With our guests departing back to their rooms, the night's celebration soon comes to an unwanted end. I unwilling say goodnight to Elijah, reluctantly leaving my pining mate's side as I head back up to our bedroom, ready to fall asleep on my own as Dakota reminds us of the mortal customs we must abide despite my detest against the matter. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions surging within me, I try to ready myself for another sleepless night, anticipating the restlessness that has continued to plague me more often than not over the course of the last few days. But to my surprise, I fall asleep effortlessly. Undeniably warn out; depleted of my energy with not even a slither remaining inside, utterly exhausted by the excitement-filled day that had just drifted by.Almost as if no time had passed, I find myself being shaken awake by a collection of beaming faces. A gathering of elevated eyes staring down at me as they glimmer; joyful voices entering my ears as the morning that init

With the Ceremony officially over, the guests return to the festive celebrations while Elijah and I enjoy the remainder of our night close beside each other's sides, joined at the hip as if we were attracted magnets. As the smouldering sky furthers its descent into darkness above us, the moon hangs in its centre like a natural disco ball while our jolly guests continue to dance into the early hours of the morn under the fairy-lit tent. With the atmosphere filled with sheer positivity, they continue to make the most of what's left of the party, commemorating tonight as they raise a toast in the name of the Shadow Pack's new Luna amidst the surplus of sparkling colours keeping the garden well-lit.The sweet melodies of the band radiate across the grounds; consuming the chilled night's air while we weave our way through the champagne baring waiters and hesitating guests as they contemplate whether or not to finish their current flute of bubbly, already drunk on the atmosphere al

Without any thought of my own, my wolf drives my body to lunge forward while the anger rising within crashes over me, acting as if it were a ruthless tide dragging me out into a turbulent sea of fury. Those within the room break into a medley of startled gasps while Aubrey's shrill voice cries out above them, breaking into an intolerable wail as I make my way towards her. My hand wraps around her neck roughly – my grip tightening as I push her viciously into the wall after darting across the room.She gasps as her body makes impact, the last contained breath held within her lungs quickly escaping from the unexpected knock. Her mouth hangs open while her bag drops heavily onto the ground, leaving the gasping she-wolf desperate to take a full breath as she tries to push me away in a blind panic. I watch as she flounders within my grasp, flailing against my hold while she throws her arms around.I allow my rage to overpower me, incapable of sitting back any longer a

Understanding Elijah’s upset and worry, I flourish him with a chorus of heartfelt apologies for my thoughtless mishap last night before getting dressed into a purple tea dress and a complimentary charcoal cardigan. When we finally emerge from the confines of our room, we head downstairs as a united pair despite his toying agitation continuing to pour from within him. His forehead remains creased, a soft scowl consuming his face as he struggles to forget my brief lack of judgement. As we silently walk down the staircase hand in hand, he stands at my side protectively - keeping me close as he guides me towards the excited commotion resonating from outside.When we enter the garden, my attention gravitates towards the gathering group while they stand around the gently bubbling fountain. Their enthusiastic chatter masks the gentle flow of water splashing behind them, all huddled closely together as they remain enthralled by whatever has managed to captivate their interest.

When I open my eyes, I’m no longer lying beside Elijah as I were when I had fallen asleep within the comfort of our private room. Instead, I find myself crouched in the unforgettable corridor of misfortunes as I realise I’m stuck within my dream world once more. With the dim-lit hall shortened even further in comparison to the last time I had found myself venturing through this hellish plane, only one door remains at my side. My eyes flicker onward as I gulp loudly while momentarily allowing my attention to hover over to what appears to be the end goal of this torturous recurring event—the old, wooden arched door. Knowing what to expect, I unclasp my arms from around my knees while I attempt to calm my erratic breathing, suddenly aware of the growing nerves setting root within me as I tremble softly on the ground. I take in a deep breath, placing my hands down on the icy floor beneath me as I lean back and allow my head to lull against the wall. I look back at the menacing d