Chapter five

Finally, it was hours to the wedding between Edward the future Alpha and Sara, the beta's daughter.

Elsie adjusted the silver ribbon tied around the archway, stepping back to examine it carefully.

‎"Perfect. just perfect", one wolf shouted excitedly

‎White roses curled around the wooden frame, their soft scent drifting through the courtyard as pack members moved around preparing tables, lanterns, and banners. The entire estate buzzed with excitement.

‎The Future Alpha’s wedding was not a small event and more over this was like killing two birds with one stone because the future Luna was also carrying an heir.

‎It was a celebration for the whole pack.

‎“Beta’s daughter,Miss Elsie, the flowers for the eastern tables are ready. Where should we place them?” one of the younger wolves asked nervously.

‎Elsie offered a calm smile, the kind that had become second nature, her new face over the past few weeks.

‎“Along the edge of the aisle,” she said gently. “And leave space for the musicians near the platform.”

‎The girl nodded quickly and hurried away.

‎Elsie kept moving, greeting arriving guests, directing workers, and checking every detail of the preparations. Her posture was straight, her voice steady, her expression composed.

‎Anyone watching would have believed she was proud, very proud to organize the wedding after all she was the bride's sister

‎Anyone watching would have believed she had already accepted her fate.

‎But the moment she stepped into the quiet hallway leading to the storage rooms, the smile slipped from her face.

‎The silence pressed against her chest.

‎Elsie leaned against the wall, pressing a trembling hand over her heart as if she could calm the ache there.

‎Her mate..

‎The word still echoed inside her like a cruel joke.

‎hahaha, she laughed.

‎Her mate.

‎And today she was the one decorating the altar where he would marry someone else.

‎Someone no other than her sister.

‎A shaky breath escaped her lips as tears burned behind her eyes, but she forced them back before they could fall.

‎" Not here, not here and not now", she repeatedly whispered to herself.

‎

‎She straightened again, wiping her eyes quickly before anyone could see.

‎Elsie Whitmore would not break in front of them. She would not let them see her like that ....

‎

‎When she returned outside, the courtyard had filled with guests dressed in elegant fabrics and shimmering jewelry. Laughter and conversation filled the air as the pack gathered for the ceremony.

‎At the center of it all stood Edward.

‎Tall, Proud and Handsome. Every inch the Alpha he had been born to be.

‎And beside him stood....

‎Sara.

‎Radiant in a flowing white gown, her hand resting lightly on Edward’s arm as if it had always belonged there.

‎Elsie forced herself to walk toward them.

‎Sara’s eyes softened when she saw her.

‎“Elsie… thank you for helping with everything,” she said quietly.

‎Elsie lowered her head respectfully.

‎“It is my duty,” she replied calmly.

‎Then she lifted her gaze and spoke clearly enough for those nearby to hear.

‎“Congratulations, future Luna.”

‎A hush fell around them.

‎For a moment, no one spoke.

‎Then the whispers began.

‎“Did you hear that…?”

‎“She called her future Luna…”

‎“Poor girl…”

‎“How pitiful…”

‎Elsie heard every word.

‎But she did not react.

‎Instead, she stepped back and bowed her head slightly.

‎“I wish you both a long and blessed union,” she said.

‎Edward’s jaw tightened.

‎For a brief second, something unreadable flickered across his eyes.

‎Was it regret or guilt, he didn't know

‎Or perhaps something else.

‎But the moment passed quickly as the ceremony began.

‎The vows were spoken.

‎The pack cheered.

‎And just like that, Edward and Sara were married.

‎When the celebration finally ended and the last guests began to leave, Elsie slipped away toward the quieter side of the estate.

‎She had barely reached the garden when a familiar voice stopped her.

‎“Elsie.”

‎She turned slowly.

‎Her father stood a few steps away, his usually strong posture heavy with exhaustion.

‎The Beta of the pack looked older tonight.

‎“May we talk?” he asked gently.

‎Elsie hesitated before nodding.

‎For a moment neither of them spoke.

‎The silence between them carried weeks of unspoken words.

‎“I know you are angry with me,” her father finally said. “And you have every right to be.”

‎Elsie stared at the ground.

‎“You asked me to accept it,” she said quietly. “To smile while they took everything from me.”

‎His expression tightened.

‎“I asked you to protect the pack,” he said. “Edward’s rule must be stable. The council believes this alliance strengthens his claim.”

‎Elsie laughed softly, though there was no humor in it.

‎“An alliance,” she murmured. “Is that what you call it?” She thought her father truly cared but no he didn't.

‎Her father stepped closer.

‎“This conflict between you and Sara is tearing our family apart,” he said. “I only wish for peace between my daughters again.”

‎Elsie looked away.

‎“I do not hate her,” she whispered.

‎But loving her right now felt impossible and it didn't even make sense

‎Her father studied her carefully.

‎“Your wolf…” he began cautiously. “You still have not shifted.”

‎Elsie’s chest tightened.

‎She shook her head slowly.

‎“No,” she admitted.

‎From birth her wolf has been weak and all these happening events have even made it...

‎Weaker.

‎Broken.

‎Concern flickered in the Beta’s eyes.

‎“The healers are worried,” he said quietly. “A wolf unable to transform… it is not natural.”

‎Elsie didn’t answer.

‎Because deep down she feared the same thing.

‎After a long pause, her father sighed.

‎“The elders have decided,” he said carefully.

‎Elsie finally looked at him again.

‎“What have they decided?”

‎Her father’s gaze darkened.

‎“Now that Edward and Sara are married…” he said slowly, “the final step must be taken.”

‎A cold chill ran down her spine.

‎“The mate bond between you and Edward must be formally broken before the Moon Goddess.”

‎The words felt like a blade twisting deeper into her chest. It was like a hand was holding and twisting her heart.

‎The ceremony would take place tomorrow night.

‎Under the full moon.

‎And once it was done, she dare not imagine.....

‎There will be nothing between them that would remain.

‎Not fate or bond not even love.

Not even the echo of what could have been.

‎Elsie’s fingers curled tightly at her sides.

‎Tomorrow would finally end it all.

‎But somehow…

‎Her wolf stirred faintly for the first time in weeks.

‎As if the Moon itself was watching.

‎Waiting. For something they all didn't expect.