Chapter 1

Nara POV

I twirled in front of the mirror, the delicate fabric of my dress catching the warm glow of the chandelier that hung above the floor-to-ceiling windows. The shimmering beads danced with every movement, reflecting the golden light, and for a moment, I allowed myself to imagine this was my life—a life of elegance, love, and belonging.

“Oh. My. Gosh! Nara!!”

Elle’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned just in time to see her standing at the doorway, her arms piled high with dresses. Her wide eyes scanned me from head to toe before a smile broke across her face.

“You look like a freaking queen!” she exclaimed, setting down the clothes to grab my shoulders and spin me back toward the mirror.

“Do you really think so?” I asked hesitantly, smoothing the fabric over my hips.

Elle gave me an incredulous look. “Have you seen yourself? Xander would be crazy not to wife you up after seeing you in this dress. Heck, I think he’ll be doing a lot more than that.”

“Elle!” I gasped, swatting her arm playfully, though her teasing made my face grow hot.

“I’m serious,” she laughed, her emerald eyes sparkling with mischief. “He’s paying for the dress, Nara. All you have to do is show up and let that bond of yours do the rest.”

I smiled, warmth spreading through my chest. “Well, let’s not forget who helped me find the dress.”

“You better not forget,” she teased, pulling me into a tight hug. “Your best friend in the whole world came here with you and made sure you looked like royalty. You owe me forever.”

Elle and I had been inseparable since childhood, despite the vast differences in our status—she, the daughter of one of the pack’s most influential families; I, the omega no one wanted. And yet, she never made me feel less than her equal. When life was at its darkest, Elle was my light.

As we hugged, emotion swelled in my chest. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice thick.

When we pulled away, I realized we were both crying.

“I just can’t believe it,” she said, her voice cracking as she wiped away her tears. “You’re really going to become a Luna.”

Her words hit me like a wave. It wasn’t just a dream anymore—it was reality. Tonight, I would stand beside Alpha Prince Xander, the man who had claimed me as his mate in front of the entire pack. The same man who had saved me from the shadows of my past and believed in me when no one else did.

Elle dabbed at her eyes before scolding me. “Don’t you dare ruin your makeup. You have a ceremony to shine at.”

I laughed, but my heart was pounding. “Tonight will be historic,” I whispered. “The first omega to become a Luna.”

“And you deserve every second of it,” she said fiercely, squeezing my hands.

When Elle left the dressing room, a swarm of maids appeared, fussing over my makeup and hair. I let my mind drift back to how this all began. Just a year ago, I was nothing more than a servant in the palace, working tirelessly to survive. I had no wolf, no mate, and no hope.

It was the Solstice Festival that changed everything. I’d made a mistake with an order—one that should have earned me a severe punishment. But instead, Xander had stepped in, claiming me as his mate before everyone. The memory of that moment still left me breathless.

The maids finished their work, and I looked at myself in the mirror. My dress—a modest but stunning creation with pearl embellishments—felt like a second skin. It wasn’t just a dress; it was a symbol of how far I’d come.

“Ready?” Elle’s voice pulled me back. I turned to see her standing in the doorway, breathtaking in her designer gown: a black, backless dress with a daring slit, her hair styled elegantly to accentuate her beauty. Confidence radiated from her like a second aura.

“You look incredible,” I said, meaning every word.

“So do you, Queen Nara,” she teased, linking her arm with mine.

“You might find your prince charming tonight,” I teased back.

We laughed as we headed to the car, our nerves barely contained.

The palace was alive with energy, its grand halls buzzing with guests dressed in their finest. A waiter guided me to my seat, but Elle was directed toward the high table.

I furrowed my brows. “Where are you going?”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you,” Elle whispered. “My brother couldn’t make it, so I’m filling in for him tonight.”

Before I could respond, she glided up to the stage. Xander greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, and my stomach tightened. Since when did they exchange such familiar gestures?

Elle leaned close to him, whispering something that made him smile. I raised a hand to wave, but he barely acknowledged me before turning back to her. The small gesture left me feeling cold.

Shaking off the unease, I told myself it was nothing. Elle was just helping Xander relax—tonight was monumental for him. I fingered the delicate necklace around my neck, a gift from Xander when he first claimed me. It was a reminder of his love, his devotion, and the bond we shared.

The ceremony began with music and performances, but I couldn’t focus. My eyes kept drifting back to the high table, where Elle and Xander were deep in conversation, their laughter cutting through the applause.

A voice in my head whispered that it should have been me sitting beside him, supporting him through this night. But I pushed the thought away. Elle was my best friend—she wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. And Xander? He was my mate.

When the entertainment ended, Xander rose from his seat, buttoning his suit as he stepped forward. The room fell silent, all eyes on him.

“It is an honor to stand before you tonight,” he began, his voice steady and commanding. “Today marks the beginning of my rule as Alpha. But no Alpha can lead alone.”

My heart swelled as I realized what was coming.

“I have listened to the wisdom of my elders and the needs of my pack. They’ve told me that to lead, I must choose a partner—a Luna who will stand by my side and guide us all into the future.”

The crowd erupted into cheers, and I stood, tears brimming in my eyes.

“And so, it is with great joy that I introduce to you…”

He turned, his eyes locking with someone at the high table.

“Elle Croft, my Luna and future queen.”

The world stopped.

The cheers grew louder as Elle rose gracefully, taking his hand. My breath caught in my throat, the words repeating in my head like a broken record.

Elle Croft, my Luna.

This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t be happening.