Chapter 8
1371words
Or not.
Last night's conversation echoed in my mind. Kane's proposal. The truth. The choice.
This morning, I was sent back to the maid's quarters as if nothing had happened. Gwen sent someone to make sure I was "recovering well," her fake concern almost making me sick.
"You look much better," she said with a false smile, checking for any signs of shifting. "Must have been food poisoning."
I lowered my head, pretending to be weak. "Yes, my lady. Thank you for your concern."
She nodded, satisfied. "Make sure you're able to attend the ceremony tonight. I need my best maid present."
Best maid. I almost laughed.
Now, the palace buzzed with activity. Servants rushed to complete final preparations. My parents worked in the kitchen, preparing the menu I had designed. They had no idea what might happen tonight.
My wrist ached, the mark glowing beneath my skin. I quickly pulled down my sleeve to hide it.
"Gina!" the head cook called. "Take these appetizers to the great hall. The guests have arrived."
I nodded, picking up the tray of elegant food. Deep breath. This might be the last time I served as a maid.
The great hall was decorated lavishly. Flowers, ribbons, and candles adorned every corner. Pack members wore their finest clothes, talking and laughing. The elders sat on the platform, the Alpha in the center, his expression serious.
I moved through the crowd, offering food and drinks, trying to remain unnoticed. But I could feel certain eyes on me. Old Martha watched me, understanding in her eyes. Several elders whispered, occasionally glancing in my direction.
Then Kane appeared.
He wore a formal black suit with the family crest on his chest. He looked painfully handsome, every inch the Alpha heir.
Our eyes met briefly, electricity running through my body. He nodded slightly, a silent question in his eyes.
Are you ready?
I wasn't sure.
Gwen entered with her father Marcus, causing a wave of admiration. She wore an elaborate white dress, her hair in a complex updo decorated with pearls and flowers. She truly looked like a princess ready to meet her destiny.
"What a beautiful couple," a guest commented as I passed.
"Destined," another replied.
My wrist suddenly burned painfully, the tray almost slipping from my hands. The mark was glowing, visible through my sleeve. I quickly retreated to a corner, trying to control it.
"Are you alright?" a voice asked. It was old Martha.
"The mark," I whispered, "it's out of control."
She looked at my glowing wrist, then glanced around to ensure no one noticed. "The prophecy is fulfilling itself. The Moon Shadow Wolf is awakening."
"What should I do?"
"Follow your heart," she said simply, then left to attend other guests.
Music started, and the feast officially began. I continued serving, but it became increasingly difficult to hide my mark. Its glow grew stronger, my sleeve no longer able to completely conceal it.
Several guests began to notice, whispering. An elder frowned at my wrist, then turned to the Alpha and said something quietly.
The Alpha's gaze locked on me, warning in his eyes. He knew. He knew who I was and that I might ruin tonight's plans.
After dinner, the Alpha stood to announce the beginning of the ceremony.
"Today, we celebrate my son Kane Blackwood's twenty-first birthday. As tradition dictates, he will choose his mate, fulfilling the prophesied union."
The crowd cheered. Gwen stood beside her father, smiling confidently.
"Kane," the Alpha continued, "please come forward."
Kane walked to the center, standing before everyone. He looked calm and determined, but I could feel his inner tension.
"Tonight," the Alpha said, "my son will choose his mate, fulfilling the prophecy: the Beta's daughter shall unite with the Alpha, bringing peace to the pack."
He gestured to Gwen. "Gwen Stone, daughter of Marcus Stone, please come forward."
Gwen walked gracefully to Kane's side. The perfect couple, at least on the surface.
"Now," the Alpha announced, "let us witness the choosing ceremony."
Kane stepped forward, facing everyone. This was the moment of decision. My heart pounded.
"Tonight," he began, his voice clear and strong, "I stand before you not only as the Alpha's son but as a wolf becoming a man."
The crowd quieted, listening intently.
"For years, we've been told of the prophecy: the Beta's daughter shall unite with the Alpha, bringing peace. But the true words of the prophecy have been hidden."
The Alpha suddenly stood. "Kane, this is not the time to discuss ancient texts."
"On the contrary, Father," Kane said firmly, "this is exactly when truth should be revealed."
He pulled a piece of parchment from his pocket. "These are the true words of the original prophecy: 'When the Alpha's son reaches his twenty-first year, he shall be bound to his true mate, marked by the crescent moon. The Beta's daughter with the blood of the Moon Shadow Wolf shall bring peace through fire and pain. Beware the false claim, for it brings only destruction.'"
The crowd began to whisper. Marcus's face turned ashen.
"For years," Kane continued, "we've been told that Gwen Stone is the Beta's daughter in the prophecy. But the prophecy speaks of the Beta's daughter with Moon Shadow Wolf blood, marked by the crescent moon."
He rolled up his sleeve, revealing the red crescent mark on his wrist. The crowd gasped.
"True mates bear matching marks," he said, "and I have found my true mate."
Gwen's face twisted with anger. "This is impossible! The prophecy speaks of me!"
Kane shook his head. "The prophecy speaks of a Beta's daughter. Your father is the current Beta, but before your birth, there was another."
All eyes turned to Marcus, whose expression was between anger and fear.
"Sixteen years ago," Kane continued, "Jonathan Hill was our Beta. He had a daughter born with the mark of the Moon Shadow Wolf. To protect her from those who feared this rare bloodline, he gave up his position and hid his identity."
My father. He was talking about my father.
Surprised murmurs erupted from the crowd. I saw my parents standing at the kitchen doorway, shock and fear on their faces.
"This is absurd!" Marcus shouted. "Jonathan Hill is just a cook! His daughter can't even shift!"
"Because her abilities were suppressed," Kane said calmly, "but the Moon Shadow bloodline cannot be hidden forever."
His gaze swept the room, finally landing on me.
"Gina Hill, please come forward."
The entire room fell silent. Everyone turned to look at me, their eyes filled with varying degrees of shock, doubt, and curiosity.
I stood frozen, my legs feeling like lead. This was it. No turning back.
Taking a deep breath, I set down my tray and walked toward the center. Each step felt like eternity.
When I stood before Kane, he extended his hand to me. "Show them your mark."
I rolled up my sleeve, revealing the silver crescent glowing on my wrist. It perfectly matched Kane's red mark, shining for all to see.
Surprised exclamations erupted from the crowd.
"This is impossible!" Gwen screamed. "She's just a maid! An Omega who can't shift!"
"Are you sure about that?" Kane asked, challenge in his eyes.
He took my hand, our marks touching. The familiar warmth spread through my body, but stronger this time. I felt my wolf awakening inside, yearning to be released.
"Let it out," Kane whispered, "don't suppress it anymore."
I closed my eyes, fully embracing my inner wolf for the first time. Heat spread from my core, and I felt myself beginning to change. Not a partial shift, but a complete one.
When I opened my eyes again, I knew they had turned to wolf eyes. My senses sharpened; I could smell everyone in the room, hear their heartbeats.
The Alpha stood, shock on his face. "Moon Shadow Wolf," he whispered, "the legend is true."
Kane faced everyone, his voice firm and clear.
"I choose my true mate," he announced, his gaze falling on me, the entire hall falling into shocked silence.
