Chapter 4 Sneaking out

Sophia

I sat on the edge of my bed, my heart pounding as I listened to the fading sounds of the carriage wheels outside.

Evenly and Sylvia had just left for the annual Mating Ball, unaware that I had plans of own.This is my only chance to meet my fated mate.

My stepmother thought she was so clever, whispering about the mating ball as if I was deaf, dismissing my chores as if I wouldn't notice the sudden change. They didn't want me to know about the ball,not to even dream of attending.

"But I knew"

I had known long before the moment my stepmother , Evenly and my stepsister, Sylvia, started acting strangely,hoarding fabrics, whispering in corners, sending me on errands to keep me distracted. I was already informed by Elera about the annual Mating Ball.They thought I was a fool. They thought I would stay locked away like some forgotten servant like I always do while Sylvia waltzed into a room full of potential mates, draped in the finest silks.

Well,they were wrong

A knock on my window made me jump.I rushed over and carefully unlatched it, allowing my best friend, Elera, to slip inside. Her dark eyes gleaming with mischief

"Are you ready?" She whispered.

I nodded. "More than ever."

Elera pulled out a bundle of clothing from her bag. "I brought you a dress. I had to bribe the seamstress, but it was worth it."

My fingers trembled as I unfolded the gown,a stunning deep-blue dress that shimmered under the moonlight. It was far more elegant than anything my stepmother would have ever allowed me to wear.

I quickly changed, and Elera helped pin my hair into an elegant twist before wrapping a velvet cloak around my shoulders. "You look like a true Luna,"she said with a grin.

I rolled my eyes, don't be sily I don't even have a wolf. "Let's go before someone catches us."

Elera led me to the secret passage behind the old bookshelf in the library, a forgotten escape route from the pack. We navigated the dark, narrow tunnel, emerging in the forest behind the house. A black mare waited there, saddled and ready.

"You're sure about this?" Elera asked one last time.

I took a deep breath. "I need to be there. I need to know if my mate is waiting for me."

With that, Elera helped me onto the horse before climbing behind me. With a swift kick, we disappeared into the night, racing toward the Mating Ball.

The cool night air rushed past my face as the horse galloped through the dense forest, the rhythmic pounding of hooves against the earth matching the wild excitement in my chest. For the first time in my life, I was free-truly free.

I threw my head back, laughing as the wind whipped through my hair, the thrill of the moment making my heart race. The towering trees, the endless sky, the scent of pine and damp earth-it was all new to me. I had spent my entire life trapped behind the cold walls of my father's pack, always watching others leave while I remained behind. But not tonight.

"I can't believe this is happening," I said breathlessly, glancing over my shoulder at Elera, who held the reins tightly behind me.

"You look like you were meant for this," she chuckled, my grin matching hers. "I don't think I've ever seen you this happy."

"I've never been this happy," I admitted,my voice filled with wonder. "I've only ever dreamed of what it's like beyond the pack's borders. And now, I'm finally living it."

The trees soon gave way to open meadows bathed in silver moonlight. In the distance,I could see the glow of lanterns and hear the faint sound of music drifting from the Moonshadow pack square where the Mating Ball was being held. My pulse quickened.

I moved cautiously through the grand ballroom, my heart hammering in my chest. The dazzling chandeliers above cast golden light over the elegantly dressed werewolves, their laughter and conversation filling the air.I had dreamed of a night like this, but now that I was here, a gnawing anxiety crept into my mind.

I am different from the others.

Unlike them, I had no wolf. No heightened senses, no connection to the pack bond. While the other unmated wolves were catching the intoxicating scent of their destined mates, I felt nothing. I could only watch as couples found each other, their eyes widening in recognition, their wolves instantly drawn together.

I swallowed hard and tried to push away the dull ache of longing. This was my first night of freedom, I wouldn't let anything ruin it.

Yet, as I walked past the crowd,I felt something. Not a scent, not a pull-just a presence,powerful and unyielding.

Someone was watching me.

Slowly, I turned my head, scanning the sea of unfamiliar faces. Then I saw him.

Across the ballroom, a figure stood near the grand staircase, dressed in a garment, his face partially hidden behind a mask. But it was his eyes,intense, unreadable-that held me in place. He wasn't just looking at me; he was studying me, as if trying to unravel a secret I didn't even know I carried.

Beside him stood another man, taller and just as imposing, his dark gaze shifting between me and the masked figure. He whispered something to him, but the masked man didn't react. He just continued to stare.

My throat tightened. Who were they? And why did their presence feel so... suffocating?

Needing to shake off the unease curling in my stomach, I turned away and made my way toward the drinks table. The weight of that stare still lingered on my skin, but I ignored it.

Grabbing a glass of wine,I took a slow sip, letting the sweet, rich taste soothe my nerves.

The loneliness crept back in, heavier than before.I had imagined this night differently,full of excitement and hope. But as I stood there, and drink in my hand, surrounded by people who belonged in a way I never had,I felt like a ghost in a world I didn't quite fit into.

And yet... that gaze.

I took another sip of wine, the rich red liquid burning its way down my throat. It was my third-or maybe my fifth-glass. I'd stopped counting. What was the point? No one here wanted me. No one ever had.

My bestfriend was somewhere across the hall, looking for scent that could trace her to her mate,I wouldn't blame her,we are both here to search for our fated mate and she has done enough by bringing me to this annual Mating Ball that my stepmother will never approve of. My stepmother? She will be somewhere in the hall with my stepsister, Sylvia showing off as the Luna of Silverfang pack.

I swallowed another mouthful, letting the warmth spread through me, dulling the ache in my chest. The edges of the room started to blur, the golden glow of the chandeliers too bright, the music too loud. But at least the alcohol was working. At least it made everything hurt a little less.

A mated pair brushed past me, lost in their own world. Their hands intertwined, their bond sealed in the way they moved together, as if the rest of us didn't exist. I scoffed, raising my goblet in a mock toast.

"To fate," I muttered bitterly before draining my glass.

I reached for the bottle again, but a hand caught my wrist, firm yet careful.

"You've had enough."

The voice was deep, steady. I blinked up at the figure standing over me, his face blurred at the edges.

I yanked my hand free with a hollow laugh. "Who are you to decide that?" My words slurred, but I didn't care.

"You'll regret this in the morning."

"That's the plan."

I tried to stand, but the room tilted beneath me. My legs wobbled, and before I could stop myself, I was falling.

Strong arms caught me before I hit the ground. I blinked up at him, my vision swimming. His face was clearer now-sharp angles, piercing eyes filled with something I couldn't quite place. Concern? Pity?

Did it matter?

Darkness crept in at the edges of my vision. The last thing I felt was his arms tightening around me, steady and warm, before everything faded away.