Chapter 45: Episode 45
The maid pulled the corset tighter than Madam ever would.
Aire let out a small huff, her fingers instinctively gripping the edge of the dressing table.
"Too tight," she murmured, her brows pulling slightly.
The maid paused for only a second before tightening it just a fraction more.
Aire’s breath hitched. Things are different now. Madam would have adjusted it but these ones wouldn’t.
Aire slowly exhaled, her shoulders settling despite the restriction pressing into her ribs.
"It’s fine," she said quietly.
The maids said nothing.
They moved around her with efficiency, brushing, adjusting, and fastening her dress, hair, and shoes. Their hands were careful, practiced... but distant.
Aire watched them through the mirror. She watched the way their eyes avoided hers. She watched the way their movements never faltered, yet never softened either.
They were serving her, not accepting her. They still hated her. The rejection towards a cursed person doesn’t go away just because one becomes Luna.
She knew the difference.
Also, never has it been heard that a cursed werewolf lived enough to become Luna. T
If she ever appears in the chronicle, this is history worthy for her name.
Aire swallowed, then forced a small smile. It didn’t quite reach her eyes, but it stayed.
"I was thinking..." she began, her voice lighter than she felt. "Today, I’d like to visit the families in the pack before other duties."
That made one of them pause just briefly.
"I want to take gifts," Aire continued, a little more warmth slipping into her tone. "To every home."
The room dropped into absolute silence.
Then, the maids exchanged a glance. The glances were quick, and judging.
Aire’s fingers tightened slightly against her skirt before relaxing again. She saw the glances before they’d cut it.
"I have permission," she added softly. "Alpha Alaric agreed."
That was enough. No one questioned it after that. Still... the air shifted.
They swallowed their quiet disagreement behind obedience.
Aire dipped her head slightly. "Thank you," she murmured, even though no one had said anything.
The words hung there, unanswered.
Her smile tightened just a little more. She turned, and her gaze moved to the bed.
The little girl lay exactly as she had left her, still, quiet, and untouched by the morning. She made sure to administer every oil given to her by the doctor.
Aire’s expression softened instantly.
The stiffness left her shoulders as she walked over. She sat at the edge of the bed, her gloved hand reaching out carefully.
Her fingers brushed lightly against the girl’s back. She gave her a soft, comforting motion.
"I’ll be back soon," she whispered.
Aire’s chest tightened just slightly, but she didn’t let it show. Her hand lingered for a second longer... then she withdrew it.
Standing up again, she straightened her posture. She was Luna now, and she had to remember that now even if no one else did.
........
The castle doors opened with a low creak.
Cool air brushed against her face immediately.
Aire stepped forward. Three maids followed behind her, each carrying a basket.
She held one too, carefully. She had both hands wrapped around it, with her gloved fingers adjusting the cloth covering its contents.
Beside her, Mabel walked in quiet ease. Mabel had requested joining her before she stepped out.
"Are you nervous?" Mabel asked lightly, her tone almost playful.
Aire let out a soft breath. "Yes."
There was no point lying.
Mabel hummed. "Good."
Aire glanced at her.
Mabel smiled faintly. "It means you understand what this is."
Aire looked ahead again. "I guess," she murmured.
Every step felt like walking into judgment.
The pack grounds were already awake. People moved between homes, with their voices low, and their routines steady.
The moment Aire stepped further in, the air shifted.
Eyes turned, conversations dipped, and their movements slowed. Everyone immediately pulled away, after scanning her from her hair to her shoes.
Aire felt it.
Still, her lips curled into a soft, polite and unyielding smile.
A man passed by first.
Aire adjusted her hold on the basket and stepped toward him. "Good morning—"
He shifted away before she could finish. He couldn’t hide his rejection. He shifted like she wasn’t meant to be approached.
Aire’s words died gently on her lips. Her smile didn’t drop, though. She simply nodded, and moved on.
She approached another woman, almost ten steps away from the first man.
Aire stepped forward again with the same smile, and the same intent. The woman stiffened... then turned away completely.
She also didn’t even pretend.
Aire stopped walking for just a second, then she continued. Her steps remained steady. Her expression also remained unchanged.
Rejection wasn’t new to her. It just... wore different faces each time she encountered one.
"You’re holding up well," Mabel said softly beside her.
Aire let out a quiet breath. "I expected worse."
Mabel’s lips curved slightly. "Don’t worry," she murmured. "It can always get worse."
Aire didn’t respond to that. She just adjusted the cloth over her basket again, and looked ahead.
Before she would prepare to approach the woman about to walk past, a small blur broke away from the side.
"Your Grace!"
Aire blinked hearing that. Before she could react, small arms wrapped around her legs. The arms were tight, warm, unhesitant, and accepting.
Aire froze. Her breath caught slightly as she looked down.
It was a little girl with green eyes so bright she might outshine a thousand stars. The girl had really soft hair.
For a second... Aire didn’t move. Then, carefully, she passed her basket to the nearest maid, and bent to the girl’s height.
Her movements were slow, and almost uncertain. She lifted the child into her arms, and the girl giggled softly, completely at ease.
Completely unaware.
Aire’s lips parted slightly.
"Hello," she whispered.
Then, her gaze lifted.
The child’s mother stood a few steps away. Her expression was cold, sharp, and unpleasant.
Aire stilled for half a second.
Then she nodded politely.
She adjusted the girl gently on her hip, her hand brushing over the child’s hair.
"You’re very brave," Aire murmured to her.
The girl beamed.
Aire exhaled softly... then handed her back to her mum. She let her go so reluctantly. The warmth left her arms too quickly.
She turned to the maid and took a basket.
Stepping forward, she held it out. "For your family," she said gently.
The woman didn’t take it.
Her gaze flicked from the basket... to Aire.
"I don’t need it." She said bluntly.
Aire’s hand stilled mid-air.
She nodded. "Alright."
She lowered the basket slowly, and returned her gaze to the little girl.
Mabel stepped forward, smooth, and effortless. She picked a basket from one of the maids without asking.
And held it out. "For you," she said.
The woman’s face changed instantly. Her eyes widened slightly.
"Oh!" She took it quickly, almost eagerly. "Thank you. Thank you so much," she said, bowing.
Her tone was completely different now. Compared to Aire, she now sounded grateful, warm, and respectful.
"For your kindness." She bowed lightly.
Mabel smiled, soft and gracious. Like it was nothing. Mabel didn’t look at the woman. She was looking at Aire.
Aire stood there, watching. She felt a bit punched by the woman’s reaction, but she swallowed it.
The same gift.
Aire’s fingers curled slightly at her sides. Then she relaxed again. Her smile returned.
Mabel turned back to her, as if nothing had happened. "Shall we continue?" she asked lightly.
Aire met her eyes, and nodded.
"Yes." Her voice was steady. Completely steady.
