CHAPTER 77: CHAPTER 77

Aria’s POV.

I woke up in my big, cozy bed, the morning sun peeking through the curtains like a shy friend. The room was quiet, and my blankets felt soft, but something was wrong.

I reached out, my hand sliding across the sheets, hoping to find Alpha Kael next to me. But the bed was empty, just cold fabric under my fingers.

My tummy felt a little tight, like when you miss someone. Where was Alpha Kael?

I sat up, my nightgown slipping down my shoulder. I rubbed my eyes, still sleepy, and looked around.

My room was big, with pretty walls and a wooden floor that felt cool under my feet when I stood up.

Alpha Kael’s jacket wasn’t on the chair, and his boots weren’t by the door. He was gone. My heart did a little flop, but then I started thinking about him, and my frown turned into a smile.

Alpha Kael had been so nice lately. Last night, he sat with me by the crackling fire, his voice all warm and teasing. "Luna, you’re a handful," he said, pushing a piece of my hair behind my ear.

His green eyes twinkled, and his smile made my chest feel all fluttery, like butterflies were dancing inside.

Two days ago, he gave me a bunch of wildflowers, just because he saw them and thought of me. I wanted more of those moments, more of his laughs and kind words.

I didn’t even notice I was smiling until I saw myself in the mirror. My cheeks were pink, and I looked happy, like I was glowing.

A soft knock on the door made me jump. I tried to stop smiling, but it was hard.

The door creaked open, and Lila, a maid with bouncy brown curls, peeked in. She was young, with a friendly face and eyes that seemed to know secrets.

"Luna?" she said, stepping inside and smoothing her apron. "Are you okay? You’re smiling all by yourself."

My face got hot. I turned to the mirror, pretending to fix my hair, my fingers tangling in a strand. "I’m fine, Lila," I said quickly, trying to sound serious. I pressed my lips together to hide my grin, but it kept sneaking back.

Lila tilted her head, her eyes sparkly. "Must be happy thoughts," she said, grinning a little. She didn’t tease me more, though.

Instead, she clapped her hands and said, "It’s time for dance practice. They’re waiting in the big hall."

My heart did a happy jump. "The hall?" I asked, turning to her. "Is Alpha Kael there?"

Lila’s smile grew, like she knew something I didn’t. "Oh, yes. He’s there, waiting for you." She paused, then added, "He looks nice today."

I giggled before I could stop myself, my cheeks burning again. Alpha Kael was waiting! The thought made my tummy feel all fluttery, like a swarm of happy bees. "Okay," I said, trying to sound calm. "I’ll get ready."

Lila stepped back, giving me space. I ran to my wardrobe, my bare feet pat-patting on the floor. I picked a blue dress, soft and flowy, perfect for twirling.

I slipped it on, the fabric cool against my skin, and tied my hair with a ribbon. My hands shook a little, not because I was scared, but because I was so excited to see him.

I wanted to see his smile, hear his voice, feel his hand holding mine.

When I was ready, Lila led me through the twisty halls of the big house. The walls had old paintings and candles that flickered, making shadows dance.

My heart beat faster with every step, my mind full of Alpha Kael, his warm laugh, the way he looked at me like I was special. By the time we got to the grand hall, I felt like I was floating.

The hall was huge, with shiny wooden floors and sparkly chandeliers hanging high up. Music played softly, like a lullaby from a violin in the corner.

And there he was, Alpha Kael. He stood in the middle, tall and strong, his dark hair shining in the light.

He wore a shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and when he saw me, his green eyes lit up. My breath got stuck, and my face felt warm.

"Luna," he said, his voice warm like a cozy blanket. He walked over, his boots clicking on the floor, and stopped right in front of me.

"You’re late," he teased, his lips curling into a smile that made my heart skip.

"I’m here now," I said, trying to sound brave, but my voice was soft. I couldn’t stop looking at him, his sparkly eyes, his strong jaw, the way he made me feel safe.

He held out his hand, his fingers steady. "Dance with me," he said, his voice kind but sure. "I’ll help you practice."

My mouth felt dry, but I nodded and put my hand in his. His skin was warm, his grip gentle but strong, and when he pulled me close, the world felt smaller, like it was just us.

The music got louder, and he led me into the dance, one hand on my waist, the other holding mine.

My dress swished as we moved, and I could feel his warmth through the fabric. My heart was pounding so loud I thought he might hear it.

"You’re doing better," he said softly, his breath tickling my ear as we spun. "But you’re still stepping on my toes."

I laughed, the sound slipping out before I could stop it. "Maybe you’re in my way," I teased, looking up at him.

His eyes were on me, so warm and bright, and for a second, I forgot the steps, the music, everything but him.

He spun me gently, his hand steady on my waist, and when he pulled me back, he held me a little closer. My chest felt tight, full of something big and warm and scary all at once.

I heard giggles from the side. I peeked over Alpha Kael’s shoulder and saw some maids by the wall, covering their mouths as they whispered.

Their eyes were shiny, and one nudged another, pointing at us. My face got hot, but Alpha Kael just laughed, a low, rumbly sound.

"Let them talk," he whispered, his voice just for me. "They’re just jealous."

I rolled my eyes, but my smile wouldn’t go away. "You’re silly," I said, but my voice was soft, and I didn’t move away.