Chasing His Wolfless Luna Back Chapter 209: The Grand Announcement (Part 1)

Thea's POV

"Darling, you look gorgeous." Mom stood behind me, watching through the mirror with pride shining in her eyes.

Today was the day of the ball.

I stared at my reflection, taking in the deep blue gown that hugged my figure perfectly. Mom had insisted it needed to be worthy of the Kincaid Pack heir. The dress fit beautifully, but something felt foreign about it, like I was playing dress-up as someone else.

"Thanks, but I'm still nervous as hell," I muttered, my fingers unconsciously fidgeting with the fabric of my skirt.

Mom stepped closer, her warm hand resting gently on my shoulder. "Don't worry, tonight will be perfect. This is the recognition you deserve, Thea."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Through the window, I could see the forest where the ball had been set up. Tiny lights wrapped around tree branches like stars, and the dance floor sat in the center of a clearing, surrounded by soft, golden lighting.

"I hope so." I wished my voice sounded more confident than it did.

As we walked toward the ball venue, my heartbeat began to accelerate. Representatives from various Packs mingled in formal attire, holding champagne flutes and conversing elegantly under the moonlight and warm glow of the lights. The scene was beautiful, but it did nothing to ease my nerves.

I forced myself to smile and greet everyone we passed. My gaze swept across the crowd, and then I saw her.

Lyra.

She glided into the venue wearing an elaborate, floor-length deep red gown, her head held high as she clung to the arm of a stern-looking man who I assumed was her husband, the Ravenoak Pack Alpha. My thoughts immediately flashed back to the Dawnhaven Foundation event, remembering the vicious things she'd said to that little girl. I'd expected Mom and Dad to invite them – after all, their Pack was a force to be reckoned with in the eastern territories. But it looked like she hadn't learned her lesson at all, still carrying herself with that same insufferable arrogance.

Our eyes met across the crowd.

Lyra's mouth curved into a cold smirk, her expression saying "well, look who it is." Her eyes still held that familiar malice and superiority – the same look she'd given me years ago in school, as if I were some disgusting yet mildly entertaining creature.

I didn't return any expression, simply looked away calmly. I wouldn't give her any opportunity to provoke me, and I certainly wouldn't let her affect my mood on such an important night.

I turned and walked in the opposite direction.

"Thea."

I froze when I heard that familiar voice. Turning, I saw Sebastian standing not far away, dressed in a sharp black suit that made him look devastatingly handsome in the moonlight. Those green eyes were fixed directly on me, filled with complex emotions.

He stepped closer. I felt that pull again. "You look... absolutely breathtaking." His voice was rough.

"Thank you." I tried to keep my voice steady, then immediately turned to a couple passing nearby. "Nice to see you both."

I could feel Sebastian's gaze still lingering on me, but I refused to look back. Not now, when I wasn't ready to face him, to face all the unresolved issues between us.

"Look who we found!"

The voice was pure salvation. I smiled genuinely as I turned to see Iris and Sophia approaching, both looking stunning. Iris wore an emerald green backless gown, while Sophia had chosen an elegant black dress.

"You made it." I gave them each a big hug.

"You have no idea how much we've missed you," Iris laughed, raising an eyebrow. "You know, the version of you that has memories of us."

"Hey, stop teasing me about that." I sighed helplessly, turning to Sophia. "I think she's going to hold this over my head for the rest of my life."

"Absolutely."

Iris's eyes sparkled with excitement as she pulled an exquisite box from her purse. "So, to celebrate today, we brought you a gift."

I curiously accepted the box, about to open it when they both stopped me with knowing smiles.

"You probably don't want to open that here," Iris winked, her expression making me very suspicious.

"Now that you've got your memory back, you surely haven't forgotten about your special little company, right?" Sophia added, her voice filled with obvious teasing.

I paused, then realized what they were talking about. My face instantly flushed red as I glared at both of them. "You two..."

"Don't look at us like that," Iris laughed even harder. "We have good news! While you were amnesia, we made breakthrough progress! The first batch of products has officially launched."

"And the response has been quite positive," Sophia added proudly, "The product design has received lots of positive feedback. Sales have exceeded expectations too – looks like the market really buys into our concept."

"Really?" I was somewhat surprised, and also felt a surge of pride. I hadn't expected them to actually turn this seemingly ridiculous business into something successful while I was dealing with memory loss.

