Chapter 2 Chapter 2

ANNA'S POV

As the time for the coronation drew near, my heart thumped so hard I thought it might burst. Prince Elijah had told me not to miss it—not for anything in the world. I couldn’t imagine doing so. It would look extremely terrible if I was late and he would think I was selfish or careless.

I couldn’t let that happen tonight.

But here I was, still scrubbing the floor, moving furniture, wiping dust off the surfaces of my stepmother’s room. My head was filled with thoughts of the coronation, but I couldn’t leave yet. I had to finish and make sure everything was perfect.

Why did my stepmother take such joy in making me suffer? Why did she hate me so much? What have I ever done to her to deserve such wickedness?

The mop slipped from my hand for the fifth time, and I groaned, rubbing my palms together to ease the sting.

“Anna!”

The familiar voice made me look up, and relief rushed through me.

Amanda, my best friend, was standing at the door, her eyes shining with excitement. She was dressed beautifully, her gown flowing perfectly as though it had been made for a queen.

“I thought I’d find you here,” she said, grinning, “How are you still working like a crazy person while everyone else is getting ready?”

Amanda's energy was insane.

Just seeing her, so full of life and excitement, made my chest feel lighter. A small smile broke through my tired, worried expression. “I… I’m trying to finish up,” I replied, calmly. “It’s just so much work for me to do.”

Amanda rolled her eyes but didn’t scold me. She stepped closer, offering me a hand. “Come on, I’ll help you. We’ll be done in no time. And then—you can finally get to the coronation before it starts!”

Her optimism made me feel a warmth I hadn’t felt in a long time. Amanda had a way of lifting me up, even when the world seemed determined to crush me. We laughed softly as we worked side by side, moving faster together than I ever could alone. She was incredibly fast, and I realized I’d never really thanked her for always being there for me.

We finished the room right before the time for the coronation. Amanda clapped her hands once and gave a triumphant little cheer. “Done! See? I told you we’d be fast together!”

I laughed, the tension leaving my shoulders for the first time that day. “Thank you so much,” I whispered. “I… I couldn’t have done it without you, Amanda.”

I hugged her tightly, holding on as if letting go would make her disappear. She laughed softly, a sound that always made my chest feel lighter.

She pulled back just enough to brush a stray strand of hair behind her ear, a playful grin on her face. “Of course you could have done it alone,” she said, eyes sparkling. “But it’s way more fun when I help. Now hurry! Go put on your gown. I’ll meet you at the hall.”

With a final squeeze, she gave me a wink and left, closing the door behind her.

My heart was filled with excitement as I quickly went back to my room and changed into my gown, my fingers trembling as I smoothed the fabric. Tonight… tonight was finally the night. Tonight, I would be the Luna of the Darkblood Pack. My secret relationship with Prince Elijah, would finally be recognized. And Amanda… she didn’t even know yet. I’d take care of her, make her proud, and make her see the happiness I had always dreamed of.

She was forever going to be my best friend.

I was just about to leave, my heart pounding with anticipation, when the door suddenly barged open. I stumbled back, my cheek hitting the edge of the frame. Pain shot through my face, and blood ran down the side. I pressed a hand to the corner of my face, trying to stop the bleeding, my eyes wide in shock.

It was my stepmother.

She had pushed the door open in my face.

Her eyes blazed with anger, and in her hand, she waved a long, impossible list.

“Anna! Before you even think about leaving this house, here’s what you’ll do! You'll scrub the floors again, polish the silver, fold every linen, organize my wardrobe by… I don’t care what, just do it! Water the plants in the garden!”

My heart skipped a beat.

Was she serious? Was this a prank or a joke? I couldn't believe the words that came out of her mouth. I barely had time to breathe, let alone finish any of this!

I stared at the list, my heart hammering in my chest. “Mother… I… I can’t finish all this now. I have to go… to the coronation.”

She stepped closer, her eyes filled with extreme anger. “You will not leave this house until every single thing is done, Anna. Do you understand me?”

Oh no, she was trying to prevent me from leaving the house? How was she so heartless? Had she figured out that I was in a relationship with the Prince and he was going to pick me as his Luna tonight?

My hands trembled as I looked down at the long, ridiculous list again. “This doesn’t even make sense,” I murmured, my voice shaking in fear. “You’re just trying to stop me from going!”

She narrowed her eyes. “And if I am?”

Something inside me snapped. I lifted my chin, meeting her gaze. “You can’t stop me. Prince Elijah loves me more than anyone in the entire world. He will choose me as his Luna and you'll be shocked. Nothing will stop me from being Queen tonight.”

Her eyes widened in shock.

For a moment, she didn’t move and I realized she didn't know before. Oh no, I had just made things worse by telling her that the Prince was going to announce me as his Luna tonight.

Now, she would make sure I certainly miss it.

Her lips suddenly curled into a bitter sneer and she let out a cold laugh that made my skin crawl. “I would rather die than watch you wear that crown!”

Before I could say another word, she turned around, stormed out, and slammed the door. The loud click that followed made my heart drop.

She had locked me inside.

I ran to the door, grabbed the handle, and twisted it—but it wouldn’t move. I tried again but it was completely locked.

My heart sank.

“Stepmother!” I shouted, pounding on the door. “Please! I'm sorry! Please open the door!”

Silence.

The sound of the cheering crowd in the distance reached me through the window and I broke down.

The coronation had started.

And I was going to miss it.

I was trapped.

And tonight—the night that was supposed to change my life—was slipping away right before my eyes.