Chapter 8: Eighteenth Birthday

Two days later.

Olivia’s POV

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Olivia… happy birthday to you.”

My mother’s soft singing pulled me from my sleep. Slowly, I forced my heavy eyelids open, meeting her warm gaze as she sat beside me on the bed. A bright smile lit up her face as she held a tiny cupcake with a single candle on top.

A matching smile spread across my face as I sat up.

“Happy eighteenth birthday, my love,” she said cheerfully. “Now, make a wish and blow out the candle.”

Sucking in a deep breath, I hesitated. It wasn’t that I didn’t know what to wish for—I had too many wishes. I wished for my father’s release, for him to be proven innocent because I knew in my heart he was. I wished for our old life to be restored, for the respect we had lost to return. And maybe, just maybe, I wished to find a mate who would love me.

So many wishes, but in the end, I summed them up into one.

Closing my eyes, I whispered, “I wish to be happy again,” before blowing out the candle.

When I opened my eyes, my mother’s warm smile remained.

Are you ready for the mating ceremony?” she asked.

I already had my wolf since I turned fourteen, although my wolf has not been very active because I wasn’t eighteen year yet. But time to time I feel her presence, her anger, her moods and sometimes her soft whispers.

The mating ceremony was a tradition for every wolf who turned eighteen. It was a grand event where one’s wolf would fully emerge, and if their mate was present and of age, they would find each other.

But there would be no ceremony for me.

The only mating ceremony happening today was Anita’s. She was convinced that at least one of the triplets—Levi, Louis, or Lennox—would turn out to be her mate.

“Mother, I don’t feel like going. Besides, the ceremony is for Anita,” I murmured.

She sighed and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Just attend, darling. Who knows? You might meet your mate.”

I scoffed. “A mate who will probably reject me? Or worse, an omega like me?”

Mom offered me a reassuring smile. “The Moon Goddess has something planned for you. Just trust in her.”

She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead before standing. “Get dressed and meet me in the kitchen. We have a lot to do.”

After she left, I remained on the bed, staring at the ceiling of my room. Years ago, I had fantasized about this day—how I would get my wolf, how a ceremony would be held for me. For once, I used to have the silly thought of being mated to one of the triplets. I adored them so much, but that was five years ago, before my life took a drastic turn.

Sighing heavily, I pushed myself out of bed, murmured a short prayer, and made my bed. After a quick shower, I pulled out the dress my mother had bought for me. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was a gift from her, and that made it precious.

Once dressed, I tied my black hair into a ponytail and studied my reflection in the cracked mirror on the wall.

Today was my birthday—wasn’t it okay to look nice, just this once?

Applying a bit of lipstick, I slipped on my sandals and headed for the main mansion.

Arriving at the mansion, I could see how busy everyone was. Today was Anita’s birthday—she might turn out to be a future Luna.

The entire mansion buzzed with excitement. Servants rushed about, arranging decorations, preparing food, and ensuring everything was perfect for Anita’s big day. The scent of fresh flowers and baked goods filled the air, but instead of making me feel excited, it only reminded me of how different things had become.

No one even acknowledged that today was my birthday too.

I kept my head low as I walked toward the kitchen, where I knew my mother would be. She was probably busy helping with the preparations.

Stepping inside, I found her kneading dough, her brows slightly furrowed in concentration. She looked up as she sensed my presence and smiled warmly.

“You look beautiful, my love,” she said, wiping her hands on her apron before reaching out to cup my cheek.

I forced a small smile. “Thank you, Mom.”

She studied me for a moment before sighing. “I know this isn’t how you imagined your eighteenth birthday, but don’t let it ruin your day. Who knows what fate has in store for you?”

Fate.

I had stopped believing in fate the day our lives fell apart. The only thing that excites me today is that I will get my wolf tonight. My better half will be given to me tonight.

Instead of answering, I grabbed an apron and began helping her prepare the pastries for the ceremony. As much as I hated being here, I didn’t want to leave my mother to do all the work alone.

As I focused on kneading the dough, trying to push aside the bitter feelings stirring inside me, the kitchen door swung open. A young maid stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on me.