~Ella~

"Done with work?"


I felt nervous. "Did you come specially to pick me up?"

"Yes." He opened the car door with gentlemanly grace. "Tired?"

"I'm fine." I got into the car awkwardly, remembering what the owner had said—


"Our Alpha has never loved someone this much."

Love. The neon lights outside shimmered brilliantly, reflecting Caden's handsome profile on the window.


Did he really... love me?

"What are you looking at?" Caden turned and our eyes met. I frantically looked away. "Nothing, just noticed something in your hair."

"Then help me check it." He suddenly leaned closer, his face—handsome enough to make anyone swoon—magnified before my eyes.

I swallowed hard and placed my hand in his hair. I barely dared meet his gaze, knowing if our eyes met, I'd want to pounce on him and kiss those perfect lips.

I really had gone mad.

Suddenly the car braked, and I lurched forward, accidentally kissing him!

My eyes widened, even my eyelashes trembling. Caden lowered his gaze, held my waist, and deepened the kiss.

That was it—I was getting dizzy again.

The sounds of breathing and swallowing grew louder, our hearts pounding chaotically, until Marcus coughed lightly. "Alpha, we've arrived at the estate."

I could feel Caden deliberately suppressing his desire, his gaze fixed on me. I pushed him away and got out of the car, my face burning. "I-I'll go check on Finn."

"All right."
——

On the night of the full moon, golden light radiated from the sky, bathing the entire estate in its glow.

Looking at myself in the mirror wearing a white formal dress, I felt nervous.

Beside me, Finn, already in his formal attire, said happily: "Mom, you look so beautiful, just like a bride. Are you going to marry Dad tonight?"

I pinched his little cheek. "What are you thinking? You're the main character tonight."

"But all the aunties were saying Dad is going to propose to you tonight."

I looked out at the round moon tinged with blood-red, and for some reason, I felt worried.

Tonight, will I really be the Luna that the Alpha announces?

Will everything go smoothly?

A knock came at the door. The High Priest stood in the hallway. She placed a silver goblet on a tray and instructed the maid beside her.

"The Alpha's curse has shown signs of resurgence lately. Take this cup of wine to the Alpha's room."

"Yes." The maid lowered her head and walked away. She kept her head down, wearing a wolf tribe mask on the right side of her face.

I couldn't see clearly, but that voice sounded familiar.

"Let's go, Miss Ella. The Alpha and Finn need to meet with the elders. We'll head to the party first."

I nodded. At the party, guests mingled among beautiful flower arrangements, surrounded by delicious food and fine wine.

If Finn were here, he'd be dancing with joy.

Suddenly cheers erupted from the crowd. The High Priest smiled. "The Alpha and young Master Finn have arrived."

With gentle, melodious music playing, Caden stood on the platform holding Finn's hand. He wore a bespoke suit, looking imposing and handsome.

The only thing out of place was his somber expression—he didn't seem happy.

My heart twinged with concern. The High Priest leaned closer. "Are you alright, Ella?"

"I don't know why, but I've had a bad feeling all day."

"Don't worry," the High Priest reassured me. "Everything will go smoothly."

The music stopped. Caden led Finn forward and announced coldly: "Tonight I will announce two important matters. First, my cub, Finn Warwick, will officially become the Alpha heir of the Warwick family."

All clan members applauded, showing their approval of Finn.

Finn looked at me with a brilliant smile.

"Second, I will choose my lifelong mate here, my Luna, hoping she will accept my proposal."

The room fell silent. All eyes turned toward me with looks of blessing, and I couldn't help feeling nervous.

Alpha Caden descended from the platform, walking deliberately toward me. I took a deep breath, and just as I was smiling and preparing to step forward, he coldly walked past me.

The smile froze on my face.

"What?"

"What the hell?"

The other werewolves were shocked. Caden kept his eyes straight ahead, walking to a woman in a black formal dress with a black veil, and took her hand.

My heart trembled. "Nova?"

The memory flashed—that maid was Nova!

Nova followed Caden shyly, and as she passed me, she flashed a victorious look. "Ella, you're not worthy of the Alpha at all."

Caden's voice rang out deep and loud: "From now on, Nova will become my Luna. As for that lowly human woman Ella, expel her from the Warwick manor at once!"

Around us was deathly silence. My eyes blurred with pain and betrayal.

My body swayed, and Marcus rushed to support me. "Alpha, what are you doing?" he asked in confusion. "Ella is your Luna!"

"Have you forgotten? Even when suffering from the curse, you couldn't bear to mark her. You said you wanted to give Miss Ella official status."

Caden waved his hand, and Marcus flew backward, crashing to the ground.

"Anyone who objects will be expelled along with her!"

The High Priest stood frozen, and Finn tried to run to me but was caught by her.

"From today on, Nova is your mother!" The Caden before me had become a stranger.

Nova happily clutched Caden's arm. "Alpha, is this the surprise you mentioned earlier?"

My tears fell slowly. Was everything he'd done before just to take my child away?