born a human; reborn a luna

Three

Chapter 03

Ivy Ezra.

The day of the wedding came faster than I could have prepared for. Every hour leading up to it felt like a blur, like I was being swept along a river I couldn't escape. How was I supposed to cope?

The ornate gown I wore was heavy, its golden embroidery shining with every step I took. The veil draped over my head felt suffocating, not just in weight but for the symbols it gave.

This wasn't a wedding I wanted. This wasn't a life I chose. I was in my perfect self. A human and easy going.

I stood up in front of the mirror in my chamber. Well, I could now address it as my chamber. I barely even know myself. There was nothing I hadn't tried, including slicing my bare skin to see if something would at least happen, but nothing did. The new soft auburn curls cascading over my shoulders, the head tiara was beautifully placed on my head and the Emerald necklace resting on my chest_it all felt like someone else’s dream.

Her Dream.

“Your Highness,” the maid, Clara, said softly from behind me. She had been my shadow since I woke up in this body, and her gentle presence was one of the few things keeping me from falling apart. “You look…radiant. Please don't have to look this way.”

I managed a weak smile. “Radiant,” I echoed, the word tasting bitter on my tongue.

A soft knock at the door interrupted us. My mother—or the woman who was supposed to be my mother….entered. Queen Adelaide was a vision of elegance, but her eyes were red, the corners damp with tears she hadn’t fully wiped away.

“Elsie,” she said, her voice trembling. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” I replied, my voice as void as I felt.

She stepped closer, reaching out to take my hands in hers. They were warm, trembling slightly.“I know this might not be easy for you. Since you just recovered from your illness.” she said in a low tone. “But these people will secure peace for our kingdom. You’re doing this for all of us. Making our pack members trust you.”

I swallowed hard, nodding even though her words didn't make any sense to me.

“I just wish…” She started with a shaking voice, making a single tear slide down her face. She quickly wiped it away, regaining her composure. “I wish you could be happy.”

“I’ll try,” I replied immediately, even though it didn't come from my mind.

I wasn't even happy to be here in the first place.

The ceremony was held in the grand Hall of the palace. One of the calmest places I had ever known since I appeared in the kingdom. Every corner was decorated with gold, white roses, and crystals.

I really felt as though I was clueless of whoever these people staring at me were.

Carl, the man I was getting married to, stood at the altar, his posture stagnant and unreadable. He looked every bit of an Alpha, if I might guess.

Strong and commanding.

Each step I took towards him felt heavier than the last. When I reached where he was, he stretched out a hand, and I placed mine in his, though the gesture felt foreign and cold.

The priest started the vows, his deep voice echoed into the hall and I barely heard his words, my mind too preoccupied with so many things.

“Do you, Princess Elsie, take Alpha Carl as your husband and mate, to stand beside him through thick and thin?”

I hesitated for a while, my eyes scanning the people who seemed to hold their breath.

“Yes,” I finally said, my voice above a whisper.

“And do you, Alpha Carl, take Princess Elsie as your wife and mate, to protect and honor her for all your days?”

“I do,” Carl said without hesitation, his voice steady and firm.

The rest of the ceremony went on without any scratch. The priest declared us husband and wife.

Carl led me out of the hall, his grip firm but cold even at that. The reception was extravagant, filled with music, laughter, and dancing, but I could barely bring myself to acknowledge it.

When they were finally done with whatever they had in mind, I was taken to a grand carriage that was waiting to take us to Carl's Pack. I ordered Clara to come along with me, because I knew she was more than my comfort zone.

The journey was quiet and cold. Carl didn't even say a word, his eyes were fixed outside the carriage all throughout the drive. I didn’t try to start a conversation. There was no point.

When we got to his pack, I was awed by the peace that welcomed me. The castle was decorated and more breathtaking than what I have always seen. Servants lined the entrance, bowing as we passed.

Carl turned to me briefly. “Clara will meet with the other maid assigned for you and will show you to your chambers. I have business to attend to.”

Without waiting for a response, he strode away, leaving me standing in the grand foyer.

Clara led me through the halls. We reached my chamber and she turned to me with a small smile.

“If you need anything, Your Highness, I will be outside,” she said.

“Thank you, Clara,” I replied, grateful for her presence.

I stepped into the room, scanning the environment before laying on the large bed. To be honest, it was well designed, but all of this wasn't okay for me. I badly wanted to be out of the foreign city.

A soft knock on the door jolted me out of my trance.

“Come in,” I said, expecting Clara.

Instead, a young woman entered, her bright eyes wide with excitement. My breath caught in my throat as I recognized her.

“Elizabeth,” I whispered in disbelief.