Chapter 2 Moonlit Fate

The festival drums pound through the kitchen walls, matching my heartbeat. Outside, wolves dance around massive bonfires, celebrating Alpha Jason's return and the possible alliance with the Raven Pack. Inside, I'm trapped in endless work. "More wine for the head table!" Mary barks, thrusting another tray at me. "And remember – use the servant's passages. No one wants to see your face." I balance the tray carefully, weaving through the narrow stone corridors that run behind the great hall's walls. These hidden passages are my sanctuary, the only place I can move freely. Through small gaps in the wooden panels, I catch glimpses of the feast. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light over tables groaning with food. Pack members dance, laugh, their fine clothes a sharp contrast to my stained uniform. Princess Ava holds court at the head table, practically glowing in a blood-red dress. "Jason darling, you simply must tell them about how we met at the Alpha Summit." My fingers tighten on the tray as I reach the hidden door behind their table. Just slip out, pour the wine, disappear again. Simple. The door creaks. Alpha Jason's head turns slightly at the sound, but Princess Ava's laugh draws his attention back. I move quickly, keeping my eyes down as I refill glasses. "More wine!" A drunk Beta from Raven Pack waves his glass, then freezes. "Wait. What's that smell?" I step back quickly, but he grabs my wrist. "You reek of omega weakness. Who let you serve at the head table?" "I-I'm sorry, sir. I'll go—" "Let her go, Thomas." Alpha Jason's voice cuts through the noise. My heart stops. "She's just doing her job." The Beta releases me like I'm poison. I bow deeply and hurry away, but not before catching Princess Ava's calculating stare. "Darling," she purrs. "Don't tell me you're going soft on servants now?" His reply is lost as I duck back into the passage, hands shaking. That was too close. Hours pass in a blur of serving and hiding. The moon rises high, and the festival moves entirely to the grounds. From the kitchen windows, I watch wolves dance around the bonfires, their shadows long and wild. "Take these plates to the Alpha's study." Mary shoves a tray at me. "He's meeting with the Raven Pack's council there." "But... that's the main wing. I'm not allowed—" "Just do it! Everyone's at the festival. Don't make me ask twice." The main wing corridors are wide and carpeted, nothing like my usual paths. Alpha Jason's study door stands open, but the room is empty. The meeting must have moved elsewhere. I place the tray on his desk, then freeze. On the desk lies an open folder – photos of Princess Ava with another male wolf, letters in her handwriting. The dates are recent. "Find something interesting?" I whirl around. Alpha Jason fills the doorway, his expression unreadable. "Alpha, I'm so sorry! I was just delivering—" "Those documents." His voice remains eerily calm. "Did you read them?" "No! I would never—" But I had seen. And he knows it. He steps closer. Despite his massive size, his movements are predator-graceful. "If word of this reaches anyone, especially Princess Ava..." "Please," I whisper. "I won't tell anyone. I swear it." His eyes narrow, studying me like I'm a puzzle he can't quite solve. "No, you won't. Because tomorrow night, you'll help me prove her infidelity. Unless you'd prefer punishment for snooping in your Alpha's private matters?" The threat hangs clear. I should say no. Should run. Instead, I whisper, "Yes, Alpha. I'll help." His smile holds no warmth. "Smart girl. Return here tomorrow night. Tell no one." I flee down the corridor, his eyes burning into my back. What have I gotten myself into? Behind me, the festival drums beat on, like a countdown to disaster. *** The following morning, I hurried toward the Alpha's study to serve his breakfast. My footsteps seem too loud against marble floors. I'm not worthy to walk on. "The alliance must be secured." Elder Kane's voice drifts from the cracked door. "The Moon Blood Clan grows stronger. We need the Raven Pack's armies." I slow, pressing against the wall. Servants who overhear council meetings often disappear. "My son," Alpha Richard of Raven Pack says next, "Ava has been groomed since birth to be Luna. A union between our packs would be unstoppable." "I understand the political advantages." Alpha Jason's deep voice sends unexpected shivers down my spine. "But—" "But nothing!" Elder Kane cuts in. "Your father's dying wish was to see the packs united. Or have you forgotten your duty?" Silence falls heavy as stone. "Three days." Jason finally speaks. "Give me three days before I announce the mating." Footsteps approach the door. I scramble to look busy with my tray, head bowed low as council members stream past. "Girl." Alpha Jason's voice freezes me in place. "Enter." The study drowns in morning sun rays from floor-to-ceiling windows. He stands like a shadow against them, power rolling off him in waves. "Put the tray there." He motions to his desk without looking at me. "What did you hear?" "Nothing, Alpha. I would never—" "Don't lie." His voice stays quiet. Dangerous. "Your heart is racing." I swallow hard. "Only... only about the Moon Blood Clan, Alpha. And the alliance." He turns then, studying me with unreadable eyes. "If you breathe a word of this to anyone—" "I won't! I swear on the Moon Goddess herself." Something flickers in his expression. He steps closer, and my back hits the wall. "Why do they call you the cursed omega?" The question startles me. "I... I don't know, Alpha. I've been called that since my uncle abandoned me here." "Look at me when you answer." I force my eyes up. His face is carved from rays and sunshine, beautiful and harsh. For a moment, something passes between us – a current of... something I can't name. He breaks away first. "Get out." I flee, his presence lingering like a physical touch.