CHAPTER 79: CHAPTER 79

Aria’s POV.

I stood in my room, my heart racing, my hands trembling, the air warm with the scent of flowers and candles.

The Lunar Festival was tonight, the pack’s big night, and I was Luna Celeste, expected to shine, to lead, to hide my true name, Aria. My wolf, Kyra, purred, her excitement soft but her worry sharp, sensing my nerves.

Maids moved around me, their hands quick, tying my silver hair with ribbons, smoothing the gold dress that clung to my body, its fabric soft but heavy with meaning.

My chest tightened, my breath short, the river crash, my weakness, my fear of failing the pack, all heavy in my mind. The mirror showed my pale face, my blue eyes wide, my scars hidden under the dress, Kael’s kiss on my hand, his words, "Don’t hide them" warming my heart but not easing my worry.

The door creaked open, my heart jumping, my eyes darting up. Kael walked in, his black suit sharp, his dark hair neat, his eyes bright, his presence strong.

My heart swelled, my love for him loud, my fear softening. The maids bowed, their dresses rustling, their eyes down, their whispers quiet.

He stepped closer, his boots soft on the stone floor, his hands cupping my cheeks, his touch warm, his eyes soft. "You’re beautiful," he said, his voice low, his smile small, his gaze locked on mine.

"Even half-dressed, you’re perfect." My heart raced, my cheeks warming, a chuckle escaping, my nerves easing, his love grounding me.

"You’re too much," I said, my voice soft, my eyes teasing, my hands touching his, my love for him fierce.

The maids smiled, their eyes sneaking glances, their hands pausing. Kael’s eyes hardened, his voice firm, his hands dropping.

"Leave us," he commanded, his tone sharp, his eyes flicking to the maids. My heart jumped, my eyes widening, my voice quick.

"I need to finish dressing," I said, my hands waving, my dress half-zipped, my worry spiking. Kael’s smile returned, his eyes soft, his voice gentle.

"I’ll dress you," he said, his words warm, his hands steady. My heart pounded, my cheeks burning, my love for him overwhelming.

The maids whispered, their eyes wide, their steps quick, leaving the room, the door shutting, their giggles fading. The room was quiet, the air warm, the torchlight soft, Kael’s hands on me, his presence strong.

He stepped behind me, his breath warm on my neck, his fingers slow, zipping my dress, his touch trailing my skin, sending shivers through me.

My heart raced, my breath catching, my body leaning into his, his hands gentle but firm, pulling the fabric tight, his fingers brushing my back, my arms, my waist. "You’re mine," he whispered, his voice low, his lips close to my ear, his hands lingering, his touch sparking heat in my chest.

My eyes closed, my heart swelling, my love for him fierce, Kyra purring, her warmth loud. He tied the ribbons in my hair, his fingers soft, his breath steady, his love clear in every move.

My body trembled, my heart full, his touch sweet, intimate, making me forget the festival, the pack, the danger.

He finished, his hands resting on my shoulders, his eyes meeting mine in the mirror, his smile warm. "Ready," he said, his voice soft, his hand taking mine, his grip strong. My heart steadied, my love for him grounding me, my worry for the night returning but softer.

We left the room, my gold dress shimmering, his suit sharp, our hands locked, the halls dim, guards bowing, maids smiling, their eyes soft.

My heart raced, my fear of failing as Luna loud, but Kael’s hand kept me steady, his love my strength.

We reached the throne chamber, the doors tall, the air alive with music and laughter, the crowd waiting, their cheers ready. The guards announced us, their voices loud, "Alpha Kael and Luna Celeste!" My heart jumped, my breath short, my true name hidden, my role heavy.

We walked in, the crowd roaring, their claps loud, their faces bright, their eyes on us. My chest tightened, my hand squeezing Kael’s, his grip firm, his smile proud.

We took our seats, the thrones high, the room bright with banners and candles, the pack happy, their voices warm. My heart swelled, my fear easing, the festival starting, the music soft, the air alive.

The event began, the pack eating, laughing, dancing, their joy real, my role as Luna clear. I smiled, my hands clasped, my eyes scanning the crowd, their cheers warming me but my worry lingering, Celeste’s schemes, Seraphina’s hate, still in my mind.

Alpha Kael’s hand brushed mine, his eyes soft, his love steady, my heart calming. The night moved fast, the food gone, the rituals done, the pack cheering, my role as Luna feeling right, my love for Kael grounding me.

Then came the dance, the Alpha and Luna’s moment, the pack watching, their eyes bright. Kael stood, his hand out, his smile warm. "Dance with me," he said, his voice low, his eyes locked on mine.

My heart raced, my hand taking his, my body rising, my dress flowing. We stepped to the floor, the music slow, our bodies close, his hand on my waist, my hand on his shoulder, our steps practiced, smooth, perfect.

My heart swelled, my love for him loud, the crowd fading, his eyes my world. We moved together, his touch warm, his smile soft, my fear gone, my love fierce, Kyra purring, her joy strong.

But then, my eyes caught Seraphina, her red dress bright, her blonde hair loose, her face angry, her hand signaling me to come outside.

My heart stopped, my breath catching, my worry spiking, her hate clear, her slap from weeks ago, her love for Kael, burning in my mind.

I didn’t want to go, didn’t trust her, but her signal was sharp, her eyes fierce, her secrets dangerous.

My chest tightened, my steps faltering, Kael’s hand steadying me, his eyes confused. "You okay?" he whispered, his voice low, his worry clear. I nodded, my smile forced, my heart racing.

The dance ended, the crowd clapping, their cheers loud, my heart pounding. I should’ve returned to my seat, to Kael’s side, but Seraphina’s signal pulled me, her hate a threat, her words unknown but heavy.

"I need a moment," I said, my voice soft, my hand slipping from his, my eyes avoiding his worry. I stepped away, my dress trailing, my heart racing, my fear loud, heading for the door, the crowd’s noise fading, Seraphina’s signal my focus.