Chapter 4

Odessa’s Pov

Three days had passed since my mother’s wedding, and I was beginning to hate my new life.

Not because the palace was uncomfortable. Quite the opposite. I had a beautiful room, more clothes than I could ever wear, and servants ready to attend to almost every little thing I needed.

But none of it felt like mine.

I barely spoke to my mother anymore. She had tried several times to approach me, but I always found an excuse to leave before she could say anything. I knew she wanted us to make peace, but I wasn’t ready. Every time I remembered what she had done, the hurt returned.

I hadn’t seen Zane either.

Thankfully, he seemed to have no interest in crossing paths with me, and I was perfectly happy with that arrangement.

Unfortunately, today was going to be different.

It was the day Edric would officially hand over the Alpha position to his son. Zane would become the new ruler of Norvale, and Lenora would be formally recognised as his Luna.

I had been informed that my presence was expected.

As though I had any choice.

“Would you prefer this one, my lady?”

I looked up to find two maids standing in front of me with several dresses.

They had been going back and forth for the past twenty minutes, showing me one dress after another.

“That one.”

I pointed at the black dress.

It had a fitted corset, a low neckline and a flowing skirt that fell elegantly to the floor. The dark fabric looked almost like midnight beneath the light.

“Excellent choice,” one of them said.

I didn’t bother responding.

They helped me into the dress, adjusted the corset and arranged my hair. I left most of my long black coils falling down my back, with a few strands framing my face.

When I finally looked into the mirror, I paused.

I looked different.

My dark eyes stood out against my smooth skin, and the black dress fitted my figure perfectly. I looked like someone who belonged in the palace.

If only I felt like one.

“You’re ready, my lady,” the maid said.

I gave myself one last look before leaving.

****

Silver Hollow was already filled with people when we arrived.

Nobles, warriors and representatives from different territories had gathered to witness the ascension. The sacred grounds were decorated with silver banners, and the royal crest hung behind the ancient altar.

I was seated on the elevated platform with Edric, my mother, Zane and Lenora.

The arrangement made me uncomfortable.

My mother sat beside Edric, looking beautiful in her ceremonial gown. Zane sat on the other side of his father, while Lenora was positioned beside him.

And there I was, sitting among people I had never imagined sharing a table with, let alone a family.

I looked down at the crowd.

Then I noticed a familiar face.

Cleo.

She was standing among the other servants, watching the ceremony. When our eyes met, she gave me a small smile.

I returned it.

For a brief moment, I remembered the days when we would stand together at the back of these gatherings, whispering about the nobles and complaining about how long the ceremonies lasted.

I missed that.

I missed how simple things used to be before my mother decided to marry the Alpha.

A sudden silence fell over the gathering as a silver light appeared above the altar.

Avera had arrived.

Everyone bowed their heads as the Moon Goddess approached the sacred altar. Her presence alone seemed to command the entire gathering, and I felt a strange pressure in my chest.

She raised her hands, and the silver banners surrounding the grounds began to flutter.

“Today, the old authority shall pass, and a new Alpha shall rise. Let the blood of the Veyr be recognised, and let the chosen heir receive the strength and power entrusted to his bloodline.”

Edric stood and turned towards his son.

“My son, today I surrender the throne I have held for years. May you rule with strength, wisdom and honour. May you protect this kingdom and everyone who calls it home.”

Zane stepped forward.

He looked completely composed, almost as though the entire occasion meant very little to him.

Avera approached him and placed her palm against his forehead. She began chanting in Urbarak, and the words echoed across Silver Hollow.

The air grew heavier.

A strange glow surrounded Zane, and I watched as the power of the Alpha passed from his father to him.

When Avera finally withdrew her hand, Zane opened his eyes.

“Rise, Alpha Zane Veyr, rightful ruler of Norvale!”

The crowd erupted.

“Long live the Alpha!”

Zane turned towards the gathering. He didn’t smile or wave. He simply stood there, accepting the cheers with the same cold expression he always wore.

And somehow, that made him even more intimidating.

Edric looked immensely proud.

My mother applauded beside him, and Lenora wore a smile that had been on her face since the ceremony began.

She was about to become Luna.

Avera raised her hand again, and the crowd gradually fell silent.

“Today, Norvale receives its new Alpha. And beside him, a Luna shall stand. Let the Moon witness the bond that will unite them.”

Lenora rose from her seat.

She looked nervous but happy as she walked towards Zane. Her gown shimmered beneath the silver light, and the smile on her face was impossible to miss.

Zane extended his hand to her.

She took it.

Avera stood before them, preparing to perform the final ritual that would officially bind Lenora to Zane as his Luna.

Lenora’s smile widened.

She was waiting.

Everyone was waiting.

Then Avera’s expression changed.

“The Great Goddess has chosen a mate for him.”

A wave of whispers swept through the crowd.

I glanced at Lenora.

She was still standing beside Zane, but her smile had begun to fade.

Avera continued.

“Her name is Odessa.”

For a moment, I thought I had heard wrong.

No.

That couldn’t be right.

My name?

Why would the Goddess call my name?

Avera’s voice rang across the sacred grounds.

“Odessa is the true mate of Alpha Zane Veyr.”

My entire body went cold.

I stared at her, unable to move.

What?