Chapter 60: What It Means To Be Chosen
Kaya
"Luna candidate?" I echo, my stomach tightening with a strange, unwelcome twist.Somehow, I’d convinced myself that Magnus couldn’t have anyone like that beside him.That someone so unreachable, so... sacred to me, would remain unattached.But of course, as always, I was simply delusional.
"Just like many other males," Samantha continues, oblivious to the quiet storm unraveling inside me, "Alpha Magnus hasn’t met his fated mate yet. So the King thinks he never will. Still, this pack needs a Luna—and Cecilia made the top of the list without even trying."
"But..." I begin cautiously, trying—and failing—to keep the sudden weight of sadness out of my voice. "She’s only a candidate, right? That means... there are others?"
Sam shoots me a look, her smile faint and knowing. "Trust me, at this point, all the others are just for show. Cecilia is the endgame. Good family, lots of money, flawless beauty, strong as hell... She’s the perfect Luna. Especially for someone like Magnus. They’re two peas in a pod."
"Oh..."
The more Samantha talks, the smaller I feel. Like I’m folding in on myself, shrinking beneath invisible hands.Why do I care this much? I shouldn’t.Maybe I am spoiled.Maybe I wanted to believe that no one was worthy of standing at Magnus’s side.That if he was untouchable, then... I wouldn’t have to confront how far below him I really am.
How selfish of me.Damn it, Damien really did mess with my head.
"Why is she already here, though?" Sam’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts. "The birthday party isn’t until next week."
"Birthday party?" I blink at her, startled. "For whom?"
"Alpha Magnus, of course!" Sam swats my shoulder like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
"What?" I practically shout. "And when exactly were you planning on telling me this?"