CHAPTER 78: CHAPTER 78

Aria’s POV.

We kept dancing, the music wrapping around us like a warm hug. His hand on my waist felt right, and every time he looked at me, my tummy fluttered again.

I wanted to stay like this forever, just us, moving together, his warmth making me feel safe.

But then the big doors swung open, and Brian, Alpha Kael’s Beta, walked in. His boots were loud on the floor, and his face looked serious.

"Alpha Kael," he said, his voice cutting through the music. "Sorry to bother you, but the other Alphas are here. They need to talk before tomorrow’s big event."

Alpha Kael’s hand tightened on mine for a second, and I saw his eyes flash with annoyance. He sighed, his shoulders dropping. "Now?" he asked, his voice quiet.

Brian nodded. "Yes, Alpha."

Alpha Kael looked at me, his face softening. "I’m sorry, Luna," he said, his thumb brushing my hand before he let go. "I’ll be back soon."

My heart felt heavy, like a stone in my chest. I forced a smile. "It’s okay," I said, but it wasn’t. I didn’t want him to leave. I wanted to keep dancing, to feel his hands, to hear his voice.

He gave me one last look, his eyes warm and full of promise, before he walked out with Brian. The doors closed, and the hall felt cold and empty. The music played on, but it wasn’t the same without him.

I turned to the dance teacher, a thin lady with sharp eyes and a tight bun. "Let’s keep going," I said, trying to sound excited, but my heart wasn’t in it.

I stepped into place, following her directions, but my mind kept wandering to Alpha Kael, his smile, his touch, the way he made me feel special.

I was in the middle of a spin when another maid came in. She was older, with gray in her hair, and she looked kind but firm. She cleared her throat. "Luna Celeste," she said. "The maids are waiting for you. You can go now."

I stopped, my skirt still swishing. "Already?" I asked, looking at the teacher. She nodded.

"You’ve done enough today," the teacher said, smiling a little. "Go on."

I hesitated, my eyes drifting to where Alpha Kael had been. I wanted to wait for him, but the maid was holding the door open. I sighed, smoothing my dress, and followed her out.

My heart felt heavy, but there was still a warm glow inside, from Alpha Kael’s touch, his voice, his everything. As I walked down the hall, my steps light, I couldn’t help but smile, thinking of him, hoping he’d be back soon.

I walked out to the wide, green field behind the manor, my blue dress swishing around my ankles.

The sun was high, warming my face, and the grass smelled fresh, like spring. Lila, the maid with bouncy curls, stayed close, her steps quick to match mine.

My heart still fluttered from dancing with Alpha Kael earlier, his warm hand on my waist, his green eyes making me feel like I was floating.

But now, he was gone to his meeting, and I had work to do. The maids were waiting for me, their chatter floating across the field like birdsong.

When I reached them, a group of maids stood in a loose circle, their aprons crisp and their faces bright with smiles.

The field was dotted with wildflowers, swaying in the breeze, and a big wooden table was set up nearby, covered with lists and plans for tomorrow’s event.

I took a deep breath, trying to focus, but Alpha Kael’s smile kept sneaking into my thoughts.

"Okay, everyone," I said, clapping my hands to get their attention. My voice was steady, but my heart was still dancing. "Let’s go over your jobs for the big event tomorrow."

The maids nodded, their eyes on me. I picked up a piece of paper from the table, my fingers brushing the rough edges. "Lila, you and Sarah will set up the tables in the hall. Make sure the flowers are fresh and the candles are lit." Lila bobbed her head, scribbling notes.

I turned to another maid, older with gray hair tied in a bun. "Mara, you’re in charge of the food. Check with the cooks and make sure everything’s ready on time." Mara smiled, her wrinkles crinkling, and gave a quick nod.

I kept going, giving each maid a job, my voice clear as I pointed to the lists on the table. The sun felt warm on my back, and the maids listened closely, some jotting notes, others nodding.

I felt strong, like I was good at this, but my mind kept drifting to Alpha Kael, his laugh, the way he held me close when we danced.

Then, a young maid named Tess hurried over, her cheeks pink from running. She held a small, folded letter in her hands, sealed with red wax.

"Luna Celeste," she said, her voice soft but excited. "This came for you."

I tilted my head, my fingers pausing on the paper I was holding. "Who sent it?" I asked, my heart giving a little jump.

Tess shook her head, her braid bouncing. "I don’t know, miss. It was left at the gate."

Curiosity tickled my tummy. I took the letter, the paper smooth under my fingers, and broke the wax seal with a soft snap.

The maids watched, their eyes wide, as I unfolded it. My breath caught when I saw the neat, slanted handwriting. It was from Alpha Kael.

"My dearest Celeste," it began. My smile grew as I read, my heart swelling like a balloon. "No matter what happens, I’ll always choose you. Your laugh, your kindness, your spark, they light up my world. I’m yours, always."

My cheeks burned, and I pressed the letter to my chest, my smile so big it hurt. Alpha Kael’s words wrapped around me like a warm hug, making me feel safe, like nothing could hurt me. I forgot the maids for a moment, lost in the glow of his words.

A giggle broke my thoughts. I looked up to see Lila and Tess covering their mouths, their eyes sparkling. "Oh, Luna Celeste!" Lila said, her voice all bubbly. "That’s from Alpha Kael, isn’t it? He’s the best mate ever!"

Tess nodded, her braid bouncing again. "He’s so sweet to you! I wish I had a love like that."

The other maids chimed in, their voices soft and dreamy. "Alpha Kael’s the kindest," Mara said, her wrinkled hands clasped. "You’re so lucky, miss."

I smiled at them, my cheeks still warm, but a tiny ache bloomed in my chest, like a thorn in a rose. They were right, Alpha Kael was wonderful. But he didn’t know the real me.

He thought I was Celeste Thorn, not Aria Thorne. My true name, my true self, was still a secret, hidden like a shadow. The letter felt heavier in my hands, and my smile wobbled.

"Thank you," I said softly, tucking the letter into my pocket. My fingers lingered on it, feeling the paper’s edge. "Let’s get back to work."

The maids nodded, their chatter starting again as they looked at the lists. I pointed to the papers, giving more directions, but my heart was split.

Half of it soared with Alpha Kael’s words, his promise to choose me.

The other half hurt, heavy with the truth I hadn’t told him. I wanted to be his Celeste, but I was Aria, and the secret felt like a stone in my chest.

As the sun shone and the maids worked, I smiled, but my eyes stung, hoping one day he’d love the real me too.