Chapter 3 3

"Everyone, keep going!" Over the cacophony of the pack moving across the main courtyard, Maya's piercing voice could be heard. "Whether it's your first Moon Festival or your fiftieth, it makes no difference to me. You are aware of what must be done.

As wolves brought decorations, supplies, and ceremonial objects towards the area where the Festival would be held, I remained at the edge of the action, attempting to avoid getting in the way. Excitement was in the air, yet all I could feel was a mounting sense of uneasiness.

The Moon Festival was meant to be a happy event, a celebration of destiny and togetherness. It felt more like a trap to me, though. As the ceremony drew nearer, it seemed like I was getting closer to an inevitable moment.

"Lilah!"

One of the younger wolves, Grace, was running towards me with an armful of flowers when I turned around. The knot in my chest was momentarily relieved by her radiant grin. Even when others weren't, Grace had always shown me kindness.

She handed me a tiny bundle of flowers and said, "Here." "We're using these to adorn the altar. Are you able to assist?

I paused, looking over to the clearing with the altar. A circle of tall pines encircled the plain stone building, which was embellished with carvings of the Moon Goddess. It would be the focal point of everything tonight's location where partners were unveiled in the light of the moon.

I accepted the flowers from her and responded, "Sure."

Grace smiled. Fantastic! I'll see you there shortly. I must get some more. She rushed away, leaving me once more to think alone.

The murmuring of the pack followed me as I walked to the clearing.

"Is she likely to arrive tonight?"

"Why wouldn't she? Everyone is welcome to the Moon Festival.

Even so, wouldn't it be ironic if she met someone? A strong wolf coupled with the pack's weakest wolf?

I tightened my grip on the roses and gritted my jaw. Today, I lacked the energy to give a damn about their chatter. Already, my nerves were being strained.

With the sounds of the forest filling the air, the clearing was more peaceful than the main courtyard. I moved carefully towards the altar, arranging the flowers while stroking the rough stone surface with my fingers. Although it was quiet here, the tempest that was roaring inside of me was not very quiet.

The Moon Goddess decided, and I heard Darren's voice again. She is a flawless person.

What if she did, though? What if she matched me with someone like Robert, who didn't want me?

My chest constricted at the thought. Robert was powerful, self-assured, and well-respected-everything I was not. Even if he didn't believe it himself, he was the ideal Alpha. If he was selected for me by the Moon Goddess... I had no idea what I would do.

"Lilah."

I was surprised by the deep voice and looked over to see Robert standing at the edge of the clearing. His sharp blue eyes met mine, and I momentarily lost my ability to breathe.

As always, his presence was imposing; he took a step closer. "You're staying away from the pack."

I hurriedly answered, "I'm not," but it was clear that I was lying. "I'm assisting with the décor."

He glanced at the flowers I had placed and then back at me. "Is that all?"

Unsure how to react, I swallowed hard. He had changed today, something more fierce, something sharper.

After a time, he stated, "The Festival is important." It's more than simply a party. It serves as a reminder of our values and identity. Strength, cohesion, and purpose.

"I understand," I muttered.

"Do you?" Although his tone wasn't harsh, it had a weight to it that made my stomach turn. "Because it's not just about the pack tonight." It has to do with fate. Additionally, there is no turning back after the moon rises.

I started to reply, but my words would not come. He was correct. I wasn't prepared for how everything would alter tonight.

Before I could speak, the silence was broken by a howl that rang out through the trees. It was a warning, a communication from one of the border-based scouts.

Robert's eyes narrowed as he tensed. "Rogues."

My heart jumped up and down my throat. "This is where? "Now?"

He commanded, already heading towards the sound, "Stay here."

"But-"

"Lilah." His demeanour was harsh as he turned back to face me. "Remain here."

Reluctantly, I nodded while observing him vanish into the trees. With the weight of his words still hanging in the air, the clearing felt colder without him.

Strength, purpose, and destiny.

Although I was unsure if I possessed any of those items, I was certain that the rogues would not give up until they achieved their goals. And for some reason, I sensed that I was what they desired.

My thoughts were racing as I turned back to the altar. In contrast to the chaos that was brewing just outside the gates, the flowers appeared too lovely and serene.

The slightest trace of an unfamiliar aroma was carried by the shifting wind. It had a metallic, earthy flavour with a hint of something harsh and strange. When I recognised what it was, my heartbeat accelerated.

Blood.

There was another howl, closer this time. It was a call for assistance, not a warning.

My gut told me to flee and hide as I took a step back from the altar. But I felt anchored by something.

Even though the moon hadn't risen yet, its presence was evident, like a silent watchdog ready to render a verdict. I realised then that there was no way to avoid what was about to happen.

The Festival would continue. Mates would come out. The hand of destiny would be dealt.

The pack would have to make it through the night first.

I would, too.