Opal leaned back against the old oak tree, her arms crossed over her chest, her violet eyes narrowed as she watched the guests arrive. The front lawn was already bustling with pack members and visitors from neighboring territories, laughter and music filling the air. The sun was high, bathing the pack house in golden light, but Opal felt a heavy shadow pressing down on her chest.
Ash stood beside her, his silver eyes scanning the crowd, his arms crossed. "You know... you could at least pretend to be happy." His voice was light, teasing, but his eyes were soft with concern.
Opal scoffed, her shoulders tensing. "I'm not exactly thrilled about being paraded around like... like some prize to be won." Her jaw tightened, her chest aching. "I feel like they're just... trying to marry me off."
