From Silent Princess to S-Rank Luna Chapter 03

From Silent Princess to S-Rank Luna Chapter 03

To celebrate Nessa, my parents requested permission from the Alpha and booked Stonehaven Pack Hall for a grand banquet.

The hall was filled with moonpetals. Silver-white vines twisted around black stone arches, and translucent lanterns hung from the vaulted ceiling.

Nessa wore a pure white gown, flitting through the guests like a butterfly, the brightest jewel in the room.

Cillian stood beside her in his Beta-candidate uniform.

Every time an elder came over, he’d introduce her proudly.

“This is my little sister, Nessa—she just got into the botany track at Northreach Greywolf Academy.”

My mother beamed and pulled Nessa closer. “She’s always loved plants. We never imagined she’d do this well.”

My father nodded. “She just lacked confidence. Once she actually tries, she’s as good as anyone.”

The guests were full of praise.

“Nessa’s really something. Northreach Greywolf Academy is so hard to get into.”

“Yeah, with both Nessa and Cillian so outstanding, your family is truly blessed.”

Meanwhile, I was seated at the far end of the hall—all the excitement far away from me.

A server wheeled in a three-tier cake.

Cillian went up on stage, took Nessa’s hand, and together they cut the first slice.

Nessa carried that slice straight to me.

“Maren, I want you to have the first piece. I hope you’re not still mad at me.”

Cillian shot me a warning look—take it, don’t embarrass her in front of everyone.

Not one person remembered I was allergic to dairy.

“No thanks. You eat it,” I declined.

“Maren, are you still upset about Cillian’s tablet?” Nessa reached for my arm. “I didn’t mean to take it—I can give it back, really.”

Her elbow hit the table edge hard.

The plate of cake tipped and landed squarely on my only white dress.

“Oh my gosh—I’m so sorry, Maren!”

Nessa screamed and covered her mouth, stepping back.

Cillian rushed over, shoved me aside, and pulled Nessa into his arms.

“She was just trying to be nice and you pushed her?”

I stumbled, the small of my back hitting a chair.

A dull ache spread through me.

My mother hurried over and shot me a venomous glare.

“You just had to cause a scene on such a nice day, didn’t you?”

I looked down at the stain—dark red against white, impossible to wash out.

Suddenly, it all felt so pointless.

I didn’t go to the restroom. I just grabbed my canvas bag off the back of the chair.

“I’m not going to cause a scene. I’m leaving.”

“Maren!”

Cillian’s voice, sharp with anger, rang out behind me.

I didn’t stop. I walked straight out of Pack Hall.

The summer evening wind hit my face. I looked up and saw the stars scattered across the sky.

Would Solmere have a sky like this too?

…

Two days later—move-in day.

The house was chaos from early morning, everyone scrambling to pack Nessa’s things. Eight or nine giant suitcases piled up in the living room.

I walked out of my bedroom with a small 20-inch carry-on.

No one noticed me.

Cillian carried load after load until the trunk and back seat were completely filled with Nessa’s luggage.

“Maren, car’s full. You don’t have much stuff—take the bus.”

Mom and Dad didn’t even turn around. They were still checking if anything had been left behind.

“Okay.”

“Good girl,” Cillian said, and ruffled my hair. “When you get to Northreach, I’ll take you out for something good.”

They bundled Nessa downstairs.

The car engine started. The sound faded into the distance.

And that was our goodbye.

I pulled my suitcase and walked in the opposite direction.

Two different roads, north and south.

From now on, we’d never see each other again.

…

At 3 PM, Northreach Greywolf Academy’s main gate was packed with people.

Cillian stood under a tree in the shade, frowning as he dialed my number.

“The number you have dialed is not in service.”

Nessa walked over and handed him a tissue.

“Is Maren here yet?”

“Her phone’s off,” Cillian scoffed. “Probably still sulking. Ignoring my calls on purpose. She’s getting more dramatic by the day.”

“Let’s go in. When she shows up with her little suitcase and gets lost in Northreach, she’ll be the one crying.”

“Ding.” A new message came in.

Cillian looked at his phone—and froze.