LAYLA'S POV
The maids lead me down the eastern wing—a place I have never dared to walk before. Not because I'm not allowed to, but because this part of the house isn't for someone like me. It belongs to those with power. With purpose. With a name that matters.
Not someone like me.
We stop at a door. The door is tall and carved with swirls of gold and silver, like something out of a fairytale. One of the maids, Clara, gives me a soft smile before pushing it open."This is where you'll be getting ready," she says.
I step in slowly, my breath catching in my throat.
The room is beautiful. No—breathtaking. The walls are painted pink with gold designs on the wall. The curtains are blue and the colour matches the walls in the prettiest way. A grand bed sits in the center with soft, pillowy sheets that look untouched. A mirror taller than me stands near the corner. There are wardrobes, bookshelves, plush chairs, and even a vanity.
I swallow hard.
This room is meant to be mine. If fate had been kinder. If rank didn't matter.This is supposed to be the Luna's room.
My room.
For a brief, foolish moment, I let myself imagine it.
Waking up in this bed. Wrapped in the triplets' arms with sunlight spilling through the curtains. I imagine feeling safe. Feeling loved. Leading the pack with dignity and strength. Wearing the Luna's crest with pride. And the triplets…
Kaiden. Killian. Kieran.My mates.Not my tormentors.
I imagine what it might be like to wake up beside them. Or just one of them. Maybe Kieran. I imagine what it would feel like to have his fingers brush my cheek as he whispered good morning. Maybe he'd kiss my shoulder. Maybe he'd smile.
My heart aches, and my wolf stirs deep within me. Her longing is undeniable. She wants this. All of it.
But reality slams into me just as quickly.
I am an omega. They don't want me. They make it clear every single day with their actions.
They are Alphas. The highest of the high. Triplets fated to one mate, and unfortunately, that mate is me.
The lowest of the low. And soon, they will reject me.
I know it. Everyone knows it. And oddly, I've made peace with that part.
Except… for Kieran.
He's different. I don't know how or why, but when he looks at me, it feels real. Like he sees me—really sees me. Not just as an omega. Not just as some mistake. If only he were my only mate. Maybe things would be simpler. Maybe I could dream.
"All right, let's get you dressed," Clara says gently, walking in with a set of dresses hanging from her arms. Another maid, Ruth, follows behind her with jewelry boxes.
Then comes Kate.
I stiffen as she walks in with her usual sneer."Oh, how precious," she says. Her voice drips with fake sweetness as usual. "They brought the little maid to the Luna's room. Isn't that cute?"
I stay quiet, refusing to rise to the bait. She circles with her arms crossed."All this," she gestures to the room, the dresses, the pampering, "isn't for you. Not really. I mean, it's supposed to be your room but fate is cruel, isn't it? Just because the Moon Goddess made a mistake doesn't mean you belong here. You're still just an omega. And no matter how many times you're scrubbed and dressed up, you'll never be one of them."
"Kate," Janet snaps, stepping between us. "If you don't have anything nice to say, get out."
Kate scoffs and turns to the other maids. "Are you just going to stand there and let her talk to me like that?"
Ruth gives her a bored look. "Maybe you should take your own advice, Kate. No one needs your venom today."
Clara nods. "We have work to do. You're in the way."
Kate's eyes widen, caught completely off guard. Her mouth opens, then closes. She settles on glaring at me."Enjoy your fantasy, omega," she spits. "It won't last."
With that, she turns and storms out.
I let out a slow breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
"Don't listen to her," Janet says, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "She's just bitter. You're special, Layla. Whether she likes it or not."
Ruth chuckles. "And honestly? You're better than her on your worst day."
I smile for the first time since stepping into the room."Thank you," I say softly.
Clara beams. "Now come on. Let's get you ready to knock those Alphas off their feet."
They set to work quickly. They use brushes and powders, hairpins. There's soft laughter in the room as we make light jokes. I sit still as they work, letting them guide and transform me.
The blue dress they choose is stunning. It shimmers like water under moonlight, flowing like silk against my skin. My hair is curled and pinned delicately. A few strands are left loose to frame my face. A silver necklace with a sapphire pendant sits against my collarbone. Light makeup brings out the warmth in my eyes and color in my cheeks.
When I finally stand before the mirror, I don't recognize myself."Wow," I breathe.
Janet claps her hands together. "You look like a queen."
"A Luna," Clara corrects, smiling.
"The triplets won't know what hit them," Ruth adds.
I blush, shaking my head. "You're all just being nice."
"No," Janet says, gripping my shoulders from behind and making me face the mirror. "We're being honest. Look at you. That girl right there? She deserves the world."
My throat tightens. "Thank you. All of you."
They lead me outside the room once I'm ready, and my nerves return tenfold. The heels click softly against the stone floors as we walk down the corridor. My heart is racing. My palms are sweaty.
And then I see him.
Kaiden stands by the staircase with his phone pressed to his ear. His broad shoulders are tense. His expression is cold and unreadable. But then he looks up.
And sees me.
His eyes widen, just for a second. His lips part slightly. I feel it.
The bond.
His emotions hit me like a wave.Surprise. Hunger. Awe. Confusion.Desire.
But just as quickly, his face hardens. The mask slides back into place. The emotion vanishes.
He ends the call and steps toward me."It's time to go," he says in a cold tone.
I nod, swallowing my disappointment. "Yes, Alpha."
My heart falls slightly, but I keep my head high. I can still feel the way he looked at me. The way he felt.
And maybe, just maybe… there is still hope.