I couldn’t help but stare at Easton, his hand firmly wrapped around mine. He looked every bit the confident Alpha, but that smirk—was it for me? Or was it about the secrets he was hiding? My stomach churned with the thoughts, but we continued walking.
When I stepped inside the boutique, my heart froze when I saw her.
Elena.
Of course, she had to be here.
But it wasn't her presence that rooted me in place. It was what she was wearing.
My mating ritual ceremonial gown.
The gown I’d spent months designing, pouring every ounce of my creativity and dreams into. Every delicate bead, every intricate stitch—it was mine. And there she stood, twirling in front of the mirror, acting like she had any right to it.
"Easton, how do I look?" she said, spinning to face him.
Elena tilted her head, her golden hair spilling over her shoulder, looking like an angel. Easton looked at her for so long, and lips curled into a smile.
"You look... stunning."
My nails dug into my palms. Stay calm, I told myself. Don’t give her the satisfaction.
Finally, Elena turned to me, feigning surprise.
“Oh, Ardyn! I didn’t even see you there!” she said, sounding fake.
“I hope you don’t mind. I just had to try it on. You’ve always had such amazing taste.”
She was my sister, but the nerve of this girl. I locked eyes with her.
“Take it off. Now," I ordered in an icy tone.
For a split second, her smile faltered before she laughed lightly.
“Come on, Ardyn. It’s just a gown. Besides, if I ever find my mate, I’d want something just like this.”
“It’s not just a gown. It's my ceremonial gown."
Easton stepped closer, his towering presence hoping to soothe things, but what he said worsened it.
"Ardyn, don’t overreact. She didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Didn’t mean anything by it?” I repeated in disbelief.
He rubbed the back of his neck, a charming smile plastered on his face.
“You’re going to be the most beautiful Luna there ever was. Elena's just curious—it’s harmless.”
I wanted to scream, to rip that gown off her and set it ablaze. Instead, I forced a smile, cool and calculated, the kind that made Easton hesitate for the first time.
“You’re right. I’m just overreacting."
Easton looked relieved as he reached for my hand, but I pulled away, pretending not to notice the confusion in his eyes.
When we returned to the Ward estate, I sat by the large window. Easton entered the room quietly.
"Ardyn, you've been quiet," he said softly.
“Just thinking,” I replied without turning.
“I know today was… frustrating. Elena shouldn’t have..."
“Don’t,” I cut him off and looked at him.
“You always make excuses for her. Always.”
Easton's jaw tightened.
“She’s, my sister. I can’t just..."
“She’s not your sister!” I snapped.
“She’s mine. And she’s your weakness.”
His nostrils flared, and for a heartbeat, I thought he might fire back. But instead, he let out a breath, raking his dark hair back.
“You don’t understand, Ardyn."
“No! It's you who don't."
He didn’t respond and just went out.
The next day, I stood at the ceremonial ground, watching the pack bustle in preparation. Everyone was excited except me.
“Ardyn!” Elena’s voice chirped as she approached, wearing my gown again.
“I had the tailor make a few adjustments to your design. It’s so much better now!”
I turned slowly, forcing a tight smile.
“You’re wearing it again?”
Elena pouted, feigning hurt.
“Well, you’re not wearing it yet. Someone should show it off.”
Easton appeared beside me and said, "Elena, that's enough."
She huffed but eventually walked with a smug.
"You’re letting her walk all over me," I said when I turned to look at Easton.
His silver eyes softened, and he reached for my hand.
"Ardyn, you’re my mate. None of this changes that.”
“It doesn’t feel like it,” I whispered, pulling my hand back and walking away.
The final fitting for my gown was supposed to be this big moment, but it felt like the walls were closing on me. As the seamstress pinned the last bead, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
This was supposed to be my moment. My rise as Luna. But it just felt empty.
By evening, I decided to go to a cabin we owned in the forest. Tucked under a doormat, I found a black envelope with my name written on it.
Inside, a simple note read:
"The cruise ship is ready. Your freedom awaits."
Finally, a smile crept on my face.
