The Unchosen Alpha, the Self-Crowned Queen Chapter 06

The Unchosen Alpha, the Self-Crowned Queen Chapter 06

Visa came through three days later.

Elías sent the electronic copy to my backup email with a note: [Bought your ticket. Tuesday direct to Blackridge. Confirm timing.]

Tuesday.

My eighteenth birthday.

And the day Lyanna had scheduled the formal mating ceremony exchange with Silvercrest Pack.

I typed one word on my backup phone: [Okay.]

Cleared the chat history, powered the phone off, and tucked it away.

The night before my birthday, Lyanna knocked on my door-rarely gentle. “Maeve, tomorrow’s your big day. I ordered a cake, and we’re doing a full family dinner. Silvercrest’s even sending

flowers over.”

“This is the most important birthday you’ll ever have-because after this, you’re not just my daughter anymore. You’re their future Luna.’

“Okay. Thanks, Mom.”

I smiled.

She blinked, surprised by my cooperation. “You’ve been so much better lately. That’s the daughter

I know.”

Proud. She was only proud when I was obedient.

Birthday morning. I woke at 5 AM, cleaned my room spotless. Left only two things on my desk-my combat academy graduation badge, and that Silvercrest crest ring I’d never put on again.

Sling my backpack over my shoulder. Slip into my most practical boots. One last look at this room

with no lock.

I walked out.

Downstairs, the house was empty. The cake sat in the fridge-pink buttercream flowers spelling “Happy 18th Birthday Maeve.”

I didn’t open it.

The moment my suitcase hit the front walk, my phone buzzed-Nerys.

[Happy birthday, Maeve. I’m making you a whole table of your favorites today.]

She still didn’t know what I liked.

I didn’t reply.

A cab waited at the gate. I gave the driver the airport address.

9:20 AM, Lyanna’s voice message, “Maeve, why’s your door locked? Come down for cake. Silvercrest’s flowers just arrived.”

10 AM, Evander knocking. “Maeve? Open up.”

No answer.

10:30, Nerys calling from the kitchen in her apron. “Is she still pouting? Fine. We’ll eat without

her.”

Lyanna sighed. “Just let her be. Nerys, you go ahead and do the honors.”

As the candles flickered to life, I was already in the air, flying to Blackridge. The city below me shrinking smaller and smaller.

I pulled the SIM card from my phone, snapped it, and dropped it in the trash bag.

The flight attendant asked if I wanted a meal.

I said, “Anything spicy?”