Preparations and Anxieties

Lilian's POV

The curtains at the windows allowed the morning light to filter softly through and into the room. I let out a sigh as my eyes settled on the heavy drapes of my bedchamber.

I blinked sleepily and stretched out like a lazy cat under the covers.

Last night's encounter with Luna Caroline had left me feeling both relieved and exhausted. For once, I had allowed myself to sleep in, hoping the extra rest would at least make my skin pop and glow.


When I finally decided to leave the comfort of my bed, the time was already past mid-morning.

I dressed casually and packed my hair in a comfortable way up on my head. The rare moment of solitude was quite enjoyable.


After I was done with preparing myself for the day, I stepped out into the pack and was hit heavily by the hurrying and bustling of the pack members.

That piqued my interest. What was going on? I wondered as I looked around me.

The halls were a flurry of activity, with pack members hurrying about, their faces were set with purpose.


Curiosity piqued, I approached one of the pack maids.

"What's going on?" I asked her as I tried to act casual.


She looked up from the linens she was carrying, her eyes looked wide with excitement.


"Oh, my lady, did you not hear? The Alpha is hosting a grand party tonight for the other alphas from neighboring territories!"

She announced and I felt my heart skip a beat for somewhat unknown reasons.


"A party? Here?" I asked puzzled.

The maid nodded her head enthusiastically.

"Yes, it's a big event! All the alphas and their delegates will be here." She announced and I nodded my head as I allowed her to walk away.


I felt a knot of anxiety tighten deep in my stomach.

Holy shit!

A gathering of alphas meant I would undoubtedly see Henrik! Oh shit what was I going to do then? I wondered as I looked around me as if I could get answers from just staring around.

The thought of facing him again, under these new circumstances, made my pulse quicken with so much dread.


"Why now?" I asked myself as I tried to steady my voice. "What's the occasion?" I wondered out loud.


I frankly didn't want to meet Henrik. Not now, not even ever but for now, not now. I knew that he would ask to be updated.

I wondered what it was that he wanted me to get from the blue moon pack so desperately that he had sent me here.

....................

That evening, we gathered in the grand dining hall for a meal, Alpha Arthur, Kaiden, and Luna Caroline and myself.

The table was set with varieties of dishes, and the atmosphere was one of anticipation and preparation.

Everyone seemed pleased, content and quiet.


"Lilian, you look lovely," Luna Caroline said as I took my seat beside her. Her kind eyes looked at me over, as she smiled at me.

"Thank you, Luna," I replied, forcing a smile. "I appreciate all that you have done for me." I said to her.


She patted my hand gently.

"You are part of our pack now, Lilian. We look out for our own." She told me.
Soon Alpha Arthur cleared his throat and drew everyone's attention.

His presence commanded respect, and even Kaiden seemed attentive.


This had got to be about the ceremony he would be hosting for the other pack alphas.

"As you all know, tomorrow night is an important event for our pack," Alpha Arthur began, his voice coming out with so much command and authority. "We are hosting the alphas from neighboring territories to strengthen our alliances. " He said and everyone was silent.


"This is important since it is our turn this season." The Alpha went on. "This will help us strengthen our union with the other packs in case we get into trouble and they would come to our aid.

And this is also to formally introduce Kaiden's mate, Lilian, to them." He said.

My heart pounded as his words sunk in. I glanced at Kaiden, who gave me a brief unreadable look before turning back to his father.


"We must present a united pack and family," Alpha Arthur continued and he pointed his stare at Kaiden. "This event is not just about celebration, but also about showing our strength and solidarity.

Lilian, you will be introduced as Kaiden's mate, and it is imminent that you get yourself ready for this role." He said to me and I nodded my head.


"I understand, Alpha. I will do my best." I said in a meek voice.

"Good," the Alpha said, a hint of a smile on his stern face. "The ball will be held in town, and it will be a grand affair. I expect everyone to prepare thoroughly. This is our chance to show the other provinces that the Blue Moon Pack is strong and united." The Alpha said.


Honestly I felt uncomfortable with the whole thing. I honestly wished that I would not attend but I tried my best to not make a fuss of it.

I was quiet throughout the meal. Luna Caroline sat beside me and that gave me some sort of comfort no matter how little.

I still felt incredibly anxious but not as much as I was supposed to.

The thought of Henrik, and the possibility of facing him again gnawed at my insides and I almost threw up the food that I ate.

I tried my hardest to not let my unease show though.


As we continued our meal, the conversation turned to the logistics of the event, with Luna Caroline and Alpha Arthur discussing who and who made it to the guest list, security, and other details.

Kaiden remained mostly silent, his expression remained unreadable.


But I knew that he was far from calm. He probably hated the idea of acting like we were indeed a couple.

I could see from the way he cut the steak with his fork and knife.


"Lilian," Luna Caroline turned to me and I looked up at her. "Tomorrow, we will go into town to find you something suitable to wear for the ball.

You must look your best." She said to me and I nodded my head at that.

"Thank you, Luna. I will be ready." I said with a smile.

After the meal, I retreated to my bed chambers, my mind continued to race with thoughts of the upcoming event.

As I lay in bed and stared at the ceiling, I tried to remember everything that I had learned about the Blue Moon Pack and its history.

The alliances, the rivalries, the traditions—all of it, I tried my hardest to memorize now.