I’m just an Omega from a rural pack, but I saved the Lycan Prince.

His Highness brought me to the city, but it’s like he’s a completely different person now.

He avoids me like I’m some kind of plague, disgusted by my lack of etiquette and refinement.

Then, at the Moonlight Festival, the Lycan King offered to arrange a mate for me.

My gaze swept past the Prince, landing on the Beta who’d been flirting with me all evening.

“Your Majesty,” I said, pointing at him, “he’s the most handsome. I choose him.”

There were two loud clatters—one as the Prince dropped his goblet, the other as the Beta knocked over his plate, grinning from ear to ear.

“That’s settled then,” he said, his dimples deepening. “I’m the most handsome, so you’re stuck with me.”

==============================

“Miss Zoey, the Prince is busy and can’t see you.”

I’d barely stepped foot near the palace gates when I was stopped.

Zaiden, the Omega servant by the Prince’s side, looked at me apologetically. “You should go back.”

I clutched the kite in my hands, hesitating. “When… when will he be free?”

“He’s tied up for the next few days. You should try again later.”

His tone was dismissive, and even I could tell it was just an excuse.

For the past two weeks, I’d come to the palace every day, hoping to see Oscar Pierce.

When I first arrived in the city, he’d still meet with me.

But he wouldn’t talk to me, wouldn’t even look at me.

Every time, he’d just sit in his study, eyes fixed on the documents in front of him.

Then he’d glance up and gesture for me to leave.

If I said anything, he’d just grunt, “Hm.”

Sometimes, if I talked too much, he’d wave me off impatiently. “Get out.”

It seemed like today would be another day I wouldn’t see him.

I turned to leave.

But after just a few steps, I nearly collided with a woman.

She was dressed in gold and jewels, her scent overpoweringly sweet.

Zaiden, who’d been so indifferent to me, rushed to greet her, bowing deeply. “Princess Alondra.”

The Princess glanced at me and asked, “Is this the one…?”

“Yes,” Zaiden nodded, ushering her in. “Your Highness, please, the Prince has been waiting for you.”

She swept past without sparing me another look.

I stood there, clutching the kite in my hands.

The doors that had been closed to me for weeks now shut in my face once again.

I returned to the small courtyard where I was staying, feeling a heavy weight in my chest. Beatrice, my loyal Omega, noticed my downcast expression and tried to comfort me. “The Lycan Prince is busy with pack affairs. He’s not avoiding you on purpose,” she said softly.

I shook my head, not saying a word, and sank onto the steps, staring blankly at the ground. The weather was nice today, with a gentle breeze—perfect for a pack run. Back in the rural pack, whenever the weather was good, Oscar would take me to the outskirts for a run. He said running wild under the moon could make us feel free, like we could reach places we couldn’t see. Maybe we could even feel the presence of the Moon Goddess and make a wish. A wish for Zoey to always be happy and free.

But here in the city, I couldn’t find anyone who would run with me. The city was bustling, full of life and energy, even the conversations in the cafes seemed more vibrant than the ones in my old pack. Yet, after half a month here, I still felt out of place. The square courtyards, the tall, imposing walls—everything felt so dull and confining.

Beatrice asked me what was on my mind. “I want to run under the moon,” I said quietly.

She hesitated for a long moment before finally saying, “Maybe I could ask the Lycan Prince to take you out…?”

I grabbed her arm and shook it excitedly. “Beatrice, you’re the best! I knew you’d understand!”

She laughed, trying to steady herself as I kept shaking her. “Alright, alright! Just let me go, Zoey!”

I let go, a small smile breaking through my melancholy. Beatrice was my anchor in this unfamiliar place, and for a moment, the city didn’t feel quite so suffocating.