Chapter 176

Chapter 176
Sophia's POV:
After Lucas left for his Alpha Council meeting, I remained in bed for a few more minutes, staring at the ceiling.
"Are you having second thoughts?" Amy asked through our mindlink, sensing my churning emotions.
"No," I replied firmly, though my heart hammered against my ribs. "It's time he knew. I'm just... nervous about how he'll react."
I finally forced myself to get up and moved to my wardrobe, my fingers trailing over the various outfits hanging inside as I chose.
Just as I pulled out a simple black dress, I heard familiar footsteps in the hallway. Lucas appeared in the doorway, carrying an elegant garment bag, his golden eyes bright with excitement.
"I thought you'd left for your meeting," I said, surprised to see him.
"I have a few minutes," he said, stepping into the room. "And I wanted to give you this before I go."
I watched as he carefully unzipped the bag, revealing the most breathtaking gown I'd ever seen. The fabric shimmered like liquid moonlight, silver threads catching the morning light in an ethereal dance.
"Lucas, it's beautiful," I breathed, reaching out to touch the delicate material.
"Only you deserve it," he said, stepping closer to wrap his arms around my waist. "You will certainly be the most beautiful lady tonight."
"I love it," I said, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him softly. "I'll wear it tonight."
"Good." His smile was tender as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "I can't wait to see you in it. I have to run now, but I'll see you at the celebration."
"Don't be late," I reminded him, my voice carrying more weight than he could understand.
"I won't," he promised, pressing one more kiss to my forehead before heading out.
After Lucas left, I carefully packed the dress and a few other belongings. Ruth helped me prepare for the journey back to castle.
The drive to home felt both endless and far too short. As our car approached the castle gates, I spotted a familiar figure with gleaming blonde hair waiting for me.
"Sophia!" Chloe's voice rang out as she rushed toward me, her face bright with excitement. "You're finally here!"
I barely had time to step out of the car before she enveloped me in a tight hug.
"I've missed you so much," I said, holding her close. "Thank you for being here."
"Where else would I be?" Chloe pulled back, her hands on my shoulders. "Besides, Prince Ryder has been driving everyone crazy with preparations. He's determined that tonight will be perfect for you."
Chloe turned to look at Ruth, who was walking beside us with my luggage, and smiled warmly. "Ruth, Prince Ryder wanted me to tell you that you're officially on vacation for the next few weeks. You've earned a well-deserved break."
Ruth's face lit up with joy and surprise. "Really? Oh, Miss Chloe, that's so kind of Prince Ryder! I haven't seen some of my old friends in months."
"Go on," Chloe encouraged. "Sophia will be well taken care of here at the castle. Enjoy your reunion."
---
The familiar corridors of the castle welcomed me as we made our way to my chambers. I'd grown up here, but returning always felt surreal after my years at Starlight Pack.
"Chloe," I said hesitantly as we climbed the grand staircase, "what exactly is Ryder planning for tonight? This test, he mentioned for Lucas?"
Chloe's expression grew evasive. "You know I can't give you details, Sophia. But I promise you, it's the right way to handle this."
Her words didn't ease my anxiety. "I just... I'm worried about..."
"Lucas will be fine," Chloe said, though her tone was gentle. "But Sophia, you need to remember something important."
I stopped walking and turned to face her. "What?"
"You and Lucas... you're chosen mates, not fated mates," she said carefully.
The reminder hit me like a cold splash of water.
Aria was Lucas's fated mate – the one chosen by the Moon Goddess. Even though Aria had left Starlight Pack and seemed to have disappeared completely, that fundamental truth remained unchanged.
"Don't let doubt creep in now," Amy warned. "You made your choice. Lucas made his. Aria is gone."
"I know," I replied. "Aria left months ago. She's not coming back to interfere with our lives."
"You're right," I said aloud to Chloe. "But that doesn't change how I feel about Lucas, or how he feels about me. We chose each other."
Chloe smiled and squeezed my hand. "I just hope Lucas is as steadfast in his choice as you are in yours."
When we reached my chambers, I gasped.
The room was filled with the most exquisite designer gowns, sparkling werewolf jewelry, and handcrafted leather accessories I'd ever seen.
"Ryder's been shopping," Chloe said with amusement, watching my reaction.
"This is too much," I murmured, running my fingers over a necklace adorned with precious stones that seemed to glow with their inner light.
"He wants you to have choices for tonight," Chloe explained.
"But I already know what I'm wearing," I said, thinking of Lucas's moonlight dress waiting in my luggage. "Lucas gave me the perfect gown."
Chloe nodded with understanding, though there was a hint of disappointment in her expression. "That's a pity – Ryder spent so much time selecting these pieces."
"What about you?" I asked, suddenly curious. "Have you chosen what you're wearing tonight?"
Chloe's cheeks flushed pink. "Actually, Ryder... he picked out something for me too."
I raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile spreading across my face. "Did he now? How very thoughtful of my brother."
"Sophia..." Chloe's blush deepened.
"Chloe," I said, moving closer with a mischievous grin, "is there something you're not telling me? Since when does Ryder personally select gowns for his guests?"