Chapter 64: The Forbidden Festival

Seraphine's POV

I didn't sleep.

I couldn't.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Cordelia's face. Heard her words on repeat like some fucked-up broken record.

"Stay away from the party."

"He chose you."

"You're his dirty secret."

No. That last one was mine. My own bitter addition to her careful warnings.

The sky outside my window shifted from black to deep blue to pale gray. Dawn crept in slowly, like it was mocking me.

I sat up in bed, my back against the headboard, my knees pulled to my chest.

The mark on my throat throbbed with each heartbeat. Steady. Relentless. A permanent fucking reminder of what I couldn't escape.

"I'm not staying here," I said out loud to the empty room. "I'm not hiding."

The bond flared in response—sharp and hot. Like it was trying to argue with me.

I pressed my palm against my chest, feeling the warmth beneath my skin.

"You don't get a vote," I told it.

The anger from last night was still there. Still burning. But now it had solidified into something harder. Something sharp and focused.

A decision.

I was going to that party. And I was going to see exactly what he thought was worth hiding me for.

---

A knock on the door came around mid-morning.

I'd been staring out the window for hours, watching the distant activity in town. My mind racing. Planning.

"Sera?" Cordelia's voice. "Are you ready?"

Ready.

Right. She'd promised to take me to town.

I opened the door. Cordelia stood there, dressed casually in dark pants and a simple jacket. Her expression was carefully neutral.

"Let's go," she said.

I followed her downstairs and out of the house. The morning air was crisp and cool. The sky was clear and bright.

Too bright for how I felt inside.

As we walked toward town, I kept my hands in my pockets. My heart was beating faster than normal, but I kept my face blank.

Cordelia glanced at me. "You're quiet."

"Just tired," I said.

She didn't push. Smart woman.

---

The town was already transformed.

Lanterns hung from every lamppost and tree. Garlands of pine and flowers draped across storefronts. Tables were being set up along the main street, covered with food and decorations that sparkled in the morning light.

People moved around with purpose, their faces bright with excitement.

It was beautiful.

It made me sick.

"The Moon Festival," Cordelia said, gesturing around us. "It's one of our oldest traditions. We celebrate the full moon, the bonds between mates, the strength of the pack."

I nodded, looking around. Taking it all in. Memorizing every detail.

"There will be music, dancing, feasting," she continued. "And at midnight, the Alpha leads a ceremonial howl under the moon. It's meant to strengthen the pack's unity."

Her voice had that practiced quality. Like she was reciting from a guidebook.

But I wasn't really listening to the words anymore. I was watching.

Watching the crowd. Watching the direction people were heading. Watching where supplies were being carried.

A group of men passed by, hauling wood for what looked like a massive bonfire. They were heading toward the far end of town.

"The main ceremony must be quite a sight," I said carefully.

Cordelia's expression tightened slightly. "It is."

She didn't offer more. Smart.

We continued walking. She kept talking about the traditions, the history, the meaning behind different rituals.

But she was careful now. Vague about locations. Avoiding specifics.

I pretended not to notice.

As we turned a corner, I heard two women talking nearby.

"Did you pick up your dress for tonight?" one asked.

"Yes! I can't wait. The bonfire at the Pack House is always so beautiful."

"I know. And this year they're saying it'll be even bigger. They've been setting up since dawn."

My ears perked up. Pack House.

I filed the information away.

"How many people usually attend?" I asked Cordelia casually.

She glanced at me, her eyes cautious. "Most of the pack."

"Is it... formal? Do people need invitations?"

"It's a pack celebration," she said carefully. "But Sera—"

"I'm just curious," I cut her off. "I've never been to anything like this before."

She studied my face for a long moment. Then she sighed.

"It's open to pack members," she said slowly. "But that doesn't mean—"

"I understand," I said quickly. "I'm not going. I promised, remember?"

The lie came easily.

Cordelia didn't look convinced, but she didn't push.

We continued walking. I kept my eyes open, watching the flow of people. Noting landmarks. Memorizing the route the workers were taking with their supplies.

A young couple passed by, the girl laughing. "I can't believe it's almost time! I've been waiting all year to dance under the moon at the Pack House."

"Me too," her companion said. "The courtyard is going to be packed."

Pack House. Courtyard. Open celebration.

Piece by piece, I was building a map in my mind.

Cordelia led me through a few more streets, pointing out decorations and explaining customs. But I could tell she was being careful. Keeping us away from certain areas.

Probably keeping me away from the Pack House.

Too late. I already knew where it was.

After about an hour, Cordelia checked her watch.

"I need to get back," she said. "I have things to prepare for tonight."

I nodded. "Thank you for showing me around."

She looked at me for a long moment. Her eyes searching my face.

"Remember what I said, Sera," she said quietly. "Stay away from the party. I mean it."

There was genuine worry in her voice now. Maybe even a hint of guilt.

Like she knew she'd already said too much.

"I remember," I said.

But we both knew I was lying.

---

Back at the house, I went straight to my room.

I had hours before the festival started. Hours to plan. To prepare.

I sat on the bed and thought through every detail.

I needed to change my appearance. Completely. The mark on my throat was the biggest problem—every wolf would recognize it for what it was. Kaelen's mark.

I needed clothes that would help me blend in. A way to cover the mark. Something to change how I looked.

And I needed to do it without raising suspicion.

By early afternoon, I'd made my decision.

I found Jason in the hallway. He was on duty today—Derek's day off. I'd noticed the pattern over the past two weeks.

Jason was easier. Less intense. Less likely to question.

"I want to go to town," I said. "I need to pick up a few more things."