Chapter 57
Aria’s POV
To keep things low-key, the announcement had been made as the Vincent heir’s engagement, rather than revealing it as the Alpha King’s engagement.
But by eight o’clock, the ballroom was already filled with guests, though the ceremony hadn’t officially begun.
Luna Elena had suggested I arrive fashionably late, but years of professional conditioning made me show up early out of courtesy.
Damian had an important meeting and called to say he’d arrive right on time.
Though the whole thing felt rushed and unplanned, as long as we both showed up, his parents’ mission would be complete.
The moment I arrived, Luna Elena whisked me away to meet what felt like every elder in the Royal Pack.
The Blackwood family was extensive. Only a handful of relatives couldn’t make it due to prior commitments, but they’d all sent lavish gifts that were presented to me with formal ceremony.
Damian’s grandfather was overseas and unable to return, but he’d sent his wife—Damian’s grandmother, Grace—to represent him.
Grace took one look at me and her entire face lit up.
I knew she’d heard I was Vincent’s daughter—a wealthy human lineage, yes, but also that I was illegitimate.
I’d been bracing myself for judgment, for that particular kind of aristocratic disdain I’d become so familiar with at the Holt estate.
But Grace looked at me like I was something precious.
“Oh, sweetheart,” she breathed, taking both my hands in hers.
“You’re even lovelier than Elena described. And that’s saying something—she hasn’t stopped talking about you since yesterday p>
Her warmth was so genuine it made my chest ache.
Before I could respond properly, she pressed an enormous jewelry box into my hands. “This is for you, dear. A small welcome gift p>
Small. Right.
Inside was a complete set of fire opals—necklace, earrings, bracelet—that had to be worth more than my entire apartment.
“Luna Grace, I can’t possibly accept p>
“You absolutely can, and you will.” Her eyes were suddenly misty. “Do you know how long I’ve waited to give engagement gifts to Damian’s mate? Please. Let an old woman have this joy p>
Her voice cracked on the last word, and I found myself nodding before I could think better of it.
Someone called her name from across the room, and she squeezed my hands one more time before departing, still dabbing at her eyes.
Tonight’s guest list was staggering. Not just Royal Pack members, but Alphas from allied Packs, Council representatives.
It was less an engagement party and more a summit of the continent’s most powerful players.
“Sweetie,” Luna Elena said, looping her arm through mine. “You’re the star tonight. Stay with me, and I’ll make sure no one bothers you unnecessarily p>
She’d already introduced me to Grace and a few key uncles and Pack advisors before staging our retreat. I was grateful—my cheeks hurt from smiling, and we’d barely begun.
The Crescent Moon Pack presence was notably smaller.
Victor had come with his son Lucas and a few family friends. Rachel, Jennifer, and Diana were clustered together near our designated table, looking simultaneously thrilled and terrified.
Sylvia had claimed illness and stayed home. Nathan sent expensive gifts for both me and the Royal family but made his excuses about “unavoidable business commitments p>
Their absence spoke volumes, but at least they’d maintained appearances.
“Sweetheart, you stay here with your friends,” Luna Elena said, giving me a quick hug.
“I need to check on the final arrangements before the official ceremony begins. Can’t have anything going wrong tonight p>
“Thank you,” I said softly. “For everything p>
Her expression went soft and delighted, like I’d just given her the greatest gift in the world. Then she pressed presents into each of my friends’ hands before hurrying off.
The moment she was gone, Jennifer tore hers open.
“Oh my GOD.” Her voice came out as a squeak. “This… this is p>
I leaned over to look. The envelope contained a check made out for sixty-six thousand, six hundred and sixty-six dollars.
All three of them were staring at their envelopes like they might vanish if they blinked.
“This is the biggest check I’ve ever received in my entire life,” Diana whispered.
“This is just the engagement party,” Rachel added, her eyes huge. “Can you imagine what the actual wedding will be like p>
They all turned to look at me with identical expressions of awe.
“Aria, I’m begging you—invite us to the wedding too p>
“I solemnly swear that you are now my favorite person in the entire world p>
“We will follow you into battle, bestie. Whatever you need, we’re here p>
I couldn’t help laughing. “You’re all being ridiculous p>
But warmth spread through my chest anyway.
The Blackwood family’s generosity was almost overwhelming. Everyone I’d met today had been so welcoming, so genuinely happy about this engagement.
I’d gone into this arrangement expecting cold calculation, political maneuvering, the kind of sterile contract marriage that would make my time with the Holts look warm by comparison.
Instead, I’d found something I never expected: family.
Real family. The kind that celebrated you, that wanted you around, that looked at you like you mattered.
At exactly eight o’clock, a shift in the room’s energy made everyone turn toward the entrance.
Damian had arrived.