Chapter 19
ARIA’S POV
The party was in full swing, with laughter and music filling the air. I stood on the deck of the cruise ship, admiring the twinkling lights of the shore dancing on the water.
It was indeed a perfect night for a party, and I felt a rush of joy in my heart.
Suddenly, a dazzling display of colours exploded in the sky. I gasped, my eyes widening as fireworks painted the night in brilliant colours.
“So, what do you think?” Ryan’s voice came from beside me, a hint of mischief in his tone.
I turned to my brother, a smile spreading across my face. “I love it! It’s absolutely beautiful.”
Ryan puffed out his chest, looking proud. “Well, you can thank Adam for that. But,” he added quickly, “I helped too, you know. So maybe save a little gratitude for your other amazing brother?”
I laughed, playfully hitting his arm. “You guys are going to make me cry, I swear.”
“Oh no, please don’t,” Ryan said, pretending to be horrified. “We can’t have the birthday girl ruining her makeup. What would the guests say?”
I rolled my eyes, but my smile didn’t fade. “Thank you, Ryan. Really. This is… it’s perfect.”
As another burst of fireworks lit up the sky, I turned to look for Adam. I found him standing a little way off, his eyes on the display. When our eyes met, I mouthed a silent ‘thank you‘. He nodded, a rare smile softening his usually serious face.
The fireworks continued, with each explosion more breathtaking than the last. They had prepared a special Moon Goddess–themed display, and with each launch, a full moon shape appeared in the sky. The. young wolves playing on the deck let out excited howls, spreading their joy to everyone around them.
“They really outdid themselves, you know,” Ryan commented, leaning on the railing next to me. “Adam was up for days planning this. You should’ve seen him, going through catalogues, arguing with the fireworks company. I thought he was going to lose it.”
I chuckled at the thought of my usually composed older brother losing his cool over party planning. “I’m surprised he didn’t just pass it off to someone else.”
Ryan shrugged. “You know Adam. If he’s going to do something, he’s going to do it right. Especially for you, little sis.”
His words warmed my heart, but as I watched the young pups playing, a wave of sadness hit me.
My hand unconsciously moved to my stomach, remembering the child I had lost. I imagined how my own pup would have loved this, running around with the others, howling at the moon shapes in the sky. “Aria?” Ryan called out softly, concern evident in his tone. “You okay?”
I blinked, realizing my eyes had filled with tears. “Yeah I said, forcing a smile. “Just feeling a bit overwhelmed, I guess.”
Ryan put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. “It’s okay to feel sad about it every now and
then. But please remember that you are not alone.”
I leaned into him, grateful for his understanding know I just can’t help but think about what could have been.”
We stood in silence for a moment as the fireworks continued. Then Pyan spoke again, his voice gentle but firm. “What happened wasn’t your fault, Ana. Just give it time. You’ll be fine.”
I smiled weakly. “Maybe. Thanks, Ryan”
As the final fireworks faded from the sky, leaving behind a trail of smoke and lingering wonder, I took a deep breath. It was time to rejoin the party.
We made our way back to the main deck, where the celebration was in full swing Pack members from all over had come to celebrate, and the air was thick with excitement.
“There you are!” Adam’s voice cut through the crowd as he made his way towards us. “I was beginning to think you had run off with the fireworks crew.”
I laughed, giving him a quick hug. “Not a chance. Though I have to say, I’m impressed. You’ve got hidden talents, bro.”
Adam’s ears turned slightly pink at the compliment. “Well, it’s not every day my little sister turns twenty- one. Had to make it special, didn’t I?”
Before I could respond, a hush fell over the crowd. Elder Marissa cleared her throat and moved to the front. Her voice, though aged, carried across the deck with authority.
“Friends, pack members, honoured guests,” she began her eyes twinkling “We have gathered here tonight to celebrate a very special occasion. Not only do we honour the birthday of our beloved Princess, but we also mark the beginning of a new era for our pack”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd and puddenly felt uneasy
Elder Marissa continued. “As is our tradition, on the twenty–first birthday of the Alpha’s youngest child, we look to the future. To the blessed princess who will one day lead our pack into prosperity and strength.”
My heart started to race. I knew this tradition, of course. It was as old as our pack itself. But somehow, I had never really thought about it.
“And so,” she continued, her gaze sweeping across the assembled wolves, “it is time for the star of tonight’s celebration, the Alpha King’s youngest daughter, to make her appearance… not just as a princess, but as a future leader.”
I was suddenly overwhelmed with panic. I started shaking my head frantically, trying to signal her to stop. I wasn’t ready for this.
Thankfully, Adam noticed my distress immediately. He squeezed my hand gently. “Aria? Are you okay?”
I leaned in close, my voice barely audible. “Adam, please. Go tell her to stop the introduction. I’m not ready for this. I can’t do it.”
He hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching mine. “Are you sure? You’ve been preparing for this moment. You can do this, Aria. I believe in you.”
But the thought of stepping out there, of facing all those expectations, was just too overwhelming.
21
Chapter 19
Adam, ples shouted, not caring who heard me. “Not today. I can’t. Please.”
Without another word, he nodded and gestured to Elder Marissa to stop. Then he took my hand and gently led me to a nearby seat. I followed him with my head bowed, feeling a little bit relieved.
I
As we sat down, I let out a long, shaky sigh. “I’m so sorry, Adam. I didn’t mean to put you in that position.” He shook his head, his eyes kind. “Hey, don’t apologize. As long as it’s what you want, it’s fine with me.” We could hear Elder Marissa’s voice in the background, smoothly covering for my absence. “My apologies, everyone. It seems our young princess needs a few more moments to prepare. I know many of you are eager to meet the Griffith princess, but I’m afraid that will have to wait for another time.”
The crowd expressed their disappointment with murmurs, but Elder Marissa quickly calmed them down. And soon, the music started up again, filling the air with its lively beat.
Adam’s voice broke into my racing thoughts. “Are you okay? Really okay?”
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “I’m fine. I just… I needed a minute. It was all
He nodded, his face serious. “I get it. But Aria, you can’t hide forever. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to face them.”
“I know,” I whispered, my eyes fixed on my hands twisting in my lap. “I know that I will have to do this eventually.”
