Selena pushed open the door, with narrowed eyes when she heard the voices inside mona's room, expecting to find someone or something inside.
But the room was empty. Nobody was inside.
Her gaze swept across the space suspiciously. Everything looked untouched. Nothing out of place… except…
Her eyes narrowed at the open window.
"That girl!" she snapped. "Why is her window open again?"
With a huff, she marched over and slammed the window shut. Then, grumbling under her breath, she turned and left the room, completely unaware of the figure crouched just outside.
Elara crouched low behind the tree, heart racing as she watched the window close again. She pressed her hand against her chest, trying to steady her breathing.
"That was close," she whispered, clutching the necklace tightly in her palm. "Too close."
She opened her hand to look at it, her mother's pendant resting against her skin. A wave of emotion swept through her.
"Finally," she whispered, voice trembling with relief. "You're back with me. Don't worry, I will never let anyone take you away."
"Let's go to the packhouse now." She said and then carefully, she tucked the necklace into her pocket and slipped away from the house, making her way toward the packhouse. There was still a mountain of chores she had to finish before midnight, but for once, she didn't mind.
Elara reached the packhouse and wasted no time getting to work. She threw herself into the tasks with surprising energy sweeping, carrying trays, folding napkins, arranging flower vases. Her fingers worked fast, and despite the lingering soreness in her body from the previous days, she kept moving.
Her smile was soft but genuine. For once, her heart felt light. Tonight, everything would change.
Tonight, she'd meet her mate.
She'd waited so long for this. Endured so much. The thought of finally meeting someone meant for her someone chosen by the Moon Goddess herself made her feel giddy with anticipation.
"Hey, wolfless," a voice called out, breaking her thoughts.
She turned and saw one of the older omegas standing there, arms crossed, her tone flat and dismissive.
"When you're done here, make sure you take those supplies into the dining area. Got it?"
Though the woman's words carried a hint of insult, Elara didn't let it affect her. She was used to it.
"I understand," she replied simply, giving a polite nod before moving on to the next task.
She stayed focused, determined not to let anyone dim her spirit tonight.
******
Rosaline felt Dante's piercing gaze cut right through her, and a shiver ran down her spine despite the warmth of the room.
"Yes, Father," Lucian replied immediately, his voice calm, yet distant. He still hadn't lifted his gaze.
"Good." Dante gave a short nod. "I have paperwork to finalize before we head to the Elder's Council." He then turned towards Lily.
And said to Lucian " talk to your mother till then." With that, he turned without another word and strode out, leaving the room silent behind him.
As soon as he disappeared through the doors, the tension seemed to ease. Lily sighed softly and reached for her son's hand, gently pulling him toward the large velvet-lined sofa.
"Happy birthday, my child," she said with a warm smile, guiding him to sit beside her.
Her gentle tone was a stark contrast to her mate's coldness. Lily's presence was like a balm, soft, motherly, patient.
She turned to Rosaline, who still stood near the doorway. "Come, Rosaline. Sit, my child," she said kindly, making sure she felt at home and didn't feel left out.
Rosaline obeyed, carefully sitting at the other end of the sofa. Her eyes didn't meet Lily's, but her lips curled into a polite smile.
Lily turned back to Lucian and placed her hands over his, her eyes shimmering with affection, as she began her words, gentle and heartfelt, "Tonight, you'll turn eighteen, Lucian. It's the beginning of a new chapter in your life. No matter what others expect from you… try to live it with peace in your heart, my boy."
Lucian glanced at her, the only softness in his features reserved for his mother. "I'll try," he murmured, and Lily smiled again, stroking the back of his hand with utmost care and love.
Then, Lily reached out to Rosaline, her expression hopeful. She took Rosaline's hand gently, then placed it in Lucian's, pressing them together with care.
"From tonight onward, Rosaline will become your Luna. And this place, this mansion will become your home together," she said with gentle insistence. "It may take time, but if the two of you grow together, if you support one another, you'll make this house more than a duty post. It'll become a true home."
Lucian nodded, but his expression didn't change. He pulled his hand away from Rosaline's without a word and instead reached for his mother, brushing a lock of her hair behind her ear with quiet affection.
Rosaline, on the other hand, had stiffened as soon as Lily touched her. The moment Lucian's hand left hers, she subtly took her hand back and wiped her fingers with a silken handkerchief, the same one she used to dab her lipstick.
Disgust curled in her chest.
Lily might've been Luna by title, after she turned out to be Dante Ashborne's mate but to Rosaline, she would always be a lowly omega. Sweet, soft-spoken, and pitiful. Her kindness felt like a weakness, one Rosaline could barely stand to be around. The woman was too polite, too giving, it made Rosaline's skin crawl.
Still, her face remained flawless, her smile perfectly in place.
"Mom," Lucian said, turning back to Lily, "you shouldn't worry yourself so much. I'll be fine. Your son's going to make you proud."
Lily's smile widened, touched by his words. "I know you will."
Just then, a knock came at the door, and one of the royal knights stationed outside stepped in with a small bow.
"The royal delegates have arrived, my Luna."