Luna Awakening

The surprise

Aria's POV

Even in my sleep, I never fail to recognize that voice on a first guess. I turn around and there she is; Mara Frovaste, the devil herself. She’s rocking the pink mini gown I helped Lucien pick out earlier today. Her wavy hair elegantly flows down her face, complimenting her oval facial appearance with a front bang perfectly sitting on her temple.

The silver accessories do a good job on her bronze-tanned skin, elevating her overall look. I have to admit, she never turns out looking this good if not for me.

Mara takes her seat beside me and I immediately know it can only mean one thing. Trouble. She never misses a chance to stir it up, and I also never miss a chance to get back at her for it.

“Aria, you did show up after all. Didn’t think you were going to come,” she says, helping herself to a drink. But I ignore her, seeing she isn’t worth the energy.

She places the wine glass on the table, her fingers resting at the bottom of the glass as she gently twirls the wine inside. It sparkles, catching the light from the surrounding area.

"For a low-ranking wolf of your status, I think my party should be the last place you'll come to." She continues, her voice rimmed with disdain. "But you do have guts Aria, always showing up to places you are not wanted."

I scoff at how crazy she sounds right now. I wish someone would give her the memo. She sounds completely stupid for a high-ranking wolf.

I lean in closer," Low-ranking wolf....hmm how unbelievable. You look like you're suffering from an identity crisis, way bigger than anyone else. I let a soft huff before continuing, "I know who I'm, Mara, and you or your rank got nothing on me."

Her smile wavers and she looks like cat got her tongue at this point. Just then, my phone buzzes, catching my attention. A voice message from Chloe; she must be around here somewhere.

Mara peels herself out of her seat ready to leave, but I don't let her get away so easily.

"And a little advice for you, Mara," I say, while she halts her step at my words. I peel myself out of my seat and head in her direction, stopping right in front of her.

"Don't mistake your rank for power over me." She doesn't speak, just smirks at me dangerous.

My eyes drift towards her dress and I gesture at it. "And when you see Lucien, tell him I didn't get any thanks for picking out such a lovely dress for you today."

She looks at me with disdain, her brows knitted together in anger. But I don't give a care about what she's going through her mind, as I take my leave to a less noisy corner of the hall. There, I play Chloe’s voice message. Her tone is laced with worry. She thinks I didn't show up for the party, when I’m right there.

I stroll out of the corner, my eyes scanning in all directions for Chloe. My phone pressed to my ear, I wait for the line to connect. It rings once, then she picks up.

“Aria, where the hell have you been? I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” she snaps immediately the lines connect.

“I’m at Mara’s party. Where are you?” My eyes scatter around, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, and I do. I see her pacing up and down in a champagne-colored dress.

“Don’t worry, I have seen you.” I cut the line just when she’s about to reply. As I walk in her direction, my peripheral vision catches a glimpse of Lucien and Mara together. Their hands snaked around each other, while Lucien looks breathtaking in his maroon velvet suit over plain black trousers. He looks even more handsome than he does on other random days. Both him and Mara are chit-chatting, she says something and the next minute they’re both laughing like hopeless romantics.

My breath hitches, fingers slightly twitching as I study their closeness. Mara almost catches me, but Chloe calls out to me, shifting my attention towards her. She waves and then begins heading in my direction. We close in on each other, and she immediately goes in for a hug. She pulls away, and now I can finally see her face.

“Aria, thank the moon goddess you made it.”

Her hands slide down my arms, cupping my elbow midway. She leans in close to whisper something into my ears.

“Guess whom I just met.” My eyes zero in on her, while her lips curl up in excitement.

“Who?” I ask, curiosity rimmed in my tone.

She slightly nudge my head in a playful manner. “You’re supposed to guess, silly.”

When I don’t seem to think of anyone, she blurts out, saving me the stress.

“It’s Drake.”

My jaw flexes just when she mentions the name. “Drake… You mean Drake, Raymond’s teammate?” She nods in approval, lips curled into a wide smile. We can’t help it anymore, when we let out a squeal together in excitement.

Chloe has had a crush on Drake for the longest time, and to crown it up, they never talk. She always hinted at his excellent skills during basketball practice and even cheered him on. Crazy, right? But let’s just say that’s Chloe for you; a die-hard fan and a sucker for love.

Chloe is about to dive into more details when the party host interrupts us. He tries to get everyone’s attention by kick-starting the party. The atmosphere in the room suddenly feels warm, everyone’s expressions lighting up as he follows through with every activity on the party menu.

Before I realize it, we’re halfway into the party. Then Lucien draws the host’s attention, whispers something into his ear, and gets called on stage for his speech.

He gets on stage and proceeds with his speech. Everyone cheers in excitement as he rains praises on Mara. I try to act unbothered, playing with my fingers, watching out for when all this will finally be over.

Just when I think it’s over; just his speech and nothing more; Lucien pulls another string. Someone steps onto the stage with a small box in hand, leaving me guessing at what his surprise is. Lucien takes the box and turns back to address the curious crowd.

“Alright guys, I just want to take this moment to surprise my amazing girlfriend with the keys to a brand-new car in this box. Parked outside for her.”

Wait… what? A car? Lucien has got to be kidding. My chest tightens as the crowd erupts in cheers around me.