Chapter 10: A Masked Goodbye
1246 Words
Aurora was lost in thought, gazing out the window, when a soft knock on her door broke her trance. Dorothy’s voice followed from the other side.
“Aurora, the Silver Moon Pack representative is here. Alpha Steve has summoned you — and he said to bring your belongings with you when you come down.”
“I’m coming, Dorothy. Thank you,” Aurora called back.
She turned to the mirror, studying her reflection. Her sapphire eyes were tired but calm. She smoothed her dress, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and took a steadying breath.
“It’s time to go and do our best,” she whispered aloud, speaking not just to herself but to the voice within her — her wolf. “As much as possible, we have to mask ourselves, avoid conflict, and obey Father’s instructions.”
“We will,” Mystic replied gently. “But I fear we might break our promise if anyone shows us hostility. You know I won’t allow us to be looked down on.”
“I know,” Aurora murmured. “But we’ll try. Just for a little while longer.”
With that, she picked up her suitcase and opened the door, stepping into the hall for what might be the last time as the forgotten daughter of the Dark Moon Pack.
As Aurora descended the stairs, her attention was drawn to a stunning young woman standing near the base. She was around Aurora’s age, perhaps a little older, with long, wavy amber hair that framed a face full of mischief and confidence. Her hazelnut-colored eyes gleamed with warmth, and her outfit — a leather mini-skirt paired with a white halter top and high boots — exuded boldness. Aurora instantly sensed the strength in her presence.
Alpha Steve stepped forward with a small nod.
“Aurora, I’d like you to meet Minona Warwick, daughter of Beta Demetri and sister to Damon from the Silver Moon Pack. She’ll be representing their pack alongside you. Minona, this is Aurora Moondrake, our ambassador.”
“Hi! It’s so nice to meet you, Minona,” Aurora greeted with a soft smile.
Minona’s eyes widened with delight. “Oh, wow! I’m glad to meet you too, Aurora. You’re even more beautiful than my brother described. Though, honestly, I think ‘gorgeous’ is a better word.”
Aurora blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Minona’s voice. A light blush warmed her cheeks.
Before she could respond, a pair of footsteps approached. Madeline entered with Sebastian beside her, fingers interlaced. The sight of her sister being complimented so openly made Madeline’s stomach twist.
Plastering a sugary smile on her face, Madeline strode forward and pulled Aurora into an embrace.
“Good luck, little sister,” she said sweetly. “I’ll miss you so much. Take care, and see you in two weeks.”
But her mindlink betrayed her venom.
“You’re a fool if you believe any of this. Stop daydreaming, bitch.”
Aurora didn’t react. She simply returned the embrace, her face blank. Minona, meanwhile, had caught the brief glare of Madeline’s eyes toward her. Her instincts prickled.
Minona turned and rushed into a hug with Sebastian.
“Alpha! Please take care of my i***t brother. And make sure he stays away from any sluts while I’m gone!” she said, nudging him with a wink.
Sebastian laughed. “Your brother knows how to behave. He’s saving himself for his fated mate — stubborn as always.”
He then gestured to Madeline. “Oh, Minona — this is Madeline, Aurora’s older sister. She’s my chosen mate and future Luna.”
Minona blinked, the smile freezing on her face for a heartbeat. She gave a curt nod.
“Of course,” she said dryly. “Nice to meet you.”
Madeline stepped forward as if to greet her more properly, but before she could speak, Minona deliberately walked past her — bumping her hard on the shoulder.
“Oh! Sorry, my bad,” Minona said lightly. “Didn’t see you there.”
Madeline’s smile tightened, but she kept her composure. “It’s alright. Didn’t hurt at all.”
Sebastian’s brow furrowed, and he immediately mindlinked Minona.
“Hey! What was that? She’s going to be your Luna.”
“That was just my way of saying hello,” Minona replied, smirking.
“You’re impossible. I must’ve been crazy picking you for this.”
“You love me for it,” she teased before closing the link.
Aurora had watched the exchange unfold, silent but observant. Something about Minona’s boldness was... refreshing. She wasn’t afraid to challenge what others simply tolerated.
As they stepped outside, Minona led the way to the sleek black car waiting in the driveway. Damon leaned against it, arms crossed casually. When he saw Aurora, he moved to take her suitcase.
Minona hopped into the front seat. Aurora paused, turning back toward her family. Luna Martina gave a subtle nod of farewell — cold and emotionless, as always. But Alpha Steve surprised her. He stepped forward and pulled her into a hug, placing a kiss on her forehead.
“Make me proud, Aurora. Be a good girl. And remember — no shifting.”
Aurora hesitated, her heart caught in the rare softness of his tone.
“I will, Father,” she responded quietly, then turned away.
She slid into the backseat, and Damon started the car. As the estate disappeared in the rearview mirror, Aurora felt a strange flutter of freedom. The silence in the car was quickly broken by Minona’s laughter.
“I still can’t believe you did that,” Damon said between chuckles.
Minona grinned. “What? I barely nudged her.”
“Sebastian mindlinked me,” Damon said. “He already regrets sending you.”
“That’s his problem,” Minona scoffed. “You both know I don’t start drama unless someone deserves it.”
Aurora listened quietly, smiling to herself.
“I like her,” Mystic said with a chuckle.
“Me too,” Aurora replied.
Damon caught Aurora’s expression in the mirror and cleared his throat.
“Sorry about all the... drama.”
“I’m not sorry,” Minona interjected. “She had it coming.”
Aurora laughed softly. “I don’t mind. Honestly... I agree.”
Minona turned in her seat, her eyes twinkling. “See? Aurora gets it. So — how old are you?”
“I’ll be eighteen in three months,” Aurora said.
“No way! I just turned eighteen last month,” Minona said brightly. “Have you met your mate yet?”
Aurora shook her head. “Not yet.”
“Well, don’t worry,” Minona said. “It’ll happen when you least expect it. I’m still waiting, too. I hope he’s hot and respectful.”
Damon groaned playfully. “I feel bad for the poor bastard already.”
Minona stuck her tongue out. “He’ll be lucky, and you know it.”
The three of them laughed, the car filling with a rare warmth that Aurora hadn’t felt in ages. No one was demanding. No one was cruel. No one told her she was unworthy.
Just for this moment, she belonged.
As the car curved along the path leading to the Royal Palace, the trees parted to reveal the distant silhouette of the grand structure — towers glowing under the early morning sun. It felt like the beginning of something new.
And for Aurora... it was.
- Writer
