THESSARA

“I don't like this, I feel off.” The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them.

Haelena paused behind me, her fingers still embedded in the lace of my dress. My eyes caught hers through the mirror.

“That's the third time you're saying that, Thess.” Her voice came out sharp and curt like she had lost her patience with me already.

“At this point, you're being dramatic.” She rolled her eyes and tightened the corset just enough to take my breath away.

I winced in discomfort.

“Ouch, Haelena. Why are you being mean? Is something wrong?” I asked, still looking at her pointedly through the mirror.

She chuckled nervously and looked away, unable to hold my eyes. I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at her diversion.

“Haelena.” I prompted.

“Nothing is wrong. It's just that your anxiety is giving me anxiety. I mean, you've been grumpy throughout today and I've been here trying to calm you down. I just got cranky is all.” She explained.

But somehow, I didn't believe her. There was an undertone in her words that struck me the wrong way. I decided not to push it anymore.

Even though she said I was just nervous, I knew what I was feeling. Something inside of me had gone quiet, my wolf. Usually, she lingered at the edge of my mind, restless and alive. But tonight, there was nothing there.

Just emptiness.

I sighed again. Haelena tightened the corset again.

“Haelena!” I shouted.

“Sorry. Listen, you are about to be claimed by the most powerful alpha in the entire werewolf realm,” she said wistfully. “Of course anyone would feel off. But it becomes more imperative when you know you're not worthy.” She smarted.

I whipped around immediately as if she had burned me.

“What the hell did you just say? And what the hell is that supposed to mean?” I asked, looking at her angrily.

She shook her head.

“You know what I mean.” She retorted.

“No, I don't.” I said through gritted teeth.

She shrugged and crossed her arms. My fingers curled into the fabric of my dress as I held myself from striking her in anger.

“Fine. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. Like I said, I'm getting nervous too.” She swallowed.

Her voice was gentle now and sounded remorseful. I couldn't hold on to the anger anymore.

“Maybe you're right. Maybe that's why I'm nervous. Because of…”

Her fingers pressed against my lips.

“Shh. Don't say it. The walls have ears. No one knows, except me. So let's go and get your Luna title. It is your destiny.” She said quietly.

Tears pooled in my eyes and threatened to fall.

“Don't you dare ruin this makeup I put hours into doing!” She chided.

I laughed at her joke and turned back to the mirror to look at myself.

Haelena leaned forward , resting her chin on my shoulder as we both stared at my reflection in the mirror. Her smile was wide and contagious.

I barely recognized the girl looking back at me through the mirror.

Silver threaded gown. Hair pinned with moonstones and eyes lined with kohl, highlighting the amber flecks and making them larger.

I looked beautiful.

“You look perfect.”

I still couldn't push the nagging sensation in the pit of my stomach away. It was like every time she spoke, it became worse and my instincts never went wrong. But this was Haelena, my best friend.

I was just overreacting from the nerves.

“You will stand beside me, right?” I asked.

She scrunched up her face in confusion.

“During the ceremony.” I clarified.

“Of course. Always, Thess. I will always be there.”

Outside, the distant sound of drums and singing and festivities echoed throughout the pack. The ceremony had already begun. My anxiety tripled once more and my heart began to pound inside my chest.

It was time to become everything I had been raised for, everything I had been prepared for. A strange warmth should have settled over me because now, I was ready. But in its place was coldness and emptiness.

Where are you?

I reached in for my wolf but she still remained silent.

Haelena smoothed imaginary wrinkles from my clothes, looking at me with pride.

“Come, your alpha is waiting.” She extended her arm for me to take.

She led me through the village and down to the ceremonial hall. The sound of drums grew louder as we approached.

Then, I stepped into the ceremonial hall. Everything hit me all at once. The air was thick with the scent of wolves, power and anticipation.

The drums stopped immediately and silence ensued. My steps faltered when I realized everyone had stopped their activities to look at me. I squeezed Haelena’s hand tightly for comfort

I forced myself forward, lifting my chin, despite the tightness in my chest

At the centre of the hall stood Rhaegar. Alpha of the Nyx pack and my mate. He was watching me with intensity, ready to claim me.

But something felt wrong. The moment my eyes locked onto his, my stomach dropped.

“Rhaegar…” I whispered softly but he didn't acknowledge me.

I noticed the elders exchanged a knowing glance amongst themselves. Something was wrong.

“Begin the rites!” Elder Walt announced.

Rhaegar's jaw tightened and for a moment, I thought he would halt the procession. Then, he stepped forward towards me and I let out a sigh of relief.

I was just overthinking. I smiled as he approached.

“Stop!” His voice rang out and cut through the hall like a blade.

Even the elders looked confused.

“What are you doing?” I asked him.

“Before we proceed, I have a matter that needs to be addressed.” He announced.

I was trying to decipher why he was being this way and then, the look of hesitation and look of disappointment in his eyes told me everything I needed to know. Blood roared in my ears as realization dawned on me.

He knew.

“Rhaegar… please, don't.” I pleaded.

“Prove to everyone present that you have a wolf.” He said suddenly.

A chill ran down my spine and a thick silence enveloped the entire hall.

I chuckled nervously.

“You can't be serious.” I said trying to downplay my doom.

“Prove it, Thessara.”

I looked around to see everyone staring at me, waiting. My wolf was silent. My eyes caught Haelena's and there was a smirk on her face.

She was the only one that knew I couldn't shift and she had betrayed me.

I turned to look at Rhaegar with tears in my eyes about to utter the words that would destroy me forever.

“I can't.”