Chapter 5:
Willow’s POVI
I had to painfully endure the car ride to the Pack’s Central Hall!
Silas didn’t say a word to me the entire time. Anastasia sat beside him in the front seat giggling about something, like they were mates, and I was the outsider. No one would’ve guessed I was Silas’s mate.
Pack members turned their heads as we arrived, but they weren’t looking at me.X
They looked at Anastasia.
She was dressed regally in a gold dress. Her hand was around Silas’s arm as they walked in together like a royal couple. She waved and smiled at everyone like she belonged here, like this was her kingdom.
Honestly, it was the truth.]
I followed quietly behind them..
Everyone was stanng, and I could hear the murmurs.
“Isn’t Willow the Luna?”
“Why is Silas walking in with Anastasia?”
“Honestly, Willow doesn’t really look like a Luna compared to Anastasia.”
My jaw tightened, but I didn’t react
watched as Silas paraded her like she was his Luna. He introduced her to elders and warriors with pride, and his arms around her like
she was his mate.
The moment that sealed everything came during the Alpha–Luna opening dance!
Every Full Moon Celebration, it was tradition for the Alpha to have the first dance with his mate. It was symbolic.
I stood still, waiting. Silas glanced at me, but before he could walk towards me, Anastasia slipped her hand into his.
“Dance with me, Silas,” she said softly, her voice was loud enough for those nearby to hear. Tm sorry for asking. I just don’t want to feel lonely tonight.”
Her eyes flickered with a glint of false sadness.
Silas hesitated for a second, then he nodded without even glancing at me!
And just like that, Silas walked her to the center of the floor as the slow, ceremonial music began to play. Her hand rested proudly on his chest, and he held her gently.
My heart didn’t break this time. It was already broken.
All I felt was shame.!!
People watched, whispering and murmuring.
I stood there like an abandoned ornament. The real Luna was left to rot in a comer while another woman stole the show.
Anastasia tilted her head, resting it on Silas’s shoulder like his lover.
Someone near me whispered, “She fits him better, honestly.”
I didn’t flinch.
When the song ended, the pack members clapped. Silas smiled faintly, nodding at Anastasia. She grinned.
Then finally, he turned to me and walked over.X
“Willow” he said, holding out his hand. “Let’s have our dance.“!!
I looked at him, and at his outstretched hand. The same hand that had held Anastasia a few seconds ago like she was his everything
Silence fell around the people near us. They were waiting for me to say yes.
I scoffed internally “No, thank you,” I said flatly
Surprise flickered through his face, and his eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”
“I said no” My voice didn’t shake, because I was calm inside.
His face hardened, and his tone dropped “Willow, don’t make a scene “2
I smiled bitterly. “You started it “k
Silas snarled at me. “Why are you being so jealous all the time? It was just one dance! I didn’t want her to feel left out! Do you have to make everything about you?” He snapped
I gave him a cold look. “You don’t want her to feel left out, but you don’t care that you’re neglecting your own mate
He scowled at me. “You should be glad you even have a mate, you ungrateful-“}
Anastasia cut in. “Please, don’t make a scene because of me.” She said softly
I scoffed at her, “Stop pretending, it’s irritating” I snapped.
She gasped dramatically, but I didn’t wait, I turned away from them, ignoring the looks that followed me
I pushed open the nearest door and found myself in the bathroom. I needed air and space i needed to stop pretending I was okay
I slipped into one of the stulls and sal down, trying to calm my thoughts
Two women entered the bathroom, discussing among themselves.
stood there? Like some maid.”
“Did you see how she just sto
1 tensed.
The other woman sighed. “Poor thing. But honestly, what did she expect? Alpha Silas clearly doesn’t want her.”
“I heard she forced the marriage because she was hopelessly in love with the Alpha.“}]
One of them giggled. “It makes sense. I mean, look at Anastasia. She’s practically glowing. No one in their right mind would ever choose Willow over Anastasia.”
I opened the stall and walked out quietly. The women went silent instantly, and their eyes widened in shock.”
“Luna Willow-
“Good evening, Luna-”
They didn’t wait for my response as they quickly hurried out, averting their gaze in guilt.
I stood there in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection.
Maybe they were right.
I inhaled sharply, trying to compose myself before I went back to that hellhole.
The door creaked open again, and I turned to see who it was.
It was Anastasia
Her lips curled into a slow smirk.
“Well,” she purred, “You look like shit.”
