Kamrynn's POV
The moment I stepped outside, the courtyard greeted me with a breathtaking display of light and life. Lanterns hung in delicate arcs along the perimeter, their soft, golden glow illuminating every corner of the space. They flickered like fireflies against the dark velvet sky, casting an ethereal ambiance that felt almost magical. The bonfire at the center of the courtyard was immense, its flames crackling and roaring, sending spirals of glowing embers into the air. The firelight danced across the faces of the gathered Pack members, who sat or stood around it, talking, laughing, and singing with unbridled joy.
Above, the moon hung high and proud, its silver light washing over the courtyard like the goddess herself was blessing the celebration. The combination of the moon's brilliance and the golden hues of the lanterns created a surreal, almost dreamlike quality that made the night feel timeless.
To one side of the courtyard was the bustling food court, where the tantalizing aroma of delicious food, sizzling meats, baked goods, and sweet desserts filled the air. Tiona and Amara were a whirlwind of motion, deftly handing out plates and managing the long lines with ease, their voices ringing out amid the clatter of dishes. Next to it was the open bar, where a steady stream of Pack members gathered, exchanging hearty laughs and clinking glasses of deep red wine, alcohol, and other drinks that shimmered invitingly under the lantern light.
Toward the far end of the courtyard, the game area was a kaleidoscope of colors and activity. Brightly decorated booths offered challenges ranging from dart throwing to ring tosses, and prizes hung from the rafters-stuffed animals, wooden carvings, and trinkets that glittered under the lights. Not far from the games, a section had been set up for children, their laughter echoing like a melody. Miniature climbing sets, buckets of paint for face painting, and small tables for crafts kept them thoroughly entertained. The sight of little ones running around with painted butterflies and wolves on their cheeks tugged at my heart. It was innocent, pure, and untainted by the complexities of adulthood.
It was the kind of scene that should have filled me with warmth, but I couldn't shake the heavy weight in my chest. Despite the beauty, the laughter, and the life all around me, I felt like an outsider peering into someone else's happiness.
I scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces. It didn't take long to find them. Alpha Orion and Luna Rmonica stood in animated conversation with Alpha Rain and Luna Rielle. The two couples seemed perfectly at ease, their laughter genuine and infectious as they shared stories with each other. I could even hear snippets of Alpha Orion's deep, booming chuckle from across the courtyard.
Alpha Zane, meanwhile, stood off to the side, sharing a drink with Lucas, the Beta of our Pack. Both men leaned slightly toward each other as they chatted, their expressions serious but amicable.
Then there was Luna Isla. Unsurprisingly, she was at the food court, her sharp gestures and even sharper voice cutting through the festive atmosphere. I didn't need to strain to hear her complaints, nor did I want to. Tiona and Amara's forced smiles as they nodded along made it clear that she was as unpleasant as ever.
My gaze drifted again, almost against my will, and landed on Kyven and Thalia. Of course, they were together. They stood at one of the game booths, and Kyven was putting on a show, tossing balls with perfect accuracy and hitting every target. Each success was met with an enthusiastic cheer from Thalia, whose cheeks were flushed with excitement. She clapped her hands, her giggles ringing out as she watched him with starry eyes, completely enamored. Kyven, in turn, soaked up the attention, flashing her his boyish grin that I used to find... well, I wasn't sure anymore.
The sight twisted something deep inside me.
I grimaced and quickly looked away, willing myself to focus on something else.
This is ridiculous, I thought, scolding myself silently. Why do you even care?
A sudden growl from my stomach broke through my spiraling thoughts, reminding me that I was yet to have dinner. "I'm sorry, babies," I whispered softly, resting a hand on my bump. "I've been starving you, haven't I? Let's fix that."
I headed to the food court, the enticing aroma of savoury food and sweet treats guiding me like a beacon. Thankfully, I spotted Luna Isla walking away just as I arrived, her sharp voice fading into the distance. Whatever trouble she had been stirring, I was glad to have missed it.
Amara's eyes lit up when she saw me. "Well, look who finally decided to join us!" she teased, handing me a menu. "You missed the opening, Kamrynn. It was epic! The fire dancers were incredible!"
I sighed and sank into a seat. "It's been a long day, Amara."
"Excuses, excuses," she replied, wagging a playful finger at me. "You better make up for it by playing some games later."
I chuckled lightly, scanning the menu. "We'll see."
"Uh-huh," she said with mock disbelief before turning serious. "You okay? You look a little... tired."
"I'm fine," I lied smoothly, smiling faintly. "Just a lot on my mind."
Amara didn't push, though her brow furrowed slightly. "Alright, but take care of yourself. Now, what'll it be?"
I placed my order, and she scurried off to fetch it. While waiting, I leaned back and let my gaze wander over the courtyard again. The festival was still in full swing, laughter and music filling the air, but something felt... off. My eyes scanned the crowd instinctively. Alpha Orion and Luna Rmonica were still deep in conversation with Alpha Rain and Luna Rielle. Alpha Zane and Lucas were engrossed in their drinks. Children were laughing and chasing each other near the play area. Everything seemed fine-yet Alpha Draven was nowhere to be seen.
I frowned. "Where is he?" I muttered under my breath. It wasn't like his absence really mattered, but the thought lingered, nagging at me.
"Here you go!" Amara's cheerful voice pulled me from my thoughts as she set a steaming plate of food in front of me. "Hot, fresh, and made with love."
"Thanks," I said, managing a smile as the delicious aroma wafted up.
I dug in, savoring the flavors and trying to ground myself in the moment. But just as I was nearly finished, movement near the entrance caught my eye. Alpha Draven had finally appeared, slipping into the courtyard with an air of purpose. His gaze zeroed in on Kyven and Thalia almost instantly, and a small, knowing smirk tugged at his lips.
I stilled, watching him closely. A man from the Amethyst entourage approached him, whispering something in his ear. Draven's expression didn't change, but he gave a subtle nod before turning and walking back out the way he'd come.
"What's he up to?" I murmured, my senses prickling.
"Kamrynn, don't get involved," Aryna warned gently, her voice calm but firm. "It's none of our business."
"I know," I whispered back, but my unease didn't subside. "It's just strange."
Draven returned shortly after, his expression composed as he scanned the crowd again. This time, he lingered near the bonfire, his presence blending in seamlessly with the celebratory atmosphere. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right.
I sighed, forcing myself to finish the last bite of my meal. Whatever Draven was doing didn't concern me. Besides, the last thing I needed was Kyven accusing me of being jealous again. The memory of his biting words earlier made my stomach churn despite the food.
I took my supplements, stood, and dusted off my hands, trying to shake off the lingering tension. Determined not to let my unease ruin the night, I headed toward the games and festivities. But no matter how hard I tried to immerse myself in the joy around me, that shadow of doubt stayed. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was viscerally and unequivocally wrong. How I wish I had been wrong…