Chapter EighteenEileen crouched beneath the trees, brushing away the leaves that clung to the hem of her gown. She didn’t care about the wrinkles or the dirt or the fact that she was supposed to be "Luna" now. What did the title mean when she couldn't even breathe without someone watching?The breeze shifted. Distant voices fluttered past the trees, carried in little fragments:“…stormed out of the Grand Hall—”“…snapped at Elder Phinehas—”“…threatened the council…”She didn’t need to guess who they were talking about or hear all the gossip. Let them talk. Callister and her were only married in name. Truth be told, he pounced on her that night. Though she was in a trance and couldn't say no, nobody bothered to ask her how she was doing or whether she wanted to marry him. Callister had his wolf and a full sense of what he was doing… She quickly corrected herself. Callister was drunk. He was an unapologetic drunkard trying to waste his life. He was full of mistakes…Their future Alp
Chapter Seventeen Callister finally stepped out of his chambers with a scowl stitched into his face, his cloak trailing behind him like a storm cloud. He didn't know where he was going. He just needed to get the hell out of there and away from every wolf.The hall was already alive with murmurs, but they silenced as soon as he appeared. He knew they had all heard how he stormed out, disregarding their ‘mighty’ elders. Servants turned their backs. Guards straightened. No one dared meet his gaze. If he could treat the Elders anyhow he wanted, who were they to make him angry?He didn’t walk like a newly crowned Alpha.He walked like a man dragging chains he never asked for.Halfway down the corridor that led to either the Grand Hall or the backyard, his father appeared. Dressed in a tailored coat of muted greys and deep green trim. His father didn't look any different though he was now the former Alpha. He stood like a ghost trying to look whole.“You look good in that cloak,” His fat
Chapter Sixteen The heavy doors whispered shut behind him, and Callister stumbled into the cavernous hall like a broken shard of night. His boots clacked unevenly on the marble floor, his shirt half-torn, collar stained. The lingering scent of whiskey was still like a trail he could not outrun.By the throne, the Elders stood with their faces drawn, scrolls clutched in pale fingers.Callister moved toward the steps, each one echoing his own uncertainty. When he finally reached the throne, he sat like a man sliding into someone else’s armor. It was too stiff and too big. The chill of the stone seeped through his clothes and into his bones.He hated it. He hated this. How did they want him to pretend like he wanted this? How long was he supposed to endure this?Maybe his wolf would do great playing the role. However, when he called him, he refused to answer. Murmuring how angry he was that they didn’t spend their night with their bride.A hawk-nosed Elder cleared her throat. “Alpha Ha
Chapter Fifteen The Elders turned with identical expressions of disdain.“So,” one said, “the new Alpha celebrates his rise by drowning himself in liquor.”Callister didn’t stop walking. He passed them like they were ghosts. His eyes met no one’s. He made it to the table in the corner and poured himself another drink… this time clear, not amber, and threw it back with a tilt of his throat.The glass thunked against the table.“Get your shit together,” one Elder snarled. “This is not a title you can sleep off. The pack needs leadership.”“The pack,” Callister muttered, voice hoarse, “should have thought of that before tying me to a throne I did not ask for.”Another Elder took a step forward, his jaw clenched. “You were chosen by the Moon Goddess, by your blood, and by rite—”“I was cornered,” Callister cut in. “Do not mistake it for acceptance.” He sounded like a knife cutting through space.The room trembled with tension.Then, as if summoned by storm clouds, the door opened once mo
Chapter Fourteen The girls moved efficiently after that, laying out the gown, and drawing a fresh bath behind the wooden partition at the far end of the chamber. The scent of lavender and crushed mint wafted from behind, where steam curled and danced like spirits over the warm bath drawn for her. It drew her to it. Oh, how she missed this. The water glimmered faintly, petals drifting on the surface like fragile boats waiting to be sunk. Eileen stood still, her fingers grazing the sash tied tightly at her waist. The two servants hovered near her, waiting. Expectant. She turned to them slowly, lifting her chin just like a quick touch. “You may excuse me,” she said. “I will bathe myself.” The girls exchanged a quick look. “I— Luna,” the younger one started, her voice trembling slightly, “we are meant to stay and assist… if we leave without permission and the elders or even the Alpha finds out—” “I won’t tell anyone,” Eileen said, her voice low but clear. She took a
Chapter Thirteen Her presence lit the room effortlessly, her laughter folding into the Alpha’s like they were one breath, and one being. And when she spoke, her voice was silk; quiet, steady, and full of warmth that made even the coldest warriors soften.And for some reason, Eileen had thought of her own mother.Not because they looked the same. But because they felt the same. That same grace. That same effortless elegance that didn’t need jewels to shine. Her mother would have loved this moment. Would have smiled with that quiet pride that filled a room more than applause ever could. She used to speak of wedding days like they were dreams wrapped in satin. She used to say to her, ‘When the day comes, you will walk like royalty, and your dress will look like it was sewn from the stars.’She had believed her because of how beautiful she was and how happy she was with her father. She believed her because of Callister's mother, though she had died shortly after the day she saw her and