3: Graduation

Natasha’s POV

The hall of Edenville Pack High was packed.

Filled with students from several packs that made up Edenville Pack High, as well as their families.

Additionally, Teachers from the high school and members from the neighbouring packs were present to make this day a colourful one. Everyone dressed in their best—heels clinking from every corner of the hall. This was that kind of gathering that smelled like perfume, pride, and expensive cologne.

Flashes from cameras. Squeals. Laughter. And music playing low in the background, some slow instrumental that didn’t match the chaos around it.

And in the middle of it all, I stood.

Holding my breath like it would help keep my heart in place.

My gold dress clung to my skin. Strapless. Shimmery. Like the one I dreamed of. Lani had forced me to wear it. She said it was my night and I should glow like every other girl here. So I did.

She helped curl my hair and also applied light make up to my face. I was going to refuse, but then she said, “Do you really want to go out there looking like your problem? You want Jace to realise how much he hurt you and mock the hell out of your sorry ass?”

I just rolled my eyes and did as she said, I couldn’t endure one more lecture.

Lip gloss, Mascara. Everything looked perfect, including the smiles we practiced. But none of that could cover the mess in my chest.

“Finally,” Lani whispered next to me, her soft blue dress flowing around her knees. She bumped my shoulder lightly. “You okay?”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

Lie.

My palms were cold. Knees shaky. Like I knew something was about to go wrong.

Just then, the doors opened.

Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. Heads turned and everywhere went quiet.

And in that Gracious moment, Jace stepped in—

Every cell in my body went still.

He walked in like a scene from a damn movie. Dressed in a black suit that hugged his body like it was made for him. His hair pushed back. His face… too perfect. And all too familiar.

My heart knew him before my eyes did.

But it wasn't just him.

By him was Matilda Grey— her hand curled tightly around his. She wore a tight blood red dress. A smile was plastered across her face as always, practiced and perfected.

Jace didn’t let go, he kept walking, with her hand still locked in his.

Then the announcement came.

“It’s an honour to have a soon-to-be Alpha as one of our graduating students— Edenville Pack High is honoured to have you.”

“Please join me to welcome the soon-to-be Alpha and Luna of Shadow Rock Pack, Alpha Jace Fernando and Miss Matilda Grey.”

I stood still, cause for some reason, I just couldn’t move.

My whole body felt like stone. My fingers. My legs. Even the breath stuck somewhere between my chest and throat.

The sound of clapping. Whistles. Applause. None of it reached me.

The announcement continued. “Information just reached me that their coronation would be holding in two weeks time, and you all are invited.”

I blinked, Once, Twice... Hoping to wake up from this dream. But they remained there cause it was no dream, it was reality.

My mind flashed back to the moment I begged to be rejected. Then it seemed like he was struggling to get himself to do it, like he still felt something for me. He still rejected me anyways, but with pain in his eyes. Now look how happy he is, like that night never happened, like he hadn’t shattered me and left the pieces on the floor.

My stomach twisted.

I turned my face to the opposite direction. My eyes burning and my lips trembling no matter how hard I pressed them together.

Lani touched my arm. “Tasha—”

“I’m fine,” I muttered. Even though I wasn’t.

I soon caught sight with my mom who was seated across the room.

Her eyes fixed on mine. She raised her fingers slightly, not much, but just enough for me to understand the sign she was giving.

Breathe.

I did, barely.

I blinked back the tears and stood straighter.

The ceremony began, several activities were performed and soon it was time for presentation of awards.

Names upon names were called and people cheered accordingly. Not forgetting the constant flashing from cameras.

Soon, it was my turn…

“Natasha Monroe—Award for Outstanding Excellence in Literature!”

I walked up to the stage. My legs felt like they didn’t belong to me. People clapped. Some stood. But all I could hear was the pounding in my chest.

“Best in Community Leadership!”

Another trip to the stage. Another smile that didn’t reach my eyes. Another flash of a camera that caught nothing real.

“Academic Brilliance in Natural Sciences!”

I held the plaque and smiled again. My cheeks were starting to cramp. My arms were full, but my heart was empty.

“Most Promising Final Year Student!”

More shouting. More noise. I waved this time because that’s what they expected. But I felt like I was floating. Like none of this was happening to me.

Four awards. Four moments I should’ve been proud of. But all I could think about was him. Why the fuck does it still hurt?

I sat back down. Eyes glued to the floor. Holding my breath so the ache in my chest wouldn’t spill out of me.

Then the fifth award came.

The mic cracked a little as the principal stepped forward. He looked around like he wanted this one to mean something extra.

“And finally,” he said, voice deep and proud, “the Excellence Award for Honour and Courage goes to—”

BANG!

The doors slammed open. It was loud and a little bit too violent. Like thunder cracking through the sky.

Gasps echoed around the hall.

Everyone turned.

 Two huge men in black suits stepped through. Their eyes were sharp and cold. The kind of cold that wasn’t just rude—it was dangerous.

Behind them came three more. The two at the sides seemed to be protecting the one in the middle. They walked by him like a wall of force. Their steps in perfect sync, Like they were trained. There was no trace of smile, not even an expression.

And then…

The one in the middle.

He walked in like he owned the building.

Him? My brows twitched.

That was the same guy that saved me.

What? What is he doing here?

 His hair was dark and a little messy. Not like Jace. This one didn’t care for neat. His suit—black. His face— And his eyes…

Oh Goddess, his eyes.

They held no warmth, they only gave nothing but frost chills.

His eyes landed on me and It— It was like time stopped again.

He didn’t blink or even look around.

He just stared right at me.

My breath caught. My mouth went dry. My hands gripped the last plaque so tightly it creaked.

My chest thudded.

Then—

Alpha Venn stood up.

His voice deep. Clear. No microphone needed.

“All hail the Lycan King!”

The room dropped into full silence, almost like everyone had been frozen in place.

What?

He’s the—?

The plaques in my hand dropped.