Chapter 68
Aria’s POV.
I sat in the back of the car, my hands gripping the seat, my heart pounding, my eyes darting to Celeste beside me. We had switched cars after arriving at the park. Liam got sick and I urged Brian to take him and Sonia back to the pack house, leaving Celeste and I alone with the new driver.
The air was warm, the windows open, the forest blurring past as we drove through the market town, gathering supplies for the Lunar Festival.
My blue dress clung to my skin, damp with sweat from a long, hectic day of shopping, piles of fabric for banners, baskets of food for the feast, candles for the rituals, all stuffed in the trunk.
My silver hair stuck to my neck, my wolf, Kyra, growling, her unease sharp, sensing my fear of Celeste, her green dress bright, her dark hair swaying, her grin sly and wicked.
I stayed cautious, my body tense, my hands busy with bags, keeping her at a distance, her mocking words from earlier, "Running off, Luna Celeste?" and her claim to be my maid burning in my mind.
My heart raced, my fear of her sinister plan, her knowledge of my true identity as Aria, not Celeste, a constant threat, my chest tight with worry.
The day dragged, my arms aching from carrying crates, my voice hoarse from haggling with vendors, their eyes curious, watching me as Luna Celeste, the pack judging my every move.
Celeste barely helped, her steps slow, her smile fake, her eyes glinting with something dark, making my anger flare, my patience thin.
I did most of the work, my hands sorting fabrics, checking lists, my heart heavy with the festival’s weight, Kael’s protectiveness, his fight with the elders, his anger at Seraphina, all pushing me to prove myself, to keep my secret safe.