Chapter 172

Chapter 172
Sophia’s POV:
I watched Lucas's face as he settled into the armchair across from me, a subtle excitement dancing in his golden eyes. Something had clearly lifted his spirits since we'd dealt with Catherine yesterday.
"Sophia," he began, his voice carrying a warmth that made my chest tighten. "I have some news that I think will interest you."
I tilted my head, curious. "Oh?"
"The Lycan King is hosting a grand celebration next week at the royal castle," Lucas said, leaning forward slightly. "It's to commemorate the perfect completion of the moonlight project."
My heart skipped a beat. Ryder's test is this banquet.
"The moonlight project?" I asked, keeping my voice carefully neutral.
Lucas's expression grew animated, pride evident in every line of his face.
"It's truly remarkable, Sophia. The project has completely solved the problem of displaced wolves – those who were forced to wander because of discrimination or destroyed homes. Can you imagine? Hundreds of wolves now have safe territories and communities again."
If only you knew, Amy whispered in my mind, that you're praising your mate's own accomplishment.
I forced myself to smile. "That sounds... incredible. "
"The Lycan Princess herself spearheaded it," Lucas continued, his tone shifting slightly as he watched my face. "Michael's dedication to the project was extraordinary."
His golden eyes seemed to study my reaction as he added, "The loyalty he showed to the princess... it's quite remarkable, really. Some people say it's clear he holds deep affection for her. "
There was something deliberate in the way he emphasized those last words, as if testing the waters, gauging my reaction to Michael's devotion to this mysterious princess.
Each word felt like a small knife twisting in my chest. Here was Lucas, my husband, praising another man's love for me without realizing it. The irony was almost unbearable.
"That sounds quite... moving," I managed, my voice slightly strained.
Lucas laughed. "According to reports, during the most critical phases of the project, Micheal almost died there while dealing with malicious rogues."
I couldn't listen to any more. "Lucas," I interrupted, perhaps a bit too sharply, "this is all very... fascinating, but wasn't there something specific about the celebration you wanted to tell me?"
He paused, his perceptive golden eyes catching the slight edge in my interruption. For a moment, I thought he might question my sudden discomfort, but instead he simply nodded, choosing not to press the matter.
"Of course," he said smoothly, reaching over to take my hand. "The celebration is next week, and I was hoping you'd accompany me."
"I'd love to," I replied, and confessed frankly. "Actually, Lucas, I think that celebration would be the perfect time to share my surprise with you."
His face lit up immediately, a boyish excitement replacing his earlier concern. "Really? You're finally going to tell me what this mysterious surprise is?"
I nodded, unable to suppress a small smile at his enthusiasm. "You'll know when the time comes."
Lucas looked at me with a smile. "You know, Sophia, you seem different lately."
"Different how?" I asked confusedly.
"More confident. More... assertive." His thumb traced circles on my palm. "You speak your mind now, you make decisions without looking over your shoulder for approval. I have to admit, it's incredibly attractive."
Heat flooded my cheeks. "I suppose recent events have taught me the value of standing up for myself."
"Good," he said firmly, pulling me closer until I was practically in his lap. "I love seeing this side of you, Sophia. "
For a moment, wrapped in his arms, I almost forgot about the complex web of secrets between us.
But reality crashed back as I remembered Ryder's words from our last conversation.
"About the celebration," I said, gently extracting myself from his embrace. "What are the arrangements? When would we need to leave?"
"I was thinking we could handle it in stages," Lucas replied, seemingly unbothered by my withdrawal. "I have some critical Starlight Pack business to attend to in the morning – Marcus has scheduled meetings with our neighboring pack about new trade agreements. After that's finished, I'd pick you up and we could travel to the castle together."
I nodded slowly. "Actually, I promised Chloe we'd have lunch that day. We haven't spent much time together lately, and she's been asking. Perhaps I could meet you at the celebration?"
"That works perfectly," Lucas agreed readily. "The festivities don't officially begin until evening anyway."
My brother's words echoed in my memory: "I'll give Lucas one final chance to prove himself, Sophia. The arrangement is simple – you'll arrive at the celebration first, and Lucas will come separately. If he can manage to show up on time, to prioritize being there for you over whatever other things, then I'll officially acknowledge his place as your husband."
At the time, it had seemed almost too easy. But sometimes simple things tend to go wrong.
"Sophia?" Lucas's voice brought me back to the present. "You seemed to zone out just now."
"Sorry, I was just thinking about the timing." I took a breath, needing the reassurance even though I wasn't sure why. "Lucas, you'll be there, won't you? On time, I mean. This celebration seems important."
Something in my tone must have conveyed my underlying anxiety, because his expression immediately became serious. "Of course I'll be there on time. "
"Even if something urgent comes up with the pack?"
"Sophia." He cupped my face in his hands. "I've learned my lesson about prioritizing the wrong things. You are my priority now. I always keep my promises to you."
Then he leaned forward to press a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Whatever has you worried, put it out of your mind. I'll be there."
I wanted to believe him. His words were sincere, his touch gentle, yet something deep in my chest refused to settle.
There was an inexplicable unease clawing at me.
---
In the evening, I sat alone in the cottage's sitting room, staring out at the darkening sky.
Soon, very soon, Lucas would learn the truth about who I really was.
Would he be angry? Hurt? Relieved?