Then, on what I guessed was the fifth day, familiar footsteps approached my cell.
"Ariana?" