Three
1634 Words
MORGANA'S POV
The Crestwood Pack Palace was more alive during banquets than during war councils.
Music echoed through the enormous marble banquet hall while servants moved gracefully between noble guests carrying silver trays filled with wine and roasted venison. Crystal chandeliers crafted from enchanted moonstones illuminated the hall with a soft bluish glow, making the entire palace seem dreamlike beneath the approaching night.
Outside, the palace gardens stretched endlessly beneath the silver light of the rising moon.
Every banquet followed the same pattern. The elders gathered inside discussing politics, territory disputes, rogue activity, and future alliances while pretending not to notice the younger generation sneaking glances at one another across the hall.
And the younger wolves?
They treated banquets like mating season. Young warriors puffed their chests proudly, showing off their strength and wolf dominance. Noble she-wolves laughed delicately behind their fans while subtly releasing sweet pheromones into the air.
Then once the elders became drunk enough or bored enough to leave…The real entertainment began.
Couples disappeared into the gardens in pairs, slipping beneath willow trees or behind decorative rock formations where moonlight barely reached. By dawn, rumors would spread faster than wildfire about who had kissed who beneath the Moon Goddess' blessing.
It was shameless. Ridiculous. But honestly? It amused me endlessly.
I sat beneath a pavilion near the eastern garden lake, sheltered from the harsh sunlight by silk curtains fluttering lazily in the breeze. A painted fan rested in my hand as I watched the young nobles flirt openly around the garden paths.
A sly smile tugged at my lips.
The self-proclaimed “gentle” young masters were especially entertaining. During daytime they behaved like honorable future Alphas before their parents. At night? They became desperate wolves chasing after pretty she-wolves through dark gardens.
“Heavens,” I muttered softly to myself, “they don't even know how obvious they are.”
“Big sister!” Eve's irritated voice shattered my amusement instantly.
I sighed inwardly.
My troublesome little sister stood beside me with her arms crossed tightly over her chest. The crimson gown she wore today attracted attention everywhere she walked, making her resemble a blooming red rose surrounded by lesser flowers.
“Don't just sit here like this!” she scolded sharply. “If you see a man you like, then approach him quickly.” Her beautiful eyes narrowed. “I hate that innocent expression of yours the most.”
My head immediately began aching. Eve truly loved lecturing others. If she became Luna one day, the entire palace would probably suffer from endless criticism.
I had just opened my mouth to reply when her attention suddenly shifted toward the stone pathway ahead. Someone had entered the garden. Eve's expression changed instantly. Excitement flashed across her face.
“Big sister,” she warned quietly, “don't forget why you came tonight.”
Before I could respond, she lifted her skirts and hurried away after the familiar figure disappearing beyond the willow trees.
I watched her retreating back before smiling knowingly.
Ah. Another young couple was about to find somewhere “private.”
The moon had not even fully risen yet and already the garden was becoming lively. I leaned back comfortably against the pavilion railing.
Truthfully, I had no expectations tonight.
My wolf had remained silent for eighteen years.
No mate bond. No recognition. Nothing. Most werewolves discovered their destined mate the moment their wolf fully matured. Yet mine behaved as though it simply did not exist. Sometimes I wondered if the Moon Goddess had forgotten me entirely. But honestly, I no longer cared.
The reactions around me already revealed enough truth. Everyone attending tonight's banquet knew my situation, which was precisely why no man approached me. Noble wolves avoided wasting time on an unwanted daughter with no political value. And unlike Eve, I would never shamelessly chase after men myself. My carefully built image would collapse instantly.
Once Eve disappeared completely, I quietly pulled a small wine gourd from my sleeve.
A satisfied smile spread across my face. Finally, peace.
I took a slow sip of the sweet fruit wine, enjoying the cool breeze drifting across the lake. Then suddenly–My smile froze.
Not far from the pavilion stood a familiar figure dressed in black royal robes. Tall. Lazy posture. Fox-like eyes filled with amusement.
The moment I recognized him, my entire body stiffened.
“Zack,” I hissed under my breath.
My expression darkened immediately.
“This Little devil.”
Without hesitation, I rose from my seat and fled the pavilion. The farther away I stayed from this disaster, the better. Otherwise, three years of carefully maintaining my gentle and docile reputation would burn to ashes within moments.
As I hurried through the garden pathways, panic slowly rose inside me.
“Wait…” I muttered softly. “Wasn't Zack supposed to be in Namalia? Why had he suddenly returned to Crestwood”?
Unfortunately for me, Prince Zack had already spotted the familiar fleeing figure. And naturally...He followed.
I walked quickly beneath rows of silver willow trees, glancing around cautiously while still forcing myself to maintain graceful movements.
Even while escaping, I could not forget my image. If someone witnessed the Beta's eldest daughter running wildly through the palace gardens, rumors would spread before sunrise.
Eventually, I stopped near an artificial rock mountain hidden deep within the gardens. The area was secluded, quiet and perfect for my hiding.
Breathing softly, I sat against the cool stone wall while trying to calm my nerves.
Why had Zack suddenly returned?
That man was dangerous. Not physically but mentally. No one destroyed peace faster than the Ninth Prince.
As I sat thinking, strange sounds suddenly echoed from behind the rock mountain.
Soft moans. Heavy breathing.
“A-Ah... gentler...” a young woman's voice whimpered breathlessly.
“I missed you too much,” a man answered hoarsely.
“You'll ruin my dress—ah!”
My eyes widened.
Curiosity instantly won against common sense.
Carefully, I leaned toward a narrow opening between the stones and peeked through. The moment I saw the scene behind the rocks, my face burned hot.
A man had one hand pressed against the stone while the other gripped a woman's waist possessively. Their bodies were pressed dangerously close together beneath the shadows. Then the woman turned her head slightly. And I froze.
Eve.
My little sister's cheeks were flushed crimson while Prince Mark buried kisses along her neck.
I blinked slowly. Then suddenly...I understood everything.
No wonder Eve walked around confidently like the future Luna already belonged to her. The Thirteenth Prince was completely wrapped around her finger.
A sly smile curled onto my lips. Interesting. Very interesting.
Quickly, I stepped away from the rocks.
“It would truly be a shame if someone accidentally ruined such a beautiful moment.” I murmured while fanning myself lazily.
Still amused, I turned without paying attention qnd slammed directly into someone's chest.
Strong hands immediately steadied my waist. My smile vanished instantly. Slowly, I lifted my head.
Prince Zack stared down at me wearing the most infuriating smug smile imaginable.
Before I could scream at him, he quickly covered my mouth with one hand and dragged me deeper into the gardens.
“Zack!” I shouted once he released me. “Let go of me!”
Instead of apologizing, he laughed.
“I knew it,” he said lazily. “The eldest daughter of the Anderson household could never truly be gentle and docile.” His teasing eyes scanned me openly. “In my memories, you are a tiny wild kitten with sharp claws and sharper teeth.”
He paused dramatically.
“Though now...The kitten has become an old cat.” His lips curved wickedly
I clenched my fists immediately. Violence. I desired violence. But years of training held me back. Barely thou.
“I didn't expect the famous Lady Morgana to secretly enjoy spying on couples in intimate situations.” he continued mockingly.
His laughter echoed through the quiet garden again.
I stared at him coldly while memories resurfaced.
Three years ago, before I perfected my obedient act, Zack had treated teasing me like his favorite hobby. The devil enjoyed provoking people until they exploded.
Taking a deep breath, I forced a graceful smile onto my face.
“Ninth Prince is absolutely correct.”
Prince Zack. The Alpha's's ninth son. Twenty-one years old. Known throughout the pack as the “Gentle Prince.” Kind-hearted. Elegant. Refined. A man adored by both nobles and commoners.
Unfortunately for the Pack…Every single one of those descriptions was a lie.
I knew the real Zack.
And the real Zack was a shameless scoundrel hiding beneath a perfect mask.
Suddenly, footsteps approached nearby. Prince Mark emerged from behind the rock mountain alone, clearly leaving first to avoid suspicion.
The moment he noticed Zack and me together, panic flashed across his face.
“B…Big brother?” Mark asked stiffly. “Why are you here?”
I nearly laughed.
Zack's expression transformed instantly. In the blink of an eye, the teasing devil disappeared and the Pack's elegant Ninth Prince appeared instead. The speed of his acting was terrifying.
“I was just heading back toward the palace,” Zack lied smoothly before glancing toward me. “Coincidentally, Lady Morgana was heading there as well, so we spoke together along the way.”
Then he smiled gently.
“Lady Morgana is quite beautiful and intelligent.”
I nearly choked on my own breathing. Inside, I cursed him viciously. Outwardly, I smiled sweetly.
“Ninth Prince flatters me,” I replied softly. “You are the truly brilliant one.”
I wanted this Little devil dead Immediately. Preferably by lightning strike.
Mark visibly relaxed, clearly believing Zack and I had not seen him earlier.
Poor boy.
- Writer
