Chapter 166 Whispers Behind the Crown

Chapter 166 Whispers Behind the Crown
After Kiran left, the maids returned to the room and continued helping me get ready. By now, I was already feeling excited about the celebration, although there was still a small part of me that couldn't believe this was actually happening.

Everything felt so different from the life I used to know.

The maids carefully helped me into my dress again, making sure every part of it was properly arranged. They adjusted the fabric around my waist and shoulders, checked the diamond details on the gown, and made sure everything looked perfect before moving on to my hair.

I sat quietly while they worked on it.

They brushed my hair gently and styled it into a bouncy free wave, allowing it to rest beautifully upon my shoulder and fall slightly over part of my face. I kept looking at myself in the mirror as they worked, watching my appearance slowly change.

After they finished my hair, they began applying my makeup.

They worked carefully, applying everything from foundation to eyeshadow and lipstick. I wasn't used to having so many people fuss over my appearance, so I simply sat there and allowed them to do their work.

When they finally finished, one of the maids handed me a mirror.

I stared at my reflection for a few seconds.

To be honest, I couldn't even recognize my own looks anymore.

I looked completely different.

The dress, my hair, the makeup, and the jewelry they had added all came together perfectly. I looked at myself from different angles, smiling slightly as I admired the woman staring back at me.

I looked fabulous.

For a moment, I simply stood there, taking everything in.

This was really me.

The same Elara who had gone through so much was now standing in a beautiful royal gown, preparing to walk out as the Luna of the pack.

After making a few final adjustments, the maids stepped back to admire their work. They smiled at me before excusing themselves and leaving the room.

The door closed behind them, and suddenly, it was quiet.

I remained in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. I touched my hair gently and smiled at myself before turning slightly to look at the dress again.

I was about to leave the room when the door opened.

I turned around, expecting to see one of the maids.

Instead, Clara walked in.

The moment she saw me, her face lit up, and she rushed toward me, wrapping her arms tightly around me.

“I’m so happy for you. This is such a big day for us. Finally,” she said excitedly.

I laughed softly and hugged her back.

“Finally,” I repeated.

Having Clara there made everything feel even more special. She had been beside me through so much, and seeing her excitement made me realize that this wasn't only important to me. The people who cared about me were happy too.

As I held her, my memories suddenly flashed back to Helena.

For a moment, I imagined what it would have been like if she were standing here with us.

She would have been happy for me too.

I felt a small ache in my chest as I thought about her, but I didn't allow myself to become too sad. Helena had suffered enough, and at least she had finally gotten the peace she wanted.

I slowly pulled away from Clara and looked at her.

“You look so beautiful. I couldn't even recognize you,” she said, looking me over from head to toe. “Today is such a big day for us.”

She jumped excitedly, and I couldn't help but laugh.

“Yes, it is,” I said with a smile.

“But I'm coming, let me quickly get something. I just sneaked in to come see you. I still have some work to do.”

Before she could leave, I reached out and held her hand.

“You know you are my personal assistant. Why are you doing this? You shouldn't stress yourself,” I said.

She smiled and shook her head.

“Don't worry. After the celebration, I will become your personal assistant fully.”

I nodded, although I still wasn't completely convinced.

“You better rest too,” I told her.

She nodded before giving me one more quick hug.

“I will.”

Then she turned around and left the room.

I watched her disappear through the doorway before turning back toward the mirror. I took one last look at myself, adjusted a strand of hair that had fallen across my face, and prepared to leave.

I had barely taken a step toward the door when someone pushed it open again.

I stopped.

For a moment, I thought it was Clara. Maybe she had forgotten to tell me something or remembered another task she needed to discuss with me.

But it wasn't Clara.

It was the head maid.

She walked into the room with a creepy smile on her lips.

My expression immediately changed.

I stood straight and looked at her carefully, wondering what she wanted this time. There was something about the way she looked at me that made me uncomfortable, especially after everything that had happened since she started working around me.

I didn't say anything. I simply watched her as she walked farther into the room.

She stopped a few steps away from me and continued smiling.

“I can see you are enjoying this,” she said.

I paused. What exactly does this lady have with me? I think it's time for me to lock her up.

“What do you mean? Why are you so obsessed with me? What is your problem with me?” I asked her, staring at her in confusion.

Instead of answering immediately, she smiled.

“I have no problem with you at all. The only issue I have with you is that I feel you do not deserve the title of Luna,” she said calmly.

I stared at her for a moment before smiling.

So, that was it.

She simply didn't believe I deserved to be Luna.

“Well, if I do not deserve it, and Kiran finds me worthy, then I don't think your opinion counts anymore,” I said, keeping my voice calm. “I've been trying hard to be patient and understand what your problem is. I've tried to overlook the way you behave toward me because I didn't want unnecessary trouble, but seeing that you are going to give me trouble all the time, I will have no option but to lock you up.”

Her smile disappeared slightly.

“That is it. Once you get into power, the only thing you know how to do is use your power to intimidate the poor.”

I smiled.

I wasn't going to let her make me feel guilty for standing up for myself.

“Well, the poor shouldn't be pushing the rich or the royals to do so,” I replied. “The poor should stay within their limits. But if you may excuse me, I have my celebration to attend. So, excuse me.”

I turned away from her and walked toward the door.

“Good luck having a peaceful celebration you will never forget.”

I slowed down in my steps.

Her words made me pause for a moment.

What exactly did she mean by that?

I turned slightly, wondering if I should ask her what she was talking about, but I quickly changed my mind. I wasn't going to give her another opportunity to start an argument with me, especially when I had an entire celebration waiting outside.

Whatever she meant, I would deal with it if it happened.

Without saying another word, I walked out of the room.

As soon as I stepped into the hallway, I was fascinated by how large and beautifully decorated it was. Everything looked different from the way I remembered it. The walls were decorated with beautiful designs, and there were flowers placed in different areas. Maids were moving around, carrying things and making sure everything was ready for the celebration.

I looked around with a small smile.

Compared to the old Alpha's area, this place wasn't as heavily decorated. His side of the palace was more elaborate, with so many beautiful details that could easily make anyone stop and stare.

Still, I liked mine.

It wasn't too much, and everything looked comfortable and elegant at the same time.

I walked slowly down the hallway, admiring the decorations. The sounds of people preparing for the celebration filled the palace, and I could already imagine how lively everything would become once the guests arrived.

For a moment, I completely forgot about my conversation with the head maid.

I didn't want to let her ruin my mood.

Today was supposed to be a happy day, and I wanted to enjoy every part of it.

Then I remembered the old Alpha.

I had almost forgotten that I needed to check on him before going to the celebration.

I immediately changed direction and headed toward his room.

When I got there, I was surprised to find that he was already preparing to come to my party. He had already put on his clothes, and the maids were assisting him with the final adjustments.

I stood at the doorway for a moment, watching them.

Then he noticed me.

His face immediately brightened, and he smiled so widely that I couldn't help but smile too.

“Moon goddess, Elara, you are looking beautiful,” he said warmly. “Now you look like my real daughter-in-law.”

I felt my cheeks heat up.

“Thank you, Alpha. You look good too.”

He chuckled and looked me over again, clearly pleased with how I looked.

“You came to see me? I feel special,” he teased.

I laughed softly.

“No, Alpha. You deserve it. You deserve it, father,” I said to him.