Three( Ivy’s POV)

Sera twisted in front of her mirror, her red curls bouncing with each twist. “If I get hotter with this beauty, the moon goddess might descend to claim me herself hahahaha.” she expressed loudly.

“Come on Ivy” Sera’s voice rang out, full of fun moments as she twisted in front of me, her Peach short dress shaking with each twist, and her glowing curly hair bounced.

“Are you going to stand there looking like sacred meat who is about to be dead?”I gave her a half smile. “You know I don't like crowds.” Sitting on the edge of her bed, still undecided, still holding the same plain white dress I had pulled from my wardrobe. 

“You don't like anything that involves joy Ivy.” she teased, now sitting and hanging her legs on my shoulders. “Besides, it's not just a party. It’s the Moon Ceremony, maybe this is the year you meet someone who will….”

“Don’t say it,” I cut in quickly. “No, don’t say that word. “Well, I don't think I should go,” I muttered for the fifth time.

Sera rolled her eyes dramatically, while mimicking my words, “Ivy, you're coming. Your mum is not going to notice, all you have to do is to blend me, you can't just miss that ceremony all because your mother told you not to go.” 

“I’m serious, Sera” I whispered, lowering my eyes to the lace of the white dress on my lap. “Something doesn't feel right. I woke up with the dream again, same man, same forest burning around me.” 

Sera looks calm and relaxed, she leaned forward, her voice softer now “Do  You think it’s magic?”  I didn't answer.

I had spend all my years pretending to be normal, suppressing everything about myself that didn't fit. But lately, my mother’s behaviors has changed, the way she watched the moon like it was cursed. The way she avoided saying the word “Hybrid.” Ever since I turned twenty, something have started to shift, I could feel it in my dreams and bones. 

“Ivy…” Sera’s voice brought me back. “ What if the dreams means something or you're meant to go tonight.” She snapped. I looked up sharply. “You mean I should disobey my mother after she has actually warned and begged me  not to attend the party?”  “No, fate might not wait for permission you know…” Her voice was firm now.

I stared at her, the excitement hidden behind her eyes. To her, this was an important moments of this year. The moon Ceremony wasn't just a party though. It was the night more people come for powers, connect and honor mates. It was mainly meant for wolves to find their true mates. But for me, it was a night I would never tell anyone I attended.

“I shouldn't go.” I muttered, trying to convince myself. “Okay,” she said, standing up. “Then stay here and be the mysterious boring girl worldever, I’ll just go alone and probably meet someone as cute as snow and as the voice of a fallen angel durrr.” 

 “A fallen angel?” I raised a brow”

“Oh yeah,” she smirked. “Anyway, a regular anger sounds too boring for me.”  I twisted my leg and just like that the tension loosen a little bit. Sera reached down and grabbed the white dress from my lap, throwing it at me. “ Put this on. You're coming with me, if your mother ask, we will both say you were with my aunty baking pies.”

“Do you think she will believe that?” I asked, giving her a questioning look. “No, but at least we will have fun before you're locked up forever.” 

I stood slowly, my heart pounding in my chest. Something inside me stirred. Not fear, not joy but I was anticipating what is about to come. 

     **************

Later that night, The ceremony was already alive when we arrived there. Everywhere was glowing and sparking with colors and shinny stars, the moonlight casted a blow over the crowd. Lanters were hung from trees to trees, each flames was dancing with the wind. Soft musics was playing at the background.

My dress clung to my skin, the silky white lace almost glowing under the moonlight. Sera looked like summer goddess beside me, her Peach dress was bugging her curves perfectly as she walked majestically.

“Do I look hot ?” she asked, swaying her lips dramatically. “Hot,” I replied flatly. 

She winked. “That’s what I thought.”

We wandered among the crowd, passing familiar faces, strangers, and couples too wrapped up each other without noticing anyone else. I tried to stay in the background, but Sera as usual had other plans. The music played gently from drums and flutes. Wolves danced, some already paired off, their bonds recognized with cheers, Sera was not left out, she was already pairing with a guy…feels weird. And yet, I stood there, looking dumbfounded.

“Hey,” Sera said loudly, walking towards me, noticing my face. “You okay?”  “I…” I stopped, something was wrong. I felt hot, too hot. Like the air around was getting thick and turning to flames.My breath was slower this time, my heart was beating fast.

“I need to step out,” I muttered, forcing a small smile. “I’ll probably just get some air outside, please don't follow me.” I snapped. Sera insists on following me but I declined. “ Alright,I’ll be waiting Ivy.” She nodded.

I turned and slipped through the crowd, heart pounding fast. As I stepped into the quiet hallway that lead towards the West of the Council House, I swallowed my breath. The silence at the hallway wrapped around me like a cold cloth. I leaned against the wall.

“What’s wrong with me?” I whispered, pressing my palm to my chest. Then, I heard some whispers at the edge. A woman’s voice or maybe a Man. I shook my head trying to stay still, One step at a time. And then, I collide with someone very hard.

“Ouch!” I stumbled back, blinking my eyes. A strong arm caught me before I could fall, his scent hit me first, then I looked up, the dark eyes, sharp, cold and piercing. The man standing in front of me was tall, dressed in White fabric that hugged his broad shoulders, he was looking furious but he didn't talk right away.

He was stunning, not in a romantic way, not at first. He was seducing, his eyes were calling my names, his lips was everything, looking dangerous and weird. For a second, he was confused just as me.

“I…I’m sorry,” I stammered. He didn't let go of my arm immediately, them he left it suddenly, his grip loosened. “You should watch where you’re going.” he said finally, but his tone wasn't harsh, just distracted. I nodded quickly, my eyes locked in his. “ I didn't mean to..,”

Why did it feel like my chest has just cracked open?