Lily's lungs burned as she hurried down the hallway. Her maid, Elaine, ran ahead of her without stopping. Lily wanted to tell her to slow down, but she could barely catch her breath, let alone sign anything.

Lily looked ahead, relieved to see the end of the corridor. She quickly spotted Zayn waiting for her in formal attire. Victoria stood beside him, her red lips almost pressed close to his ear as she whispered something.

From this distance, his expression was unreadable. But the moment he met her gaze, everything changed. Zayn brushed past Victoria without a second glance, his face softening as he approached her. Victoria's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing at the dismissal.

"There you are," Zayn said, his voice warm as he reached out to gently wipe the beads of sweat from Lily's forehead. "I was beginning to worry."

Victoria cleared her throat loudly. "What took you so long, Elaine?" she demanded, arms crossed. "Everyone's waiting."

Elaine bowed her head. "My apologies, Alpha. Luna Lily was… taking her time getting ready."

Victoria shook her head in disappointment, lips curved into a cruel smile, "Luna Lily, you should know how important this is, especially when the royal family is involved."

Zayn's eyes flashed dangerously, but before he could respond, the sound of trumpets echoed from beyond the massive doors.

"They're about to announce us," he said, turning his attention back to Lily. He took her hand in his. "Are you ready?"

Lily nodded, still trying to catch her breath. Her hands trembled slightly, but Zayn squeezed them reassuringly.

"Take your time," he murmured, his eyes never leaving hers. "They can wait another minute."

Lily drew in several deep breaths, grateful for his patience. When her heartbeat finally steadied, she nodded again, more confidently this time. Zayn smiled as she held his arm firmly.

As they moved toward the entrance, Victoria grabbed Elaine roughly by the arm, pulling her aside.

"Why isn't she wearing the dress we prepared?" Victoria hissed, her voice low.

Elaine's face paled. "She refused it. Found another one on her own. I couldn't—"

"Useless," Victoria spat, releasing the maid with a rough shove. "You had one job."

Lily didn't look back, but a small smile formed on her lips. She knew the dress Elaine brought to her had to be specially prepared by Victoria. It was too tight in some places, too loose in others. Thanks to Elder Princess Tilda, she had a beautiful light blue gown that fit her perfectly.

Victoria quickly composed herself, plastering on a fake smile as she moved to join the procession. But Lily could see the fury simmering behind her eyes, the way her fingers clenched into tight fists at her sides.

"Announcing Alpha Zayn Knightmoon and Luna Lily Knightmoon of the Obsidian Moon Pack," the herald called out as the massive doors swung open.

Victoria flinched at the announcement, her smile faltering for a brief moment. That should have been her. If it weren't for Lily, it would have been her name that was announced.

Ezra appeared at Victoria's side, offering his arm. "Shall we?" he asked.

Victoria glared at him. "What are you doing?"

"Trying to make this night pleasant for everyone," Ezra replied. "Let it go, Victoria. Enjoy the evening."

"Don't tell me what to do," she snapped, but took his arm nonetheless.

As they stepped into the grand ballroom, Lily's grip on Zayn's arm tightened. The hall was enormous, with high ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers that sparkled like stars. Hundreds of wolves were dressed in their finest attire, their chatter creating a steady hum beneath the classical music played by a small orchestra.

"Nervous?" Zayn whispered.

She nodded, her eyes wide as she took in the unfamiliar faces. She had never met most of these wolves, had never been to an event so grand.

Zayn tapped her hand gently. "I won't let go all evening. I promise."

The sincerity in his voice made her heart flutter. She looked up at him gratefully as they made their way across the polished marble floor.

Unlike her, Zayn seemed to recognize many faces in the crowd. He nodded and smiled at various wolves as they passed, exchanging brief greetings. Some looked at Lily with curiosity, others with thinly veiled disdain. She kept her chin high despite the scrutiny.

They approached the end of the hall where Alpha King Dace stood conversing with a group of well-dressed wolves. Lily was a little wary of him, recalling the conversation they had last had when he visited the pack.

But with Zayn by her side, she kept her smile and held her own. Alpha King Dace took a double-take when he noticed how beautiful Lily looked. But he didn't comment.

"Alpha Zayn," Dace greeted, breaking away from his conversation. "And Luna Lily. Welcome."

They both bowed respectfully, Lily dipping into a perfect curtsy as she'd been taught.

"Your Majesty," Zayn replied. "Thank you for the invitation."

Dace nodded, lips curled in a smile, "Please accept my apologies for the mix-up. I hope your accommodations outside the castle are still comfortable?"

The other wolves whom the Alpha King spoke to chuckled. Some looked away, trying to hide their smirks.

Zayn smiled warmly, "Elder Princess Tilda had been gracious enough to offer her quarters so that we might be closer to the festivities. She has been a most gracious host."

Dace's fake smile almost slipped for a split second. Zayn and Lily both saw it.

"Excellent," Dace quickly said, though his smile didn't reach his eyes. "You must excuse me. I have other guests to attend to."

As he moved away to greet other guests, Lily spotted Elder Princess Tilda across the room. The older woman caught her eye and offered a subtle nod of approval at Lily's appearance. Lily dipped her head in acknowledgment, grateful for the princess's unexpected kindness.

"Alpha Zayn!" a deep voice called out.

Lily turned to see a tall, broad-shouldered man approaching them. His dark hair was streaked with gray at the temples, and a jagged scar ran from his left eyebrow to his jawline. Despite his intimidating appearance, his smile was warm and genuine.

"Alpha Drake," Zayn replied, clasping the man's forearm in greeting. "It's good to see you."

"And you," Drake said. "I wanted to thank you personally for the assistance you provided my pack. The supplies you sent helped us survive the winter."

Zayn nodded. "The Nightfang Pack has always been an honorable ally. I was happy to help."

"Unlike many others who ignored our pleas, hoping we'd fall and become easy pickings," Drake said bitterly. His expression softened as he added, "I deeply regret being unable to aid you during your… difficult times."

"What's past is past," Zayn replied. "We look to the future now."

Drake turned his attention to Lily. "And this must be your Luna. I must admit, when I heard the rumors, I was surprised by your choice. But standing here now, I understand." He bowed respectfully. "Alpha Drake of the Nightfang Pack, at your service, Luna Lily."

Lily smiled warmly, her hands moving in elegant signs that Zayn translated.

"She says it's an honor to meet you, and she looks forward to continuing the alliance between our packs," Zayn interpreted.

"The honor is mine," Drake replied. He gestured to a petite woman with honey-blonde hair who was approaching them. "Allow me to introduce my mate, Luna Eliza."

Eliza's eyes crinkled as she smiled, taking Lily's hands in hers. "I've been so looking forward to meeting you," she said. "It's refreshing to see a new face among all these stuffy old wolves."

Lily's eyebrows rose in surprise at the woman's candor.

Eliza laughed at her expression. "Oh, don't worry. I don't stand on ceremony unless absolutely necessary." She leaned in closer and whispered in her ear, "Can I just say how relieved I am that Zayn chose you instead of Victoria?"