Chapter 47(The Announcement Party)

Chapter 47(The Announcement Party)
Kaelenya’s POV

It’s been three weeks since that night, where I felt small and helpless. Everyone says I dreamt it, or it was just my imagination. The priest, the Alpha, even Janet, they all say there is nothing to be afraid of, it's just pregnancy hormones. But I know what I saw. I wasn’t dreaming. I felt that presence, I saw the dark figure almost pressing me, I even felt that breath near my ear.

It has been extremely challenging ever since. I still have this fear and believe I am being watched, I can not sleep peacefully most nights. It is a sensation I cannot shake, particularly when the candles are too low or the wind comes through the cracks in the window.

It is so bad, I can still feel the cold on my skin like I did that day, and even the same fear in my spine.

I tossed the blanket off me, then took a deep breath and strolled into the washroom to clean my face. I was looking too dull.

Today is supposed to be a happy day for me…my announcement party. The day the pack celebrates me…the Luna…and the baby I’m carrying. The whole pack is busy this morning, cleaning, arranging, setting up for the ceremony.

I stood close to the bed watching through the window. I keep shaking my hands and my heart is truly concerned that something bad will happen.

I tried to shake it off, but the feeling won't just stop bothering me.. As I sit before the mirror, wiping my face, the door opens and Clarissa walks in.

“Good morning Luna,” she greeted, bowing down.

She was holding a long silver gown in her arms, and she moved calmly as usual.

“Good morning Clarissa,” I replied.

“Luna,” she said softly, placing the gown on my bed. “It’s time to get ready. Everyone’s waiting downstairs.”

I nodded, but I didn’t move. My reflection in the mirror didn’t even look like me. My face looked pale, even after washing it. My eyes were heavy and tired.

“I don’t know, Clarissa,” I whispered. “Something feels… off. I can’t stop thinking something bad is coming.”

She touched my shoulder, gently, and smiled. “Nothing’s coming. You’re just nervous, that’s all. The goddess watches you, and the baby too. You’re both safe. Remember the protection ritual? You and Alpha Roman are blessed.”

“Blessed.” I whispered to myself. The word didn’t sit right, it felt too light for what’s been haunting me. Every night, I hear or see something…tiny things. Sometimes it’s shadows in motion, sometimes it is footsteps, lately it has been the creak of the door, yet when I peep, there is nothing. I am afraid to tell anyone about it, as they will only say the same thing, it is in my head or it is pregnancy hormones.

“You’re safe, Luna,” Clarissa said again. “Trust that.”

My lips curled into a smile, “Thanks Clarissa.” My eyes moved from one corner to the next. “By the way, where is Janet? I haven't seen her all morning.”

“She went out for the Alpha,” Clarissa said as she helped me into the gown. “She’ll be back soon.”

The gown was cold when it touched my skin. Soft but cold. My belly was round now, but not that visible. I placed my hand over it, feeling the faintest kick. That tiny movement almost made me cry. “I hope you’re safe in there,” I whispered.

Clarissa smiled faintly. “You’ll both be fine. Stand tall, Luna. Let them see your light.” She fixed the silver crown on my head, smoothed my veil, then left quietly.

The silence after she left was heavy. I could hear my own heart beating. I started pacing the room in slow steps. The air felt strange, like something thick hung in it. I didn’t know what scared me more…the thought of being alone, or the thought that I wasn’t.

A knock on the door startled me. “Luna,” a guard said from the door, “it’s time.”

I took a deep breath and opened the door.

Roman stood in the corridor, dressed in black and gold. He looked like he always does…calm, strong, and cold. When his eyes met mine, he gave a short nod.
“Ready?” he asked.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I whispered, but I didn't say it out loud, I just nodded.

He offered his arm, and I took it. We walked down the hall in silence. My steps felt loud against the floor.

When the doors opened, music and voices flooded out. The hall was glowing. There were candles everywhere on the floor. There were also roses and gold lights, hanging on the ceiling. People were drinking, laughing and dancing.

They rose and bowed when they saw us. “Alpha. Luna.”

Roman nodded once, his face calm. We walked to the front. Two tall chairs were placed for us.

Elder Marcus stood up to speak. His voice filled the room. “To the Luna,” he said, holding his cup, “whose strength and grace will bring our pack’s future.”

Everyone cheered. I smiled a little. For the first time in a long while, it felt like maybe I could breathe again.

One by one, people came forward with gifts. “Congratulations, Luna,” someone said. “You’re glowing.” Another whispered, “May the goddess keep your child safe.” Their kindness touched me. Maybe Clarissa was right. Maybe all the darkness was over.

Then Elder Marcus said, “Alpha Roman and Luna Kaelenya, bless us with your dance.”

Roman turned to me and held out his hand. I hesitated, then took it. He placed his hand on my waist. We started to move slowly. The music was soft, and calm. For a few moments, it was just us. The light, the warmth, his eyes weren't on me though, I wasn't even expecting it. He was only doing this out of duty.

As we continued dancing, I felt a sharp deep pain in my stomach.My hands held my stomach really tight. I gasped and bent forward.

Roman’s grip tightened. “Kaelenya?”

It got worse, so much worse. My stomach twisted. I tried to speak, but only a cry came out.

The music stopped, and I heard people gasp. I looked down, and there was blood. Dark red blood spread across my silver gown.

“No,” I whispered. “No, no, no…please.”

Roman caught me before I fell. His face was white. “Get the physician! Now!” he yelled.

The room exploded into noise. Voices shouting, chairs scraping, feet running. I could barely hear. Everything sounded far away. I tried to breathe but couldn’t.

“Please,” I cried, clutching his arm. “Don’t let me lose it….Not again.”

He didn’t answer. His jaw was tight. But his eyes…his eyes were full of fear.

The world started to fade. The lights, the noise, everything spinning. Roman lifted me. His voice trembled for the first time.
“Stay with me, Kaelenya. Please, stay awake.”

I tried. I really did. But my body wouldn’t listen. My eyes wouldn’t stay open. Everything felt cold. And then, nothing…. everywhere just went black.