AVA
I haven't seen my father in weeks.
Not since I'd screamed at him, called him a tyrant, and stormed out of the house with Dante's hand in mine, drunk on rebellion. Not since I'd burned bridges without looking back.
And yet….here he is. Standing at the edge of the clearing in full Alpha regalia, watching me as though I'm still his little girl.
The minute I see him, something in me cracked.
I step away from the celebration, the weight of the Luna crown pressing against my scalp like a punishment. My gown trail behind me as I cross the stone path towards him, ignoring the whispers, ignoring Sebastian's dark gaze burning into my back.
He doesn't stop me. Of course, he didn't. He got what he wanted….me as Luna. My feelings are irrelevant.
My father's expression is unreadable, the same stone face he wore when disciplining warriors. But his eyes….they are softer. Sadder.
"Father." I breathes.
He open his arms. I didn't hesitate.
I walk into them like a child lost in the woods.
"I'm sorry" I whisper against his chest, squeezing my eyes shut. "I was wrong. I shouldn't have said those things. I shouldn't have left like that."
"You were scared" he murmur, stroking my hair. "And I was too hard on you"
"I thought I knew everything. I thought…" I swallow hard, "I thought love would be enough."
My father sigh. "Sometimes it is. Something, it's a trap"
We stand like that for a short while, just father and daughter, no ranks, no pack business….only aching hearts learning how to forgive.
When I pull back, he wipe a tear off my cheek. "You're strong" he say "Too strong for your own good sometimes. But you're my daughter. And I'm proud of you. Even now"
I smile, small but real. "Thanks for coming"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world"
"We love you" my mother whispers into my ears and I hug her.
Behind him, our pack members stood quietly, watching me with cautious respect. Some of them didn't understand why I was here. Why I accepted Sebastian. But my father's presence seems to be enough to silence the doubts. For now.
The drums starts again, signaling the end of the formal ceremy. I'm expected to return to Sebastian's side. Be parded like a prize.
I nod at my parents and turn back towards the grand hall, back to the role I didn't ask for.
************************************************
The rest of the day blur in ceremony and forced smiles. I smile through clench teeth, I nodded when needed. Toast when told to. Every step was choreographed, every word rehearsed.
And then I sight him.
Dante.
He sneaks into the far side of the ballroom dress like a servant, his face hidden beneath a hold, but I will recognize him anywhere.
He caught my eyes across the room and motion towards the garden doors.
I excuse myself from the circle of the pack elites, my heart pounding in my chest as I slip outside..
The night air is cold and smells like moonflower. I turn the corner, and he was there.
"Ava" he breaths, pulling his hood " God, you look beautiful"
I didn't reply. I just stare at him, my stomach twisting.
"You came" I say softly.
" I had to, I couldn't let today happen without seeing you" he took a step closer "Tell me this isn't forever. Tell me you're not really staying here with him"
I swallow the lump in my throat "I had no choice, Dante"
"There's always a choice" he says, his voice low and urgent "Come back with me. We can run again, disappear this time. I'll keep you safe, I swear it".
My chest tightens. A part of me wants to believe him. The same part that used to dream about a future with him. That part is fading, but not dead.
"Not tonight" I say. "Not now. Too many eyes, too much risk"
He look disappointed, but he nods.
"I just needed to see you," he whispers, brushing a strand of hair from my face and peck my forehead. "To hear you say it"
"I'll be back" I promise "I just need time…let me figure this out. Just wait for me, okay?"
His eyes searches mine. "I'll wait. Just..don't forget who your heart really belongs to."
I nod my head "How's your leg, stomach and every part of your body now?" I ask rubbing his hands…
"I'm fine now" he smiles and hug me.
And with that, he disappear into the shadiwi.
I longer there for a while, hugging myself against the cold. Wondering how my life become such a mess of promises and regrets.
This night, I am suppose to consummate my bond with the Alpha.
The packs expects it. The Luna chambers are decorated lavishly, with petals on the bed and chilled wine waiting by the table.
I change into a silk nightgown and wait.
Waiting for him to come…
..but minutes turns to hours.
I sit by the windows, watching the moon shifts across the sky.
He didn't come.
I didn't care.
I pop the wine open myself, chugging the glass after glass, numb and exhausted.
Let them think what they want. Let them whisper. I'm too tired to play pretence anymore.
Somewhere between the third glass and fifth, I stop feeling anything at all.
The silk sheets are cool beneath my skin as I lay back, staring at the ceiling.
He doesn't even have the decency to look me in the eyes tonight.
Good. I don't want to see his face either.
The world blur, the edges softening, I close my eyes and let the numbness take me.
Sleep came eventually.
Not as a comfort.
But as an escape.
And in silence of that cold, empty room, the new Luna of Crescent pack pass out alone…crown by duty, drowning in wine and tied to a ghost of a bond that has no love in it.