Chapter 118: Hannah

The grand ballroom lights blurred as Noah and I took center stage. The Luna Queen's attendants placed ornate crowns on our heads and sashes around our shoulders. My heart pounded; the applause faded as I turned to Noah. This was far more than I'd anticipated. The Luna Queen's festivities seemed endless, and the crowd was exhausting.

But then Noah's gaze met mine, a faint smile touching his lips. In that moment, the pretense didn't matter—that his smile wasn't truly for me, but for the cameras. The warmth in his eyes stole my breath, and I returned the smile, knowing I shouldn't.

"Congratulations," Drake said, shaking our hands. His eyes flickered as they met mine. "You two truly earned it."

Before I could respond, Noah nodded stiffly. "Thank you, Alpha Drake. It's an honor."

Drake's smile widened. "Shall we pose for a picture?"

"We shall."

The camera flashes were blinding, but I felt the ghost of Noah's hand on my back as we posed. His arm pulled me closer, and for a moment, I felt like a doll, vaguely stumbling into him. Of course, once the photos were taken, his hand fell away, and we were ushered aside. Reality crashed back; it was just as I suspected. Goddess, I felt foolish. He hadn't touched me because he wanted to; he had to. But we needed to remain united for the rest of the evening. Under the Luna Queen's scrutiny, we were still on trial. One misstep could cost us everything we'd just gained.

As if reading my mind, Noah's fingers circled my wrist firmly. "Remember to stay close," he murmured. I suppressed a shiver and nodded.

Throughout the reception, my eyes kept drifting to Zoe across the room. Drake hovered possessively near her, his hand on her back as she sipped wine. Her discomfort was evident—tense shoulders, tight-lipped smiles whenever Drake leaned close.

Sympathy twisted in my gut. Perhaps Drake was pushing too hard to win her back. A woman should choose freely, especially in matters of the heart. Was it right for the Luna Queen to manipulate Zoe into this reunion?

But guilt gnawed at me. I'd aided Drake's pursuit, motivated by selfish desires to keep Noah and Zoe apart, not noble intentions. Maybe I wasn't better than any of them.

The whole situation left a bitter taste. Perhaps I'd been too hasty in supporting Drake without considering Zoe's perspective. Perhaps—

"Hannah."

I jumped at the Luna Queen's voice, whirling around to see her beckoning me to the high table. Noah made a sound of disapproval as I started to go without him.

"I won't be long," I assured him. "She probably just wants to complain about my hair or dress."

His jaw tightened, but he said nothing as I crossed the room. I curtsied at the Luna Queen's table.

"You wished to see me, Your Grace?"