Chapter 3 Chapter 3

ANNA'S POV

My heart skipped a beat as I stared at the locked door. How could my stepmother be so heartless? How could anyone even be so wicked?

My cheek still stung from where she had hit me with the door, and blood trickled down. My heart hammered so fast I thought it would burst. Ten minutes late… fifteen… the coronation would start without me.

I sank to the floor, pressing my forehead against the door. “This… this can’t be happening,” I whispered to myself. My chest ached. Tonight was supposed to be mine. Tonight, Elijah was supposed to pick me as his Luna. He would supposed to crown me as the Queen.

But now… it felt like everything was slipping away.

I glanced around the room, panic clawing at me, and that was when I saw the window. It wasn't locked! My fingers shook as I pushed it open. My gown was heavy, but I didn’t care. I climbed out, landing on the cold grass with a thud.

I couldn't believe I was sneaking out of the house through the window because of my stepmother.

It felt insane.

“Move, Anna. Just move!” I hissed at myself as I began running towards the castle in a bid to reach the coronation on time. I was extremely worried Prince Elijah would be looking for me already. Branches scratched my arms, my gown caught on thorns, but I kept running.

The forest paths twisted around me and my lungs burned, but I kept running, weaving through the trees, jumping over roots, and dodging low branches. Somewhere ahead, I could hear faint cheering from the hall, and my chest tightened.

I couldn’t be late.

Not tonight.

I slipped through the last line of trees and saw the castle walls before me. It didn't take long before I reached the castle and ran up the steps, my heart pounding like a drum.

Finally, I reached the massive doors of the Coronation hall. Relief surged within me—until I saw the guards. Two huge men blocked the doors, their arms crossed. They were never going to open the door for me.

My chest sank.

“Oh no…” I whispered. “It’s too late. He… he’s going to choose someone else.”

I slowed down, trying to look calm, even though panic burned in my chest. Maybe… maybe they wouldn’t recognize me tonight. I wasn’t dressed like a maid. My gown was a little bit elegant, my hair swept back, and my face—well, hopefully it hid me.

“Who are you?” one guard questioned, stopping me as I walked towards the gate.

I swallowed hard.

My stepmother had locked me in, tried to make sure I missed this night but I couldn't possibly tell them that.

“I… I am… Princess Selene Moonstone of the SilverBrooke Pack,” I lied, hoping they'd believe me. “I was delayed by a wind on the way here. Prince… Prince Elijah expects me.”

The guards looked at each other, confused.

“You? Princess Selene?” the taller one said. “We weren’t told anyone else would be attending. Why weren’t you announced as a guest?”

“I… I just arrived from… the outer village. I couldn’t inform anyone in time. Please… I must see the Prince. It is very important.”

They stared at me, searching my face.

I held my breath, praying my lie would actually work. My palms were wet with sweat, my heart hammering in my chest.

If this didn't work, I'd hate myself.

Finally, the shorter guard nodded with a smile. “Very well, my lady. You may enter the hall, but please stay close to the doors. Do not cause any trouble!”

I almost jumped up in excitement.

They had totally fell for my lies. I smiled at them and stepped forward. The hall was just beyond those doors. Tonight… tonight would be the night I would be the Luna. I couldn't believe my dream was finally becoming a reality.

Unfortunately, before I could reach the doors, a strong hand grabbed me from behind.

“Not so fast, little girl!” hissed a voice I knew too well.

My stepmother.

I hadn’t realized she had followed me. Her hands were iron around my arms, dragging me away from the door that the guards were already opening.

As soon as they saw my stepmother dragging me, they began to close the doors back gently.

My hearts sank.

“Let go of me!” I screamed, struggling against her grip.

“Going somewhere? Not without my say!” she sneered. “You think you can actually become this Pack's Luna? You’ll forever be nothing, Anna!”

Panic and determination collided inside me. I twisted her arm sharply, dug my heels in, and shoved her with every ounce of strength I had. She stumbled back, surprised, and I tore free.

I didn’t look back.

I ran toward the doors, my gown flowing behind me, my heart hammering so hard in my chest that I felt like it might burst. I threw myself forward, just as the doors were about to close. They slammed shut behind me with a thud.

I was inside already.

And then I saw him.

Elijah

The hall seemed to shrink around me. I couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. My chest felt heavy, like it was being crushed by pressure of being surrounded by the royals. Everyone in the hall was a member of a royal family and it made me feel so intimidated.

Elijah suddenly stepped forward, his eyes scanning the crowd as if he was looking for someone. I thought, maybe, just maybe… he hadn’t seen me yet.

Maybe he’d see me and call my name.

The pack waited in silence for him to announce his Luna. And then he spoke.

“My Luna…” His voice rang clear, proud, and commanding. My chest jumped, my pulse skipped, my stomach dropped. “My Luna will be Amanda Riverdale, daughter of Elder Matthias.”

Shock slammed into me as I heard those words.

I couldn’t breathe. My knees felt weak, my chest tightened, and my vision blurred with tears. Amanda? My best friend?

Did he just choose my best friend to be his Luna? My heart sank as I watched her walk up to him and he held her hands. I couldn't believe my eyes at all. The man I had risked everything for… had chosen my best friend.

The crowd erupted in cheers. The pack roared in excitement, clapping and shouting, celebrating the new Luna. But all I felt was cold emptiness inside of me, a hole tearing through my chest.

Elijah stepped closer to her, reaching out, and brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Tonight, you will stand by my side as my Luna.” he announced, and the warmth in his voice—the same warmth I had felt for so long—was now meant for her.

Amanda’s cheeks flushed red.

She smiled at him, her eyes sparkling, unaware of the chaos she had caused in my heart. She leaned forward, and his lips met hers.

The world seemed to stop.

I heard nothing but the thundering of my own heart. Everything was gone in one moment. No, this couldn't be real. I had fought, escaped, risked everything to be here, and now… now he had picked my best friend to be his Luna.

My heart sank.