Alpha Rolan’s POV
The full moon hung low in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the palace grounds as the festivities kicked into high gear.
Lanterns swayed in the gentle breeze, their warm light illuminating the excited faces of the pack members as they began to arrive, laughter and music mingling in the air.
It was meant to be a night of joy, a celebration of unity and strength, but an undercurrent of tension hummed through me. I had spotted Griffin lingering near the entrance, his demeanor unusually tense for someone who should be celebrating.
He had arrived earlier than everyone else, claiming he was checking the security arrangements, but the way he kept glancing around made me suspicious. It was as if he were waiting for something or someone.
“Hey, Alpha!” he called out, a smile as I approached. “Have you seen Luna? I was just wondering where she is.”
I arched an eyebrow, crossing my arms over my chest. “You’ve asked me that three times already tonight. Is there a particular reason you’re so interested in her whereabouts?”
He let out a chuckle, but it lacked the usual warmth. “Just missing my mate, Camila. You know how it is. Caleb is going to be here tonight, right?”
Slowly, I nodded, my gut twisting at the thought of Camila. After everything that had happened, Griffin’s attachment to her felt more like a burden than a blessing.
I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that he was worried about Pandora being with her, especially after Caleb had mentioned he was looking into Griffin’s recent activities.
“Right,” I said slowly, watching his face closely for any flicker of deceit. “I hope you’re not investigating him. He is family, Griffin. Let’s not allow paranoia to get the better of us.”
“Of course not,” he replied too quickly, and I noticed the way his fingers fidgeted with the collar of his shirt. “Just trying to stay alert. You know how it is when the pack comes together.”
“Security is for the pack members, not against them,” I reminded him, my tone firm but not unkind. “Relax. Nothing is going to go wrong tonight.”
He nodded, though I could still see the worry etched into his features. “You’re right. I just…”
Before he could finish, the sound of laughter caught my attention, drawing my gaze toward the entrance. I turned to see Pandora stepping through the door, flanked by Kiara and Ashley, with Camila trailing behind them.
The sight of them brought a smile to my face, and I felt a warmth in my chest that had been missing since everything had begun to unravel.
Griffin’s expression shifted instantly as he caught sight of Camila, a mix of relief and possessiveness washing over him.
He dashed out of the study to meet them, his earlier anxiety replaced with a desperate eagerness. I chuckled quietly to myself; it was amusing how the mood could swing so drastically.
“Rolan!” Pandora called, her voice bright and full of energy. “Look at us! We all wore the same dresses for the festival.”
As they approached, I realized they all wore flowing dresses of deep emerald green, matching in color yet distinct in style. “What’s with the matching outfits?” I asked, a teasing smile on my lips.
Pandora laughed, her eyes sparkling. “I thought it would be fun! Friends should dress alike, right?”
Camila laughed along with her, but I noticed the way her gaze flickered toward Griffin, who had pulled her aside.
“I guess it’s a new trend,” I replied, shaking my head in amusement. “Just make sure you don’t trip over each other out there.”
Griffin, still holding onto Camila’s arm, looked like he was about to say something when Kiara chimed in, “Just make sure you don’t rumple her dress while you’re talking, Griffin. And don’t forget to help her pull it gently.”
Everyone laughed, but the tension in Griffin’s eyes betrayed the facade of casualness he tried to maintain.
Camila smirked, her confidence shining through the nervous energy surrounding us. “If it gets in my way, I’ll rip it off myself!”
The group burst into laughter again, but Griffin’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. He looked anxious like he was caught between wanting to protect Camila and fearing what Pandora might have told her. I could sense the fracture in the air, a barely contained storm.
I took a step closer, wanting to gauge Griffin’s thoughts, but he quickly pulled Camila away, leading her toward a quieter corner of the courtyard. “I just want to talk to you before the festival begins,” he started, his voice low and intense.
Pandora’s expression shifted as she watched them go, concern clouding her features.
The festivities were beginning to build momentum, and the sound of music drifted toward us, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the pack members. I glanced back at Griffin and Camila, who were standing under a large oak tree, their voices too low to hear.
“What do you think he’s saying to her?” Pandora asked, her brow furrowing.
I shook my head. “Whatever it is, I just hope it doesn’t cause any more trouble. Tonight should be about celebration, not conflict.”
Just as I turned back to the festivities, I caught a glimpse of Caleb weaving through the crowd. He was scanning the area, his keen eyes catching every detail. I wondered if he had picked up on Griffin’s anxiety or sensed something I hadn’t.
“Rolan!” Caleb called as he approached, his expression serious. “Have you seen Griffin?”
I nodded, motioning toward the oak tree where they stood. “He’s with Camila. I think he’s trying to talk to her about something important.”
Caleb’s brow furrowed. “I have a bad feeling about this. Can we trust him?”
Before I could respond, I felt a wave of energy sweep through the crowd as the full moon emerged from behind the clouds, casting an ethereal glow over the gathering. The atmosphere shifted; excitement coursed through us, and the air hummed with magic.
“It’s time!” I announced, raising my voice above the festivities. “Let’s get this celebration started!”