Chapter 114

The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine as Lillian stepped onto the balcony of Sebastian Blackwood’s estate. The sun had barely risen, casting golden streaks across the sprawling gardens below. She tightened the silk robe around her, the fabric whispering against her skin.

Last night’s confrontation with Donovan still burned in her mind. His betrayal had been a knife to the heart, but she refused to let it break her. Not again.

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, turning to see Beatrice stride in, her usual bubbly demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness.

"You look like you haven’t slept," Beatrice observed, handing her a steaming cup of coffee.

Lillian accepted it gratefully, the warmth seeping into her fingers. "Couldn’t."

Beatrice sighed, leaning against the railing. "I heard what happened. Donovan’s a fool."

Lillian’s grip tightened around the cup. "He made his choice. Evelyn can have him."

But even as she said it, the lie tasted bitter. Donovan had been her first love, her fated mate. Letting go wasn’t as simple as she pretended.

Beatrice studied her for a long moment before speaking. "Sebastian’s called a pack meeting. He wants you there."

Lillian frowned. "Why?"

"Something about Alpha Harrison’s recent movements. Rumor has it he’s been sniffing around our borders again."

A chill ran down Lillian’s spine. Alpha Harrison was dangerous—a predator who saw weakness as an invitation. And right now, she felt anything but strong.

"I’ll be there," she said, squaring her shoulders.

Beatrice nodded approvingly. "Good. Because whether you believe it or not, you’re not alone in this."

As her friend left, Lillian turned back to the sunrise. The world was waking up, and so was she.

She had a pack to stand with.

And a war to face.

I snatched the glossy invitation from Beatrice's hands, my brows knitting together as I studied it. Of course, I knew about the Moonlight Gala—the most exclusive event in the werewolf elite's social calendar. Held every few years, it was the kind of affair where only the wealthiest and most influential packs mingled under crystal chandeliers. Celebrities, alphas, and high-ranking officials flew in from across the continent just to be seen there. And the catch? You had to be personally invited.

"Only the crème de la crème will be there," Beatrice sighed dreamily, her fingers tracing the embossed lettering.

I scoffed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "And since when are we the crème de la crème?"

She shot me a knowing look. "Not we. You."

I exhaled sharply.

"Fine. Since when am I the crème de la crème?" I rephrased, crossing my arms.

Beatrice smirked, nudging me with her elbow. "Oh, I don't know—maybe since you started dating the most sought-after Lycan bachelor this side of the continent?"

I rolled my eyes so hard it almost hurt.

"That’s a bit of an exaggeration," I muttered. "Nathaniel and I have only been on, like, two dates. I wouldn’t exactly call us serious. Definitely not serious enough for him to drag me to this."

"You kissed," she reminded me, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

Yeah, we kissed. But it wasn’t the kind of kiss that made my knees buckle and my thoughts scatter—not like the one I shared with Sebastian. My cheeks warmed at the memory, and I bit my lip, praying Beatrice wouldn’t notice.

Too late.

"You’re blushing," she teased, grinning like the Cheshire cat. "Admit it. You like him."

I shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "He’s… alright, I guess."

"Alright?" She gasped dramatically. "Lillian, he’s gorgeous. Half the girls on campus would sell their souls for a chance to be in your shoes. If he invites you, you have to say yes."

I stuffed my books into my backpack with more force than necessary. "If he asks, then sure. But I’m not holding my breath."

Beatrice sighed, leaning back against the oak tree as she stared wistfully at the invitation. "I wish I had your luck."

Standing, I slung my bag over my shoulder and shot her a sarcastic smile. "Don’t worry. I’ll send you pictures."

"You better," she called after me as I walked away.

I shook my head, laughing under my breath. The idea of Nathaniel inviting me was absurd. And even if he did, would he actually go? I wasn’t about to voice those doubts to Beatrice, though. No need to crush her romantic fantasies.

After exchanging goodbyes, I started walking toward the front of the campus. I doubted Sebastian would pick me up for our tutoring session this afternoon, so I was about to call an Uber. But just as I stepped out, a sleek black luxury car pulled up in front of me, and I froze.

The window rolled down, revealing Victoria’s grinning face behind the wheel. Another car idled behind hers—undoubtedly the Gamma warriors.

"Get in, sweetheart. We’re going shopping!" she teased.

I arched a brow. "Didn’t we just go shopping?" I asked, sliding into the passenger seat.

She nodded, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Oh, but this is different."

Before I could even fasten my seatbelt, the car sped away from campus.

I glanced at the rearview mirror. "I see the Gammas are following us."

Victoria smirked. "She has no choice."

A deep male voice suddenly spoke from the backseat, making me shriek and whirl around. There, lounging casually, were Marcus Grayson and Julian Mercer. Both looked startled by my reaction.

Once my racing heart settled, Marcus offered a sheepish grin. "Didn’t mean to scare you."

"Probably should’ve warned you we were here," Julian added with a chuckle.

Victoria laughed, clearly enjoying my shock. "Not taking any chances this time."

Shaking my head, I relaxed into my seat, laughing along. "Alright, so what are we shopping for this time?"

Her grin widened, and my stomach twisted with nervous anticipation.

"We’re dressing you for the Gala!" she announced triumphantly. "It’s this weekend, and you’re going as Nathaniel’s date!"