The Moon Celebration
Chapter 4
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Elena
The next morning came in like a breeze. I wasn't even surprised with the way everything was moving so fast. It wouldn't be long till I get marked by Kael. I shook my head and hurriedly got out of bed to get ready for the day and the moon celebration happening later on. Apparently I had promised Rhea to help her with the decorations. I paused when I saw my reflection…my eyes were dull, with dark eyebags underneath. It was obvious I hadn't slept well. By the side of my bed, I saw the pile of snack wraps that reminded me of the previous night. I kept eating, hoping it would help me sleep. But it didn’t. And I still didn’t know why I felt restless .
After a brief moment in the shower, I came out with a blue towel around my body as I was going through the endless clothes in my closet. And after a tough time deciding what to wear, I finally found something. I wore a gray off shoulder sweater, it was layered with a black lace trimmed top and I paired it with a black plaid pleated skirt.
Just as I was about to put on my boots, I heard a knock on the door.
“Lenaaa!”
I exhaled and smiled, it was Rhea.
I opened the door, and she threw her hands around me instantly.
“Thank goodness you're awake. I legit came to yell at you, I thought you were still sleeping.”
“Well too bad.” I said laughing.
After several hours passed by, the awaited celebration came.
The celebration dragged on longer than I expected.
Music buzzed around the air, and the bonfire cracking softly sending plumes of orange lights across the black sky. Laughter erupted around me, but my heart wasn't into it no matter how hard I tried.
“Here, have one.” Rhea said, bumping my shoulder with hers as she handed me a drink, her hair wild from dancing.
I took the drink and forced a smile. “Thank you.”
Her eyes narrowed in suspicion but before she could press further, a sudden commotion near the centre of the crowd caught our attention.
Kael stood there in the midst of the crowd. His presence was impossible to ignore, magnetic as all Alpha did. But unlike others, Kael always carried a heavy gaze, like he was a second away from violence.
He was speaking to a group of elders, nodding politely, but his eyes… his sharp, calculating eyes – flickered towards me across the crowd. I froze.
If at all, that was the only thing I could consider attractive about him.
“There it is again.” Rhea muttered across her breath.
“That look.”
I swallowed hard. “What look?”
The one that says you're the next pretty little prize on his shelf. ” She said with her gaze low.
“Stop,” I hissed, glancing around to make sure no one heard. “You know Kael's not someone you joke about.”
She shrugged, unbothered. “Just saying. He's got that possessive thingie written all over him.”
I didn't answer. My skin pricked uncomfortably.
Out of the corner of the eyes, I caught a flash movement near the tree line. Someone slipping away from the crowd, silent and fast.
Lucian.
I didn't know how I knew it was him. Maybe because of the way my wolf stirred again, agitated and curious. Either way, my body moved before I could stop them.
“I'll be right back.” I said to Rhea quickly, moving through the crowd without waiting for her reply.
I caught glimpses of him ahead…his broad shoulders, dark hair…. Everything was perfect.
I wasn't sure why I followed him.
Maybe I just needed answers.
I wanted to understand why someone who barely looked my way could shake me this much .
When I finally caught up to him, he was leaning over a tree, his arm crossed over his chest, head tilted back like he was talking to the sky.
“You're following me.” Lucian said without opening his eyes.
My mouth went dry. “I– no. I mean, yes. I mean…” I exhaled sharply. “I saw you leave.”
His lips quirked into something close to a smile. “Dangerous habit, Elena.”
I nodded mutely. The way he said my name made my stomach sink, but in a good way.
He pushed off the tree and took a slow step closer.
“You don't understand the world you've stepped into yet,” Lucian said, his voice low. “And I don't intend to be the one who ruins that for you.”
Something in his tone made my stomach ache. Like he already believed he would.
He let out a soft, humorless laugh. “You have no idea what you are talking about.”
I could swear I felt butterflies in my stomach upon hearing him laugh. I should have left. I should have turned around. But instead, I took a step closer.
And so did he.
“I'm not scared of you.” I whispered, slowly pointing at him.
Lucian’s jaw clenched. His fist tightened like at his sides as if he was holding something back.
“You should be,” he said hoarsely. “You should be very scared, Elena.”
We stood there staring at each other, neither willing to move first. My heart was a wild drum beat in my chest. I wanted this moment to last for a while.
Then a twig snapped somewhere behind me.
There goes our perfect moment. I muttered to myself before turning back to see Rowan–one of Kael's personal guards.
For a long tense minute, no one said anything.
“Alpha Kael requests your presence.” Rowan said smoothly, a smirk tugging at his mouth.
I opened my mouth to protest why, but Lucian beat me to it.”
“I'll escort her.” He said sharply, moving to stand between me and Rowan.
Rowan smirk widened.
I hate that silly look on his face, it ticked me off so badly.
“You? I think the Alpha prefers… more reliable company.”
Lucian’s eyes gleamed over him, but he didn't argue. Instead he looked at me for a while before turning away.
“I'll go.” I said quickly, stepping past Lucian before something ugly happened.
Rowan stepped behind me, too close, his hand hovering at me back like he thought I needed guidance.
My mind raced as we moved across the trees. Why would Kael summon me now? He was always looking for me, and it felt really suffocating.
I had a terrible feeling that whatever waited for me at the bonfire would affect my current situation.
And not for the better.