“Make sure you stay out of sight, Mira,” Liana smirked, adjusting the silver clasp on her dark velvet cloak. “Wouldn’t want the Alpha’s first impression of his mate to be spoiled by your pathetic face.”
Mira lowered her head, trying to hide the hurt in her eyes. “Of course, Liana,” she murmured, focusing on smoothing the edges of Liana’s intricate braid. Her sister’s golden hair glimmered under the firelight, a sharp contrast to her own darker, untamed curls.
“Do you think he’ll choose you?” Mira dared to ask quietly, knowing she might regret it.
Liana laughed—a cold, humorless sound. “Oh, Mira. There’s no question. Everyone knows he needs a strong Luna by his side. He’s the Alpha Prince of the Black Moon pack, not some weakling who’d settle for…” She trailed off, casting a pointed look at Mira. “...someone like you.”
The words stung, but Mira had grown accustomed to Liana’s sharp tongue. Her sister had always been the stronger one, the one their father boasted about, and the one everyone assumed would become the Alpha’s mate. The news of the Alpha’s arrival had only solidified Liana’s confidence.
“Just finish laying out my dress,” Liana instructed, turning toward the mirror to admire herself. “The Alpha will arrive soon, and I can’t afford any mistakes.”
Mira bit her lip and went to fetch the crimson gown, carefully draping it over the bed. Her sister’s presence filled the room, and Mira felt herself shrinking in comparison. She had no place at the ceremony tonight, and she knew it.
“Now, Mira,” Liana said, her tone condescending, “once I’m dressed, you’re to go back to your room and prepare my luggage. The Alpha might ask me to leave with him tonight, and I’ll need you to have everything ready.”
“Of course,” Mira replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Liana stepped into the dress and looked over her shoulder, her lips curling into a smirk. “Oh, and one last thing—don’t even think about coming to the ceremony. I don’t want you embarrassing me in front of the pack.”
Mira nodded, holding back a sigh. She’d already known she wouldn’t be welcome there. But the bluntness of Liana’s words still stung.
“Do you understand?” Liana pressed.
“Yes, I understand,” Mira replied, forcing a smile.
“Good.” Liana gave a satisfied nod and adjusted her collar. “And remember, Mira. Tonight isn’t just about me. It’s about our family. Don’t mess it up.”
With a final wink, Liana swept out of the room, leaving Mira standing alone in the lingering scent of her sister’s perfume. Mira’s shoulders slumped as soon as she was gone. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration, and yet she felt like the invisible thread holding everything together, hidden from view and unappreciated.
She walked slowly to her small room, glancing out the window as she went. In the courtyard below, preparations for the Alpha’s arrival were in full swing. Lanterns hung from trees, and pack members hurried about, ensuring every detail was perfect for the grand welcome.
She spotted her father, standing tall and proud, watching the hustle with a proud smile on his face. For him, this union was everything he’d hoped for—a strong Alpha mate for his daughter and a powerful alliance for the family.
If only he’d thought of her as anything more than a shadow trailing behind Liana’s bright light.
Once inside her room, Mira pulled out a small bag from her closet and began packing Liana’s things. She handled each item with care, from the delicate lace shawls to the leather-bound book Liana always kept with her. Her hands moved automatically, but her mind was far from the task.
What would it be like to be chosen by someone? To be wanted?
No one would choose a weakling like her. No one would want her.
She shook her head, pushing the thought aside. Dreaming of what would never be was pointless.
Just then, the distant sound of a horn echoed through the halls, signaling the Alpha’s arrival. Mira’s heart skipped a beat, knowing the entire pack would be gathered in the great hall to welcome him, and she…she would stay hidden in the shadows as always.
Mira sat down, looking out the window toward the glowing lights and wondering what it must feel like to be Liana, standing in the Alpha’s gaze. To be noticed.
With a sigh, she returned to her task, carefully folding the last of Liana’s clothing into the bag.