The air in the grand banquet hall vibrated with the excited hum of the Silver Dawn Pack, all gathered to celebrate Rhian's coming-of-age. Lights twinkled like fallen stars, casting a festive glow over the elegant decorations.

I smoothed the ethereal purple fabric of my gown, a nervous flutter in my stomach. Tonight was the night. Leland, my secret mate, was finally going to make our relationship public. My heart pounded a rhythm against my ribs, a hopeful drumbeat for a future I’d painstakingly imagined.

“Fiona! We are going to be late!” Tamara’s voice, a familiar anchor, called from downstairs.

I glanced one last time in the mirror, adjusting a diamond hairpin Leland had given me. I looked… ready. Ready for forever. With a shy smile, I headed down, the gift for Rhian—a duty from my father—clutched in my hand. The hall was already buzzing, but as I stepped inside, a strange hush fell. Eyes turned, whispers followed, and I felt a blush creep up my neck. Tamara winked, “Told ya the guys were gonna be all over you.”

Minutes later, Leland arrived, a vision in tailored lavender. My heart soared. He found me on the dance floor, his emerald eyes captivating as always. We moved in perfect harmony, a silent promise in every step. “I’m going to make an announcement in a few minutes,” he whispered, his eyes sparkling with a secret that made my future feel so real. I smiled, anticipation bubbling. Nothing could go wrong. I was the luckiest girl alive.

Then, the music faded, the lights dimmed, and all eyes turned to Leland, kneeling before Rhian. A small box gleamed in his hand.