Kamrynn's POV
Kyven's avoidance was immediate and absolute after my rejection, and honestly, it was a relief. The absence of his endless chatter felt like a weight had been lifted, especially now, with the palace abuzz with preparations for the Harvest Moon Festival.
The festival was one of the biggest events of the year, a celebration that spanned all Packs, dedicated to honoring the Moon Goddess for her blessings and protection. I had loved it as a child. Back in the Obsidian Pack, it had been my favorite holiday, a time when everything felt magical and alive. Before life turned upside down, Sherelle and I would gather wildflowers to make crowns for everyone, our laughter echoing through the woods.
The memory brought a bittersweet ache to my chest. Sherelle had been more than my twin; she was my other half, my anchor. Her absence left a void that even time couldn't fill. Now, the thought of celebrating without her felt hollow, but I told myself I'd join in, for the sake of the Pack and my unborn children.
"They'll love it," Aryna's voice nudged gently in my mind. "And so will you."
I smiled faintly, resting my hands on my belly. "I hope so. They'll be here soon."
"They're already lucky," Aryna said warmly.
I rubbed my stomach, letting myself imagine what life would be like once they arrived. "They'll have a full, beautiful life," I whispered. "I'll make sure of it."
The palace was alive with activity, the air electric with excitement. Decorations were being hung from every arch and window, strings of glittering lights casting the hallways in a golden glow. The kitchens were chaotic but fragrant, the sounds of clanging pots and sizzling pans blending into a comforting symphony. Everywhere I turned, someone was busy with a task-arranging flowers, folding linens, packaging small gifts for the guests.
Even Rmonica was buried under a mountain of work, finalizing guest lists and coordinating seating arrangements. After discussing with Alpha Orion, she'd extended invitations to three neighboring Packs: Moon Blood, Amethyst, and Silver Claw. Their Alphas and families would join the festivities, and the Blue Bell Pack was determined to make a grand impression.
I tried to help where I could, though my six-months-pregnant body had its limits. Still, I found ways to contribute, tying ribbons onto gift baskets and overseeing some of the simpler tasks. Being part of the preparations made me feel included, like I was truly part of the Pack.
But the happiness was tinged with melancholy.
As I watched the decorations go up and listened to the buzz of excitement, my mind drifted back to the past. Sherelle and I would've been in the thick of it if she were here. She'd have insisted on making extra flower crowns, her hands always full of vibrant blooms. She'd have teased me about being too serious, her laughter contagious.
"She'd be proud of you," Aryna said gently.
"I hope so," I murmured.
My fingers brushed against my belly again, the bond I shared with my unborn children grounding me. "They'll never feel alone," I promised.
As the day wore on, I moved from task to task, ignoring the ache in my back and the heaviness in my feet. By the time night fell, exhaustion wrapped around me like a heavy cloak. My body protested every movement, but the satisfaction of seeing everything come together was worth it.
The palace had transformed into something magical. Lights twinkled from every corner, and the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meat lingered in the air. The Harvest Moon Festival was going to be breathtaking.
Still, as I made my way back to my room, I couldn't shake the ache in my chest. It wasn't just physical exhaustion; it was the weight of memories, of what once was and what could never be again.
"You'll celebrate for her too," Aryna reminded me.
I nodded to myself, the resolve settling in my chest. "I will."
I'd honor Sherelle by embracing the present, by making sure my children grew up with the same love and magic she'd brought into my life.
I finally decided to call it a night and began the trek back to my room, longing for a warm bath and a good night's sleep. The corridors were quiet, and most of the palace staff had retired to their quarters. But as I rounded the corner near my room, someone stepped out of the shadows.
"Kyven?" I stopped short, instantly on edge.
He reeked of alcohol, and his movements were unsteady as he staggered closer.
Before I could say another word, he grabbed my wrist and slammed me back against the wall.
"Kyven, what the hell are you doing?" I demanded, trying to free myself from his grip.
"Stop," he said, his voice low and rough. "This time, you're going to listen."
"You're drunk," I snapped. "Let me go before you do something stupid."
He laughed bitterly, leaning in closer. "You think this is stupid? You think I don't know exactly what I'm doing?"
"Kyven-"
"No," he interrupted. "You said your piece. I heard you loud and clear. You don't want anything to do with me. It hurt like hell, but I respected it. I stayed away. But no matter what I do, Kamrynn, I can't get you out of my head."
His grip tightened, and I pushed against his chest, but he wouldn't budge.