Chapter 62: A Night Under Fireworks
**Thelma Zane’s POV:**
As tradition dictated, the Moonlight Festival ended with a grand fireworks display that painted the night sky with brilliant colors. The festive atmosphere was contagious, and everyone seemed eager to bask in the revelry. While most of the girls went off to spend the evening with their families, Aldrich and I sought out a quiet spot on a secluded hillside. It was the perfect vantage point to enjoy the spectacle without the crowds.
As we settled down, Aldrich draped his coat over my shoulders, his voice soft and thoughtful. Are you enjoying the night?” he asked. “If there’s one downside to the Moonlight Festival, it’s that everyone insists on wearing such thin clothes in the snow. Hospitals are always overwhelmed with hypothermia cases the day after.”
I chuckled, running my fingers over the soft, warm material of his wool coat. “Is that why you chose this style? For its practicality and warmth?”
His deep laughter joined mine, and the sound felt like a warm embrace in the chilly night. Being with Aldrich always brought a smile to my face. It was as though his presence alone could lift my spirits, a fact I found both comforting and unnervingly sweet.
As we cuddled, a sudden burst of light shot up into the sky. A loud boom followed, and moments later, the sky blossomed with golden sparks.
“It’s starting!” I exclaimed, sitting up with excitement.
This was my first time experiencing a fireworks display of this scale. The Shadow Pack’s customs were more subdued than the Lycan Pack’s, and I found myself awestruck by the sheer brilliance of the colors illuminating the heavens.
“It’s so beautiful, Aldrich!” I exclaimed, tugging on his sleeve like an excited child.
“It is,” he agreed softly, though his eyes weren’t on the fireworks.
When I turned to him, I realized he had been watching me the entire time. His gaze was so intense that I felt self–conscious. “Is something on my face?” I asked, suddenly flustered. “Do I look silly with my makeup smudged?”
Before I could reach for a mirror, Aldrich gently took my hand and pressed a soft kiss to it.” No, there’s nothing wrong at all. You’re perfect.”
His words made my heart race, but what he said next completely disarmed me.
“It’s just that the moonlight is too gentle tonight, and it’s making me feel things I can’t quite control.”
The tenderness in his voice was overwhelming. The space between us seemed to shrink, and before I knew it, our lips met in a gentle kiss.
Chagge 62 Aght Under Ineworks
Unlike the passionate embraces we had shared before, this kiss was soft and delicate, like the touch of a feather carried by the breeze. It lingered just enough to leave an imprint, a quiet moment that felt like it could last forever.
Our breaths mingled, warm and slow, as though we were two wolves huddling together for warmth on a cold winter night. It was an intimacy that needed no words..
“Thelma,” Aldrich whispered, his voice carrying an unspoken weight. “I love you.
The simplicity of his confession melted me. “I love you too,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. “You’re my shepherd and my knight.”
We held each other close as the fireworks painted the night sky, lost in a shared moment that felt suspended in time.
Eventually, the festivities drew to a close, and the hour grew late. Aldrich had to return to the camp, as curfew rules were strictly enforced even during the festival. He escorted me back to the palace, where we parted with lingering smiles and promises to meet again..
The palace, still lively, hosted a small banquet for the attendants and servants on duty. Kara, a friend from the staff, invited me to join her for a few non–alcoholic wheat drinks. We shared lighthearted conversation before I retired to my room for the night.
As the clock ticked toward midnight, I picked up my phone and texted Aldrich.
“What are you doing?” I typed.
His reply came quickly. “Thinking of you.!
The heat rose to my cheeks as I typed back, “Be serious!”
“Alright,” he responded, though his teasing tone was evident even through the text. “I’m preparing a gift for you.”
“A gift?” I asked, intrigued.
“Yes,” he replied. “After the Moonlight Festival, it’s customary for a man to give his sweetheart a gift. It’s a little tradition among the young people.”
My heart fluttered at the thought. “If you tell me now, it won’t be a surprise anymore,” I replied playfully.
“Forgive me, my goddess,” he wrote. “Your presence makes it impossible for me to keep
secrets.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, enough! You’re making me laugh too hard.”
We agreed to meet at the training grounds the next afternoon, and with that, I drifted off to sleep, anticipation filling my dreams..
The following morning, I woke unusually early, my excitement refusing to let me linger in
bed. Though I had stayed up late the night before, the thought of Aldrich’s gift filled me with energy. My unusual cheerfulness didn’t go unnoticed at breakfast.
“My little princess, why are you so happy today?” my mother asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. “Could it be that someone left a lasting impression on you at the party last night?”
“What?” I stammered, caught off guard. “No, Mother. Yesterday was just a wonderful day, that’s all.”
Still, my mother gave me a knowing smile. “It’s alright, dear. You’re at that age where such things are bound to happen.”
My father joined in, his voice warm with affection. “Ah, it seems our little girl is growing up. Soon enough, she’ll be meeting her mate
Their words made me blush furiously. “It’s nothing like that,” I insisted, trying to deflect their teasing. “I’m just happy because of the Moonlight Festival.”
Though their assumptions weren’t entirely wrong, I couldn’t bring myself to admit the truth. Aldrich had captured my heart, but our relationship was something I wanted to keep to myself
for now.
As I finished my breakfast, my thoughts wandered briefly to Bernard Walter–the werewolf who had once been destined to be my mate. It felt like a lifetime ago, though in reality, only al year had passed. The memories of that chapter in my life seemed distant, like a fading echo of a past I no longer belonged to..
Today was about the future, and I couldn’t wait to see what surprises Aldrich had in store for
- me.
Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!
