Chapter 5 Plan In Motion

|| Lilac’s POV || The morning sun lit up my room as I woke up, the shadows of a restless night still lingering. My first thought was to reach out to Runa, my wolf. But there was no response. My heart raced as I tried again, but still nothing. She was barely there. Something was wrong. Why had I been given this second chance? It didn’t make sense. The smell of pancakes pulled me back to the present. Downstairs, I could hear the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of plates. It felt like home, like the life I’d fought so hard to protect. I dressed carefully—a blouse, a pencil skirt, and heels. As I walked downstairs, the smell of pancakes and coffee grew stronger. My family was in the kitchen. Mom was at the stove, flipping pancakes. Dad sat at the table with his coffee, and Ezra, my younger brother, was reading a book. He looked so much like Dad, with the same dark hair and sharp features. Everything felt normal, and I wanted to keep it that way. “Good morning, sweetpea,” Dad said, smiling at me. “Morning,” I replied, sitting down. Mom set a plate of pancakes in front of me. “You look different,” she said, studying me. I glanced down. I *was* different. The naive girl who believed in fairy tales was gone. Now, I carried the weight of a second chance. “I have some plans,” I said vaguely, picking up my fork. Mom didn’t press, but her gaze lingered. Breakfast was peaceful, filled with casual chatter and the sound of forks on plates. But I couldn’t stay. I had work to do. As I cleared the table, Ezra leaned against the doorframe. “Where are you off to so early?” he asked, still in his pajamas. “Just some errands,” I said, waving a hand vaguely over my shoulder. Ezra’s eyes narrowed. “Errands,” he repeated, his voice dripping with skepticism. “That’s a suspiciously vague answer.” I sighed, adjusting the strap of my bag. “Because it’s not that interesting.” “That’s debatable,” he countered, pushing off the doorframe and stepping closer. “You’re dressed like you’re about to go negotiate a business deal or break someone’s heart. Or both.” I rolled my eyes. “Wow. What a range.” He smirked. “I call it like I see it.” Then, his expression turned teasing. “Wait, are you going on a date! Is this with Kael? ” I scoffed. “Absolutely not.” He gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “Oh my God. Are you already cheating on him?” I shoved him lightly, but he barely budged. “It is not a date outfit, Ezra.” “Then why are you blushing?” he shot back, grinning like he’d won something. “I’m not, ” I cut myself off, realizing the more I denied it, the worse it would look. I exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of my nose. “You are so annoying.” He grinned wider. “It’s my job as your older brother.” “You’re younger by a whole year.” I groaned. But inside my heart, it felt right. I missed his teasing. “And yet, infinitely wiser,” he grinned. I shook my head, but despite my best efforts, a small smile tugged at my lips. This was Ezra, relentless, obnoxious, and somehow, always able to make me laugh even when I didn’t want to. The drive to the plaza was quiet, the hum of the engine the only sound accompanying my thoughts. Today was the day. Kael would be holding a conference here, a gathering of alphas and nobles to discuss pack alliances and future plans. It was the perfect opportunity, a chance to set my plan in motion. I parked the car and stepped out, the cool morning air brushing against my skin as I made my way to the podium. The plaza was already bustling with activity, the press setting up their cameras and reporters milling about. My eyes scanned the crowd, and it didn’t take long to spot her. “Lilac!” Elara’s voice rang out, bright and excited, as she hurried toward me. My best friend since childhood, she was a whirlwind of energy, her curly hair bouncing with every step. She pulled me into a tight hug, her enthusiasm infectious. She was from a Gamna family and was interested in news reporting and not to mention spying on all hot boys since our middle school. “Hi, Elara,” I said, laughing softly as I returned her embrace. “I thought I would find you here.” “Of course, I’m here!” she exclaimed, pulling back to show me her press badge with a grin. “I heard you were chosen as the future Alpha King’s mate! Can you believe it? My best friend, the future Luna! This is huge, Lilac! Your dream come true moment!!!!” I forced a smile, my stomach twisting at her excitement. “Yeah, it’s… something,” I said, my voice carefully neutral. Elara tilted her head, her brow furrowing slightly as she studied me. “You don’t sound thrilled. Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted?” I hesitated, my mind racing. How could I explain to her that the life she thought I wanted was the very thing I was trying to escape? “It’s complicated,” I said finally, shaking my head. “But listen, I need your help.” Her eyes lit up, curiosity replacing her earlier concern. “Of course! What do you need?” I glanced around, making sure no one was within earshot before leaning in closer. “I need you to get me access to the press room. There’s something I have to do, and I can’t do it alone.” Elara’s grin widened, her excitement undimmed. “Consider it done. But you owe me the full story later, okay?” “Deal,” I said, relief flooding through me as she linked her arm with mine and led me toward the press room. As we walked, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope. This was it. The first step in changing my fate. And with Elara by my side, I knew I could do it. Whatever it took, I would protect my family. I would rewrite my story. And maybe, just maybe, I would find a way to be free.