Chapter 6 Plan in Motion

|| Lilac's POV ||

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm golden glow across my room. I blinked awake, the remnants of a restless night clinging to me like a shadow.

'Runa, are you there?' My first instinct was to look for my wolf, but I found no answer. My heart raced as I desperately tried to look for her again. But still silence. This wasn't normal. I could feel her presence were barely there. Whatever was happening since yesterday made no sense. Why was I given this second chance?

But as I sat up, the familiar scent of pancakes wafted through the air, pulling me back to the present. For a moment, I allowed myself to bask in the normalcy of it all, the soft hum of conversation downstairs, the clinking of plates, the comforting aroma of breakfast. It felt like home, like the life I had fought so hard to protect.

I dressed carefully, choosing an outfit that was both professional and understated. A tailored blouse, a sleek pencil skirt, and a pair of heels that clicked softly against the wooden floor as I made my way downstairs. The smells grew stronger as I descended, the rich buttery scent of pancakes mingling with the sharp tang of freshly brewed coffee. My heart swelled as I stepped into the kitchen, the sight of my family gathered around the table filling me with a sense of peace I hadn't felt in what felt like forever.

Mom stood at the stove, her apron dusted with flour as she flipped pancakes with practiced ease. Dad sat at the table, his hands wrapped around his favorite mug, the steam curling up into the air. Ezra, my younger brother and the next in line to be the Royal Beta, sat beside him, his nose buried in a book. He was only a year younger than me, with the same dark hair and sharp features, but his eyes held a quiet determination that reminded me so much of Dad. It felt normal. It felt right. And I would do whatever it took to keep it that way.

"Good morning, sweetpea," Dad said, his voice warm and familiar as he looked up from his coffee. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, and for a moment, I could almost forget the weight of everything hanging over me.

"Morning, Dad," I replied, returning his smile as I took my seat at the table.

The smell of fresh pancakes filled the kitchen, golden and fluffy as Mom flipped another batch onto a plate. She turned, her eyes sweeping over me, and something flickered in her expression, surprise, pride, maybe even a touch of worry.

"Look at you, all dressed up this early," she said, setting the plate in front of me. "You look so... different."

I glanced down at myself, smoothing a hand over my skirt. I did look different. Gone was the naive girl who had once dreamed of fairy tales and happily-ever-afters. In her place stood a woman who had seen too much, who carried the weight of a second chance on her shoulders.

"Yeah, I have some plans," I said vaguely, offering her a small smile as I picked up my fork.

Mom's gaze lingered for a moment longer, as if searching for something beneath my words, but she didn't press. Instead, she reached over to pour me a cup of coffee, the warmth of the gesture settling deep in my chest.

Breakfast passed in a blur of casual conversation, the clinking of forks against plates, the soft hum of the morning news playing in the background. I let myself sink into the comfort of it, into the rhythm of family, where the world outside felt far away. But as much as I wanted to stay, to linger in the safety of home, I knew I had work to do.

I helped Mom clear the table, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek before grabbing my bag. Just as I reached for the door, a voice called out from behind me.

"Where are you off to so early?"

Ezra.

I turned to find my brother leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, his brows raised in open curiosity. He was still in his pajamas, some old band t-shirt and sweatpants, his dark hair a mess of curls that looked like he'd just rolled out of bed.

"Just some errands," I said, waving a hand vaguely over my shoulder.

Ezra's eyes narrowed. "Errands," he repeated, his voice dripping with skepticism. "That's a suspiciously vague answer."

I sighed, adjusting the strap of my bag. "Because it's not that interesting."

"That's debatable," he countered, pushing off the doorframe and stepping closer. "You're dressed like you're about to go negotiate a business deal or break someone's heart. Or both."

I rolled my eyes. "Wow. What a range."

He smirked. "I call it like I see it." Then, his expression turned teasing. "Wait, are you going on a date! Is this with Kael? "

I scoffed. "Absolutely not."

He gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "Oh my God. Are you already cheating on him?"

I shoved him lightly, but he barely budged. "It is not a date outfit, Ezra."

"Then why are you blushing?" he shot back, grinning like he'd won something.

"I'm not, " I cut myself off, realizing the more I denied it, the worse it would look. I exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of my nose. "You are so annoying."

He grinned wider. "It's my job as your older brother."

"You're younger by a whole year." I groaned. But inside my heart, it felt right. I missed his teasing.

"And yet, infinitely wiser," he grinned.

I shook my head, but despite my best efforts, a small smile tugged at my lips. This was Ezra, relentless, obnoxious, and somehow, always able to make me laugh even when I didn't want to.

The drive to the plaza was quiet, the hum of the engine the only sound accompanying my thoughts. Today was the day. Kael would be holding a conference here, a gathering of alphas and nobles to discuss pack alliances and future plans. It was the perfect opportunity, a chance to set my plan in motion.

I parked the car and stepped out, the cool morning air brushing against my skin as I made my way to the podium. The plaza was already bustling with activity, the press setting up their cameras and reporters milling about. My eyes scanned the crowd, and it didn't take long to spot her.

"Lilac!" Elara's voice rang out, bright and excited, as she hurried toward me. My best friend since childhood, she was a whirlwind of energy, her curly hair bouncing with every step. She pulled me into a tight hug, her enthusiasm infectious. She was from a Gamna family and was interested in news reporting and not to mention spying on all hot boys since our middle school.

"Hi, Elara," I said, laughing softly as I returned her embrace. "I thought I would find you here."

"Of course, I'm here!" she exclaimed, pulling back to show me her press badge with a grin. "I heard you were chosen as the future Alpha King's mate! Can you believe it? My best friend, the future Luna! This is huge, Lilac! Your dream come true moment!!!!"

I forced a smile, my stomach twisting at her excitement. "Yeah, it's... something," I said, my voice carefully neutral.

Elara tilted her head, her brow furrowing slightly as she studied me. "You don't sound thrilled. Isn't this what you've always wanted?"

I hesitated, my mind racing. How could I explain to her that the life she thought I wanted was the very thing I was trying to escape? "It's complicated," I said finally, shaking my head. "But listen, I need your help."

Her eyes lit up, curiosity replacing her earlier concern. "Of course! What do you need?"

I glanced around, making sure no one was within earshot before leaning in closer. "I need you to get me access to the press room. There's something I have to do, and I can't do it alone."

Elara's grin widened, her excitement undimmed. "Consider it done. But you owe me the full story later, okay?"

"Deal," I said, relief flooding through me as she linked her arm with mine and led me toward the press room.

As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. This was it. The first step in changing my fate. And with Elara by my side, I knew I could do it. Whatever it took, I would protect my family. I would rewrite my story.

And maybe, just maybe, I would find a way to be free.