Chapter 23

Olivia’s POV

I was still lost in thought, my mind racing, trying to process everything that had happened. It felt like a thousand ideas, questions, and worries were colliding in my head all at once, leaving me dizzy and silent.

“I need to get you ready, Luna,” Linda’s voice cut through my thoughts, steady and gentle. Her tone left no room for argument, snapping me back to the present.

“Hmm,” I murmured, nodding, still dazed.

She guided me to the bed and began helping me out of the robe. I felt exposed for a moment, but the warmth of her hands and the calm certainty in her movements kept me from panicking. Soon, I was slipping into one of the dresses she had brought earlier, a simple white gown with silver embroidery along the hem and delicate blue patterns tracing the sleeves and neckline. It was understated, but elegant. The fabric hugged my body in a way that felt natural, almost like it was made for me.

“How do they even know my exact size?” I wondered aloud, genuinely baffled.

I slid my feet into a pair of black sandals, accented with white, and Linda moved to my hair. I wanted to refuse, insisting I could do it myself, but she shook her head firmly, her eyes not leaving mine. I sighed and gave in.

She could be stubborn sometimes, I thought with a small, inward smile.

Linda worked with quiet efficiency. She combed my hair carefully, tying it with a golden band, leaving soft strands framing my face. Then she applied light makeup on my face enough to highlight my features without taking away the natural softness of my face.

When she finished, I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

Was this really me?

The girl staring back looked… different. Elegant. Confident. Important. Someone who belonged in this world, not on the

outskirts of it.

Wait… do I really look like this?

For a moment, I questioned if this was the same girl who had been mocked, ignored, and overlooked in her old pack. The girl who had always felt invisible, like her existence didn’t matter.

Linda’s quiet laughter broke my thoughts. She seemed amused at my stunned expression but satisfied with her handwork.

“You look amazing,” she said softly, a hint of pride in her tone,

Tears welled up in my eyes, but she was ready. She dabbed them gently with a soft cloth.

“Don’t cry. You’ll ruin your makeup,” she warned, smiling.

“You’ll look even better in the Royal Consort Luna robe,” she added, her eyes flicking toward the bed where it lay.

“Royal Consort… Luna robe?” i echoed, stopping in my tracks. My gaze followed hers to a particular gown on the bed stand. It gleamed faintly in the light, calling to me.

Linda said nothing. She only smiled, her hands resting on my shoulders, steady and reassuring.

“Let’s head out. The Alpha must already be downstairs, and we shouldn’t keep him waiting,” she said, gathering the remaining clothing, jewelry, and other items I couldn’t yet identify, but felt I would need.

“Let’s go,” she said, leading the way toward the entrance.

As we passed through the first floor, several pack members froze in place when they saw me. Their eyes widened, jaws slack, as

+15 Bonus

if they’d seen a ghost. Some even stopped walking entirely.

I could almost hear their thoughts: Beautiful…

I ignored them, though Linda chuckled softly beside me. We continued down the stairs toward the main entrance.

With each step, my heartbeat quickened. Anxiety mixed with anticipation, nervousness mixed with excitement.

Was I thrilled about the Wolf Conference… or was it something else?

I forced myself to focus. Perhaps it was him. Perhaps my sudden fluttering heartbeat had nothing to do with the conference at

all.

I tried to dismiss the thought, but it lingered stubbornly. Had I missed him this much?

We stepped outside. The cool morning breeze hit my skin, refreshing and crisp. My dress and hair lifted slightly in the wind, brushing against me, carrying the scent of earth and flowers.

And then it hit me, an unmistakable presence, wrapping around me before I even saw him.

The scent alone stirred something in my chest, sending a warmth that I couldn’t explain. My body tensed as recognition struck.

I didn’t need a second to know whose it was. He had always appeared in my dreams and thoughts, branding himself into my mind, my senses, my soul. 1

There he stood tall. Commanding.

Every movement radiated authority and power. Every step seemed measured, deliberate, as if the world bent slightly in his

presence.

As if it revolved around him. And somehow, I suspected it did.

Lucy growled softly in my head, her voice low, full of hunger and sharp excitement.

“Mine.”

My breath caught in my throat.

Alpha Kingsley’s eyes lifted slowly, meeting mine. Dark and piercing.

In that moment, the air felt heavy. I felt the weight of him, the man who had claimed me without my consent, who has stirred emotions I didn’t understand or knew exist. Who had become more than just a presence in my life.

I knew, then, that nothing would ever be the same.

Everything was about to change and it doesn’t matter what I think or do. I had already fallen into the abyss.

It was too late.