"Yes, so we brought you one of our masterpieces." Iris nodded. "And we estimate you'll receive quite a substantial dividend this quarter."

I didn't need the money, but I still felt warmth in my chest, grateful for having such friends.

"Oh, one more thing," Sophia said. "Graves asked me to congratulate you on recovering your memory. He said he's surprised you haven't killed Sebastian yet."

I deliberately ignored the latter part, asking curiously: "How are things with you two lately?"

"Same as usual." Sophia shrugged. "Except that guy is always being all mysterious. He said he was going to investigate something important and left the state."

I nodded, already used to Graves's habit of appearing and disappearing without warning.

As more guests arrived, we found a relatively quiet corner to continue our conversation.

"So," Iris cut straight to the point with her usual directness, "how are you feeling? I mean, after getting your memory back."

I picked up a drink from a passing waiter and took a sip. The taste was a bit strange, but I attributed it to my nerves affecting my taste buds. "Like... suddenly being crushed by the weight of those years of life."

"I can imagine that feeling." Iris studied my expression carefully. "What about Sebastian? What's the situation between you two now?"

"It's complicated."

Iris nodded understandingly. "Want to talk about it? Sometimes an outsider's perspective can be helpful."

I took a deep breath and began opening up to them, telling them everything. Except for the wolf and mate bond parts, of course.

"You know what I think?" After listening to my account, Iris said, "I think you're scared."

"Of course I'm scared. Wouldn't you be?"

"I mean you're afraid of making the wrong choice again." She leaned forward, her voice becoming serious. "Thea, think about it. Seven years ago you chose to pursue Sebastian. That marriage was painful, yes, but it also gave you Leo. Do you really regret it?"

My answer never changed. "I don't regret having Leo."

"Exactly." Sophia smiled. "Maybe the real question isn't whether Sebastian deserves another chance, but whether you have the courage to give yourself a chance at happiness."

Her words hit harder than I'd expected. Diana had said something similar before. So was I letting fear make my decisions? Fear of getting hurt again, fear of disappointment, fear of things not working out?

"Besides," Sophia added gently, "even so-called 'wrong' choices can bring unexpected rewards. You're not that naive girl from seven years ago anymore. You have the ability to handle whatever comes and start over."

Just as we were getting deep into conversation, I saw Margaret and Roman approaching. Iris and Sophia nodded at me and drifted away, giving us space. Honestly, I wasn't sure what attitude I should take with them now, but I told myself to keep an open mind.

"You look beautiful tonight, Thea." Margaret’s gaze lingered, a little too earnest.

"Thank you." I nodded.

Roman looked a bit uncomfortable. He cleared his throat, hope in his eyes. "Thea, we wanted to thank you first... thank you for helping prove Aurora's innocence. Without your persistence, she might have..."

My heart sank. Of course, even now, when they were approaching me, they were thinking of Aurora first. They came here not for me, but out of gratitude for helping the person they actually cared about.

"Don't mention it," I interrupted, my voice turning distant. "I didn't do it for you."

"Thea, I know we've been..." Roman tried to continue, but my mood had already shifted.

"Please enjoy tonight's event if you'd like," I said politely, not looking at the disappointment in their eyes, then turned and walked away.

I continued greeting other guests, but the tension was gradually building. I drank more of my beverage, but it didn't help at all – if anything, I was starting to feel a bit dizzy.

*"It's almost time,"* Diana reminded me in my mind.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Dad's voice carried through the sound system across the entire forest, "please gather at the center of the dance floor. We have something important to announce."

My heart began pounding wildly. The crucial moment had finally arrived.

I looked around, watching all the guests move toward the center of the dance floor. Moonlight illuminated the entire forest, making everyone's silhouettes clearly visible.

I spotted Sebastian, even Jaxon and Wyatt – all the people connected to my life were gathering there. But strangely, I didn't see Aurora anywhere. Ever since the police station, I'd been wanting to find a chance to talk with her privately, but there hadn't been a suitable opportunity. Where was she?

The question flickered through my mind, but was quickly overwhelmed by nervousness.

*"Are you ready?"* Diana asked.

"No," I answered honestly, "but I don't think I'll ever be completely ready."

I took a deep breath and followed the crowd toward the center of the dance floor. For better or worse, my life was about to turn a completely new page.