As I walked into the dining hall, the warm, inviting aroma of roast chicken and freshly baked bread enveloped me. The room buzzed with lively chatter and laughter as the pack gathered for a much-needed evening of relaxation. Reuben darted between the tables, carrying platters piled high with delicious food, while Laura, now looking visibly more at ease, took her seat next to Carlisle.

Saunders had an arm around the back of Becky's chair as he laughed at something Alpha Graham said.

Harry sat beside a surprisingly smiling Ciara.

"Finally! We were beginning to think you'd disappeared into the woods forever," someone called out as Aiden and I took our seats.

"Not quite," I replied with a laugh, sliding into my chair. "We were just off on an adventure."

"Is everything ready for tomorrow?" Becky asked, looking at Laura.

"Yes! It's all finally finished. Everything's set up. It's going to be amazing," she gushed.

"Laura did an amazing job. Tomorrow will go off without a hitch," I added, hopeful that was true.

"And if there are any hiccups," Aiden chimed in with a grin, 'we'll handle them with the same grace we've tackled everything else."

Ciara reached out and squeezed Harry's hand. "And then we get to plan our marking ceremony."

Everyone kind of paused what they were doing and just looked at her for a moment.

"Yeah," Harry mumbled, his face turning a bright red.

The conversation continued around us, but I found my thoughts drifting to how Aiden and I had spent the afternoon. His presence had been a steadying force throughout the day, and I relished the moments we shared. As the evening wore on, I couldn't help but notice the way he glanced at me when he thought I wasn't looking, a silent exchange that spoke volumes.

Eventually, the meal came to an end, and the pack began to disperse, heading off to their respective activities or to retire for the night. Aiden and I lingered a bit longer, finishing up our dessert while chatting idly with those around us.

"Are you ready for bed?" Aiden asked softly, his fingers brushing against mine as he reached for his glass.

I met his gaze, feeling a flutter in my chest. "I am. I'm looking forward to it. An actual full night's sleep."

"Hopefully," Aiden added.

When the last of the plates were cleared away and the dining hall was nearly empty, we finally made our way to our room. The quiet of the corridor was a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of the dining hall, and the dim light from the sconces cast soft shadows on the walls.

Once inside our room, I took a deep breath, allowing myself to relax. The soft glow of the bedside lamp created a cozy atmosphere. Aiden closed the door behind us, and I could feel the shift in the air, the subtle change from the public space we had just left to the private sanctuary of our room.

Aiden walked over to the window, pushing aside the curtain to reveal the night sky. "It's beautiful tonight," he said, his voice low.

I joined him, looking out at the starlit sky. "It is."

He turned to me, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I've been thinking about us. About tomorrow."

I nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervous excitement. "Me too. It's going to be super intense in a few hours."

He took my hand in his, his touch warm and reassuring. "It's going to go by really fast."

I squeezed his hand in return. "Let's hope it doesn't go by too fast. I do want to enjoy it. And seeing you all fancy in a tux."

Aiden leaned in, his gaze steady and filled with warmth. "You in your gown."

We finally settled into bed and it didn't take long until I was sound asleep.

The following morning arrived with a crispness in the air. I actually woke early without anyone needing to pub on the door, my heart already racing with anticipation for the marking ceremony. Aiden was still asleep beside me, his steady breathing a comforting backdrop to my swirling thoughts. I gently extricated myself from his embrace and made my way towards the kitchen for the first cup of coffee before all of the shenanigans began.

The house was already alive with activity when I made my way downstairs. The scent of fresh coffee and pastries mingled with the crisp morning air, filling the halls with a comforting aroma. The kitchen was all hustle and bustle as the chefs rushed around preparing the feast for after the ceremony.

Reuben waved, wiped his hands on his apron and rushed over to me. "Good morning! Sorry I wasn't waiting."

"Honey, it's okay. You guys are super busy in here."

"Yeah. We're trying to make sure it's ready to go early so we can all get ready for the ceremony and party."

"Good. I definitely want you all there to join in the celebrations." I tousled his hair and made my way to the patio.

I sat down and just took a few deep breaths to calm my nerves, plus enjoy the last bit of peace I would probably have for the rest of the day. As I emptied my coffee cup, I stood and went in search of Laura just knowing she was already roaming around somewhere.

As I made my way to the main hall, I could hear the murmur of voices and the occasional burst of laughter. Peeking around the corner I found the familiar laughers. Laura and Becky were already in the thick of things, overseeing the final touches. Laura was a whirlwind of activity, directing where each of the inside flower arrangements and table settings should go. Becky, looking as composed as ever, was assisting with the final adjustments to the cake.

"Elara, you made it!" Becky said, turning to me with a warm smile. "Everything's coming together beautifully."

"I'm so glad to hear that," I said, taking in the vibrant colors and intricate designs that adorned the room. "It looks stunning."

Laura practically beamed. "We're just about ready. There's still a bit to do, but we're on track. I'm so excited for this thing to happen!"

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering in my chest. "I'm excited too. Thank you both for everything you've done. It means a lot to me."

As I walked through the hall, I could see that Saunders and Carlisle had arrived with the ceremonial attire. Saunders was holding a neatly arranged pile of tuxedos and what I assumed were Laura and Becky's dresses.

"Morning, Elara," he greeted. "Got the outfits here. Aiden's tux is looking sharp, if I do say so myself."

"Thank you, Saunders," I said, trying to suppress the growing anxiety. "I'm sure he'll look incredible."

Harry was even making himself useful busily arranging the final touches on the ceremonial archway.

"You're doing something useful today?" I teased.

"I mean, sometimes," Harry replied, adjusting a ribbon with precision. "Does it at least look alright?"

"It's perfect," I assured him. "Thank you."

