Sunlight stread through the cracked windows of the cabin, filtering in golden rays across the floor.
Erald blinked awake slowly, still nestled beneath warm blankets and a heavier, warr body half-draped over her.
She shifted slightly and instantly regretted it.
Every part of her ached deliciously, and her wolf, still stretched and satisfied, let out a sleepy purr in the back of her mind. "Well," Viola’s voice said inside her head with a grin, "that was... vigorous."
’Don’t start.’
"Oh, I’m starting. Because that was insane, Em. We’re gonna need, like, a rotation schedule."
Erald ignored Viola and turned her head, only to find Ares already watching her, one brow slightly raised in amusent."Well," he murmured in a voice still gravelly from sleep, "look who’s finally awake."
"I was enjoying the silence," she teased.
"You an the aftermath of you nearly breaking my back last night?"
Erald laughed, elbowing him gently in the ribs. "You act like you didn’t enjoy it."
He smirked, lips brushing her collarbone. "I’m still enjoying it."
Viola’s voice chid in, loud and unfiltered in her mind. "Soooo... when’s round two? Or three? Or ten? Because I was counting, and last night was criminal."
’Not now, Viola,’ Erald thought with a ntal eye roll.
"Co on, Em. That growl? That last orgasm? I nearly died. I want to die like that again. Let’s gooo!"
Erald fought to keep a straight face as Ares pulled back slightly and narrowed his eyes. "What’s with the weird expression?"
"Nothing," she said quickly.
His smirk widened. "You’re definitely arguing with her."
"She’s being... enthusiastic."
He leaned down, brushing her lips with his. "Tell her she’ll get her encore when I’m done with the living version."
Erald couldn’t help the warmth that flooded her cheeks, so she tried turning away. Unfortunately, Ares already noticed her blush.
"You’re blushing."
"I’m not."
"You are. What is it? Thinking about last night?"
"Shut up."
He chuckled, his voice still raspy with sleep. "Admit it. You want another round before breakfast."
"Breakfast involves food, not you."
"Could be both."
She rolled over to glare at him. "You’re insufferable."
"And yet... you ca."
She threw a pillow at him, which he caught effortlessly and tucked under his head as he leaned back smugly.
"Still insufferable to ."
"I’m yours," he replied, then pressed a slow kiss to her jaw. "Sa thing."
Erald finally got out of bed, cleaned herself up, and got dressed. When she stepped outside, the rain had stopped, leaving the world glistening and soft under a light mist.
After sharing one last kiss at the cabin door, Ares led her through the now-cleared forest. The air felt fresh after the storm, and the scent of wet pine followed them all the way to the Crimson Howl pack borders.
They didn’t talk much on the way back, but sothing felt different. It was as if an unspoken connection had ford between them; one that was deeper than re attraction.
When they reached the outer gates of Adrien’s estate, Ares stopped.
"This is where I leave you," he said, eyes scanning the horizon.
"You’re not coming in?"
He smirked. "I already ca in you, my Queen. That’s enough for today."
She flushed instantly. "You’re disgusting."
"And yet, irresistible," he retorted. "You should know by now that I don’t do grand returns," he replied.
"You literally just threw over your shoulder like a barbarian twenty-four hours ago."
"That was different," he said with a smirk. "You were wet and adorable."
"You’re a nace," she said, shoving his chest gently.
He caught her wrist and kissed her knuckles. "And still your favourite."
Before she could reply, he moved and was out of sight in an instant.
Erald stood there for a mont, gathering herself before stepping into the estate.
Inside, it was chaos.
Guards hurried down hallways, servants rushed past carrying fabric, flowers, and silver trays. The estate, which was usually calm in the mornings, now buzzed with frantic energy.
Erald frowned, her eyes darting around.
Two maids nearly bumped into her, their arms full of folded white fabric.
"Excuse ," she said, trying to catch one’s attention.
The first didn’t stop. The second only offered a hurried reply. "Sorry, miss. We have to prepare!"
"Prepare for what?" she asked, but the maid was already gone.
Erald stood there, stunned.
Her stomach twisted.
She turned and began walking faster through the hallways. The polished floors echoed under her feet, the rush of activity only deepening her unease.
She hadn’t seen Adrien since she left him last night in her room. And while she was still angry... she had co back to speak with him. To tell him everything she found out about Seraphina.
But it was obvious that sothing big was going on.
Still damp from the foggy walk, she returned to her room, freshened up, and changed into a clean outfit. She tied her hair back tightly, brushed off her boots, and made her way to Adrien’s room.
But he wasn’t there.
The bed was made nicely, and the balcony doors were closed. There was no sign of him anywhere.
Erald’s frown deepened.
She walked the halls again, scanning every passing face. The estate was still alive with movent, but no one seed to notice her. They were too busy preparing for...
She paused as her eyes landed on a room just a few feet ahead... Seraphina’s door.
It was ajar.
Her gut told her to walk away, but she didn’t.
Erald approached slowly, the light from inside spilling onto the floor. She pushed the door open further, one part of her guessing she might find Adrien there.
But as she opened the door, her eyes landed on Seraphina, who was standing in the middle of the room, her arms stretched as a seamstress adjusted the fit of a white traditional dress.
White.
Not just any white, but wedding white.
The dress had beautiful embroidery with gold threads running through the bodice, and the train spread out behind her like a royal gown. Her hair was partly pulled up and decorated with pearls, and she wore a satisfied smile.
Seraphina turned slowly, eting Erald’s eyes calmly.
"Well, good morning," she said sweetly, like they hadn’t nearly clawed each other’s throats out the day before. "You’re just in ti."
Erald stared at her. "What... what’s going on?"
Seraphina tilted her head like it was obvious. "Oh? Haven’t you heard?"
"Heard what?"
"Adrien called an ergency eting late last night," Seraphina said, brushing imaginary dust off her sleeve. "He’s finally made his decision. Said the pack needed a Luna."
Erald’s fingers curled into fists at her sides. "And he picked you?"
Seraphina bead. "Of course."
Erald blinked, a laugh almost escaping her throat, but it never made it. She looked past her at the seamstress, who refused to et her gaze, her hands working quickly at the hem of the gown.
"You’re lying," Erald said. "He wouldn’t do that."
"Why don’t you go ask him?" Seraphina replied, turning slightly to check her reflection again. "He’s probably getting his fitting done right now."
Erald’s breath caught.
Her pulse quickened.
Viola pushed forward in alarm.
"Where is he?" she asked.
Seraphina’s voice followed her out. "Probably getting fitted, too. Can’t have the groom looking underdressed."
Erald spun on her heel and ran.
She bolted through the hallway, pushing past servants and decorators alike. The scent of fresh-cut flowers and perfu overwheld her, but her focus never shifted.
Her heart pounded in her chest.
Please. No. It couldn’t be true.
She turned a corner and crashed into a maid carrying a tray of white roses. The flowers scattered across the floor, but Erald didn’t care.
She grabbed the girl’s arm. "Where is Alpha Adrien?"
The maid flinched, startled. "H-he’s... in the formal fitting room... east wing... down the second hall!"
Erald didn’t thank her. She didn’t have ti.
She rushed to the east wing, turned down a corridor, and stopped in front of a tall wooden door.
Her hands were trembling as she shoved it open.
As the door swung wide, her breath caught in her throat, and her worst fears were confird when she saw Adrien in a tux, looking every bit the charming prince.
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