plane taxied along the runway, I watched the scenery slide past outside the window and took a deep breath.

From this moment on, I was finally free.

At the exact moment I landed, Nora's promotion ceremony finally came to an end. They rushed to the site of the bonding ceremony, only to find the place in complete chaos.

The elder in charge of the ceremony grabbed Adrian with a displeased look. "Alpha, where is your Luna? We've been trying to reach her!"