As the morning wore on to the afternoon, the pack began to assemble, their excitement palpable. Guests from all over arrived in their finest attire, and the atmosphere in the hall became electric with anticipation. I could see familiar faces mingling, exchanging stories and laughter. Aiden's family had also arrived, and they were making their way to the designated seating area.

Aiden finally appeared, his presence commanding attention. He looked absolutely stunning in his tuxedo, every detail immaculate. He caught my eye from across the room, his smile reassuring as he made his way over to me.

"Good afternoon," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth. "Are you ready?"

"I think so," I replied, my nerves suddenly making my voice tremble. "Everything's set up, and there are a lot of people here. I don't think I know who a majority of them are"

"I don't either." Aiden took my hand, his touch grounding me. "We've got this. Just remember to enjoy the moment."

I nodded, taking a deep breath as the ceremony's start time drew near. The hall was now filled with pack members, their faces glowing with pride and excitement. The decorations sparkled under the soft lighting, and the atmosphere was charged with a palpable sense of unity and celebration.

"Why are you two down here in sweats?" Laura screeched.

I hadn't seen her in a few hours. I was doing my best to not get in anyone's way as inside and outside were transformed even more into a wondrous fairytale.

"Um, helping?" I asked.

"No! No, no, no. Go upstairs. You," She pointed to me. "Get your shower in your room. Alpha, find another room."

"Harry's," I said to him. "Saunders is walking around with your tux."

Aiden nodded and wandered off in the general direction of the stairs.

Laura and Becky each grabbed one of my hands and dragged me toward a back staircase.

"There's secret stairs?" I asked.

"Not really secret," Laura laughed. "They open a few doors down from your room."

"I think I need to explore this place more," I said quietly.

Once in the room, Laura and Becky wasted no time.

"Get in the shower now," Laura instructed.

"Already there," I said, closing the door behind me.

I took my time scrubbing my hair and having just a few more moments to myself. The knocking started as I finished rinsing off.

"Hurry up!" Becky called to me.

"Alright. I'm coming. I'm coming.

Laura laid out the emerald green dress on a nearby chaise lounge. The fabric was a rich, luxurious silk that shimmered subtly as it caught the light. The dress featured a fitted bodice with a sweetheart neckline that accentuated my collarbone and shoulders. Delicate, hand-sewn beading traced the neckline and extended onto the shoulders, adding a touch of sparkle without overwhelming the elegance of the design. The waist was cinched with a satin ribbon that tied into a graceful bow at the back, highlighting my figure. The skirt flowed into a full, floor-length A-line that moved with a gentle swish, giving the impression of a modern fairytale gown. The dress was both striking and sophisticated, its emerald hue vibrant against the pale tone of my skin.

Becky sat me down by another woman who had an entire arsenal of hair supplies, curling wands, and blow dryers. She brushed through it with meticulous care, her hands moving deftly to create volume and softness. After prepping my hair with volumizing mousse and a light mist of texturizing spray, she began curling sections with a curling iron. Each curl was expertly pinned into place, and once set, she released them to form a cascade of elegant waves that framed my face and shoulders.

A second woman got to work on my makeup, starting with a smooth base that evened out my skin tone. She applied a light foundation followed by a touch of contour to highlight my cheekbones. For the eyes, she used shades of gold and bronze to create a warm, smoky effect that enhanced my natural eye color. A sweep of mascara defined my lashes, making my eyes look larger and more expressive. The finishing touch was a soft, rose-pink lip color that complemented the richness of the green dress without overshadowing it. Laura added a touch of highlighter to my cheekbones and brow bones to give my skin a dewy glow.

With the finishing touches complete, I took a moment to admire myself in the full-length mirror. The transformation was remarkable, and I felt elegant. Laura and Becky exchanged satisfied glances as they made the final adjustments.

I could feel the tears welling in my eyes.

"No crying!" Laura said sternly.

"I'm sorry. I've just never been made to feel so special before."

"And that's a shame. You are incredibly special. Now, don't cry," Becky added.

"Perfect," Laura said with a grin. "Now let's get you outside."

Laura and Becky guided me down the stairs and through the winding halls until we reached the back doors that led to the gardens. The scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass filled the air, adding to the serene atmosphere. The garden had been meticulously prepared for the ceremony. White flower petals were scattered along the path leading to a beautifully adorned archway, and delicate fairy lights hung in the trees, casting a soft, romantic glow.

"This is where we leave you." Laura kissed my cheek. "You're going to be an amazing Luna."

Becky dabbed at her eyes. "I'm so thankful for you, Elara."

They hurried away to their seats towards the front with Saunders and Carlisle.

Aiden was already waiting, standing beside the officiant. He was dressed in his sharp tuxedo, his features softened by a gentle, reassuring smile. When his eyes met mine, they lit up with admiration, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us in that magical setting.

As I approached, Aiden's gaze was filled with a mix of pride and affection. He stepped forward to greet me, his hand reaching out to take mine. "You look incredible," he said softly, his voice filled with genuine awe.

"Thank you," I replied, feeling a surge of warmth at his words. "I couldn't have done it without Laura and Becky."

He squeezed my hand gently. "You're the star of the show today."

The officiant, a kind-faced man with a warm smile, gestured for us to take our places. The garden, with its vibrant flowers and soft lighting, seemed to be the perfect backdrop for this perfect moment.

The ceremonial music began, signaling the start of the marking ceremony. A hush fell over the crowd as the music slowly came to an end and the officiant recited his words. I looked around at the sea of familiar faces, their expressions reflecting their joy and support. Harry sat with Ciara next to Carlisle and Laura. He looked at me and motioned with his head behind him.

Three people smack dab in the center row. Mom. Dad. Morgan. Morgan was the worst. She scowled the entire time. I could almost see steam coming out of her ears.