14. Interrupted Engagement

|| Lilac’s POV || The grand hall was breathtaking—crystal chandeliers glowing overhead, crimson velvet drapes adding a royal touch, and tables piled high with fancy food and champagne. The air smelled like expensive perfume and roasted meat, rich and overwhelming. Every important alpha and noble in the country had come for the engagement ceremony. Laughter and clinking glasses filled the room, but I felt completely out of place—like a puppet in a show I never signed up for. I stood near the edge, my heart pounding, and caught my reflection in a gilded mirror. The girl staring back at me looked like a stranger. My ivory silk dress was elegant, my hair pinned up with tiny pearls, every detail perfect. I looked like a future Luna. But I didn’t feel like one. Mom stood beside me, her emerald-green gown shimmering, her eyes bright with pride. "You look beautiful, sweetpea," she whispered, squeezing my arm. "Are you ready?" I forced a smile. "As ready as I’ll ever be." She gave me a reassuri