Chapter 9: Preparation

Elena POV

I was staring under the covers of my bed sheet, the turmoil and drama of yesterday night was still playing on my mind, how can I marry him now? 

And the wedding is today, Oh my God! “Everyone will be looking at me” I said to myself, my voice barely above a whisper.

Andrew's confession, and his bleeding palm was still playing on my mind. The way our body touched our forehead was like a fragile truce.

No time for me to flee, no time for me to think as he dragged me back to the palace telling me that the wedding will be today. 

He put 10 guards around my house for them to monitor me.

I think he's taking care of me too much, “No he can't right?”

It's just the mate bond. Very soon if we don't consulate the marriage, it will fade away.

I was pulled from my thoughts by a knock at the door, I wondered who that's. And the guard didn't stop it.

Before I could respond the door opened, and Clara burst in, she could be the only one that can do that here. 

She held different fabrics, and she dragged wooden boxes in. As she opened it, a different style of wedding dress was arranged neatly inside.

“Today is your wedding day. Come on, you need to be happy,” she said, as she put the gown on her hands. 

And dragged me from the bed.

“I can't try them on now, I need to wash my body first” I said as I pulled myself from her. 

She's the only one that can make me happy today.

“Moon goddess come to my rescue, Elena, I have been waiting for you to wake up, we have so much to do” she exclaimed, pulling me into a quick hug. I winced slightly because of my neck, I am still feeling pain because of the marks Andrew infuriated on me.

Clara noticed immediately, her fingers gently tracing the bruise. "Does it hurt? I brought some salve. But first, let's get you into the bath. You smell like the forest and not in a good way."

I managed a weak smile, letting her fuss over me. Clara had always been my anchor in this pack, the one person who saw me as more than just the lowly Omega. 

As she helped me into the steaming tub she'd already prepared, scented with lavender and rose petals, I felt a flicker of gratitude amid the chaos swirling in my chest.

"So, he came after you," she said softly, scrubbing my back with a gentleness that made my eyes sting. "Rowan told me bits and pieces. Andrew... he actually chased you to the border?"

I nodded, sinking deeper into the water. "He said he was wrong. That he needs me for the pack, for the legend. But Clara, how can I trust him? One minute he's rejecting me in front of everyone, the next he's swearing on his blood that it'll be different."

She paused, her hands stilling. "The mate bond is a powerful thing, Elena. It doesn't lie. But you're right to be cautious. Just remember, you're not just marrying him for him. You're doing this for all of us. The pack's been buzzing since last night whispers of threats from rival packs if the bond isn't sealed. Elder Rowan says the prophecy demands it."

The prophecy. I'd heard it whispered my whole life: the Omega who mates the Alpha will either unite the packs or doom them to war. Great. No pressure. I sighed, letting Clara rinse my hair. "I just... I don't want to be his puppet. If I'm going to be Luna, I want to be respected, not pitied."

"You will be," she assured me, helping me out of the tub and wrapping me in a soft towel. "Now, let's make you look like the queen you are. The dress arrived at dawn courtesy of Andrew's mother, believe it or not. She might not like you, but tradition is tradition."

As Clara worked her magic, the room transformed into a whirlwind of preparation. She combed through my tangled dark hair, weaving in delicate silver threads that caught the light like stars. 

"This will make your eyes pop," she murmured, applying kohl and a touch of shimmer to my lids. My reflection in the mirror began to change from the tear-streaked girl of last night to someone almost regal. 

The dress was a masterpiece: flowing white silk embroidered with intricate wolf motifs in silver and gold, the neckline dipping just enough to reveal Andrew's mark without shame. 

It hugged my curves in a way that made me feel powerful, not vulnerable.

While Clara pinned the hem, a soft knock announced Elder Rowan's arrival. He stepped in, his face lined with fatigue but his eyes warm. 

"My dear," he said, taking my hands. "You look stunning. The pack is alive with activities; decorations in the ballroom, flowers from the gardens, even the kitchens are overflowing with feasts for the celebration afterward. Everyone's pulling together for this."

I swallowed hard, fighting the lump in my throat. "Father, are you sure about this? What if it's a mistake?"

He squeezed my hands. "The moon goddess paired you for a reason. Andrew... he's flawed, like all of us. But last night, when he came back with you, I saw something in him. Regret. Determination. Give him that one chance you promised. For the pack's sake and yours."

As he left to oversee the final arrangements, Clara finished lacing the back of my dress.

 "There. Perfect. Now, jewelry." She fastened a simple silver necklace around my neck, a pendant shaped like a crescent moon. "This was your mother's. Rowan saved it for you."

Tears pricked my eyes at the mention of her. I'd lost her young, but wearing this felt like carrying a piece of her strength. 

"Thank you, Clara. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She beamed, but her expression turned serious. "Just promise me you'll stand tall today. No matter what whispers

you hear. The pack needs to see you as their Luna, not as the rejected Omega.”