The Silver Moon Heiress

Chapter 5

Elara pov:

The next day arrived faster than I expected.

The pack house was overflowing with excitement. Music echoed through the halls, servants rushed in every direction, and guests continued arriving for the shifting ceremony. Everyone was smiling, laughing, and celebrating.

Everyone except me.

While the others enjoyed the party, I was responsible for making sure everything ran perfectly. I hurried from one task to another, carrying trays, arranging decorations, checking the food, and answering every order thrown my way. There wasn't even a moment to catch my breath.

If everything went well, no one would notice the work I had done.

But if even the smallest thing went wrong...

Everyone would blame me for ruining the celebration.

Still, for the first time in years, I couldn't stop myself from feeling excited.

Today wasn't only Aveline's shifting ceremony.

It was mine too.

Of course, no one in my family remembered that.

Or perhaps...

They simply didn't care.

A small smile found its way onto my lips despite the ache in my heart.

I wondered what my first shift would feel like.

Everyone said it was painful, as though every bone in your body shattered before being put back together. Others described it as the most beautiful feeling they had ever experienced.

Which one was true?

Would it hurt as much as they said?

Or would it be a little less?

I didn't know.

But I couldn't wait to find out.

For months, I had secretly saved every coin I could. Skipping little things for myself until I finally had enough to buy a dress for this special day.

It was a simple yet beautiful gown.

Royal blue and white, decorated with delicate beads that shimmered whenever the light touched them.

The moment I saw it, I fell in love with it.

Just once...

I wanted to look beautiful.

Not as the unwanted daughter.

Not as the servant everyone ignored.

Just... Elara.

I only hoped I would have enough time to change before the moon reached its peak.

"Elara!"

A sharp voice pulled me back to reality.

I sighed quietly before hurrying toward the next task.

There was still so much to do.

And the ceremony hadn't even begun.

After hours of running around the pack house, I finally finished every task that had been assigned to me.

I looked around one last time, making sure everything was in its place before quietly slipping away to my room.

My heart fluttered with excitement.

Carefully, I took out the dress I had bought with months of savings.

The royal blue and white gown shimmered softly beneath the candlelight. Tiny white beads decorated the bodice, sparkling like stars against the dark blue fabric.

I slipped into the dress, brushed my hair, and applied a light touch of makeup. Nothing extravagant—just enough to make me feel presentable.

When I looked into the cracked mirror hanging on my wall, I smiled.

For once...

I didn't see a servant staring back at me.

I saw a girl who was about to celebrate one of the most important nights of her life.

Taking a deep breath, I walked toward the grand hall.

Tonight...

I wanted to be there as a guest.

Not as the maid everyone ordered around.

The hall was alive with music and laughter. Noble families from neighboring packs chatted happily while children ran around the decorated pillars.

For the first time that evening, I allowed myself to admire the beautiful celebration.

Unfortunately...

That moment didn't last long.

"Elara."

I froze.

I knew that voice all too well.

Turning around, I found my stepmother walking toward me. A polite smile rested on her lips for the sake of the guests, but her eyes were cold.

She stopped in front of me, her gaze slowly traveling from my face to my dress.

Her expression darkened for the briefest second.

"So," she said sweetly, "you actually found time to get dressed."

"Yes, Lady Sienna."

She folded her arms.

"The banquet tables."

"I checked every table before coming here. The food has been served, the desserts are arranged, and the drinks have already been refilled."

She gave a slow nod.

"The guest rooms?"

"Every room has clean bedding, fresh towels, and scented candles. I made sure they were prepared before sunset."

"The flower arrangements?"

"I replaced the wilted flowers this afternoon and watered the fresh ones."

"The musicians?"

"I informed them when the guests began arriving. They're following the schedule you approved."

She narrowed her eyes slightly.

"And the ceremonial hall?"

"I swept it myself. The torches have been lit, the platform has been decorated, and the elders' seats are exactly where you requested."

She remained silent for a moment.

Then she continued.

"The kitchen."

"The last course is being prepared. I also checked that enough food was made for the visiting packs."

"The wine?"

"The servants have already placed it in the dining hall."

"The gifts for Aveline?"

"They've been arranged beside the ceremonial stage."

"The Moon Priestess?"

"I escorted her to the private waiting room nearly an hour ago."

Each answer seemed to frustrate her a little more.

She had expected me to forget something.

Anything.

A reason to humiliate me in front of everyone.

But I hadn't.

She took one slow step closer until only a few inches separated us.

"Are you absolutely certain?" she asked quietly.

"Yes, Lady Sienna."

Her smile tightened.

For a brief moment, I thought she might invent another task just to send me away.

Instead, she looked me up and down once more.

Her gaze lingered on my royal blue gown.

On the beads I had carefully sewn back into place after buying it.

On the small smile I couldn't quite hide.

Something unreadable flashed across her face.

Then, with a smile that never reached her eyes, she said,

"Very well."

She leaned closer, lowering her voice so only I could hear.

"But remember your place."

Without another word, she turned and walked away, greeting the nearby guests as though nothing had happened.

I let out a slow breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.

For now...

She couldn't find a single excuse to send me away.

But somehow...

I had a feeling the night was only beginning.

Someone's hands slipped around my waist from behind as warm breath brushed against my ear.

"What a pretty guest," a teasing voice whispered.

I rolled my eyes before turning around.

"Isla."

She grinned without a hint of guilt, her hazel eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I was expecting a scream," she complained dramatically.

"You've been trying to scare me since we were twelve. At this point, I recognize your footsteps."

She pouted. "You're no fun."

"And you're impossible."

Her gaze slowly traveled over my dress before she placed a hand over her heart.

"Can I just say... wow."

"What?"

"You look beautiful, Elara."

Heat crept to my cheeks.

"Don't exaggerate."

"I'm serious." She gently fixed a loose strand of my hair. "If anyone says otherwise, they're either blind or jealous."

I laughed softly.

"You always know what to say."

"That's because it's true." She nudged my shoulder playfully. "Besides, tonight everyone is going to notice you."

"I'd rather they didn't."

"Why? Afraid someone handsome will fall in love with you?"

I snorted.

"I'm more afraid Sienna will throw me out before the night is over."

Isla glanced across the hall where Sienna was entertaining guests with her polished smile.

"I already saw her looking at you," Isla murmured. "She wasn't happy."

"When is she ever happy to see me?"

"Good point."

For a brief moment, we both laughed.

Then Isla leaned in a little closer, lowering her voice.

"Still... be careful tonight."

Her smile hadn't disappeared, but I knew her well enough to notice the concern hidden behind it.

"I have a bad feeling."

I frowned.

"About what?"

"I don't know." She looked around the crowded ballroom before meeting my eyes again. "Everything feels... strange. Too many important guests. Too many guards. And everyone keeps whispering."

I glanced around the hall.

The music was elegant, people were smiling, and servants moved between the guests with trays of drinks.

Everything looked perfectly normal.

"I think you're imagining things," I said.

"I hope I am."

She looped her arm through mine with a grin that returned as quickly as it had faded.

"Enough serious talk. Come on."

"Where?"

"Food first. Worry later."

I laughed despite myself.

"Now that's the Isla I know."

"Exactly." She winked. "No one should face a fancy party on an empty stomach."

Shaking my head, I let her pull me deeper into the ballroom, completely unaware that before the night ended, my life would change forever.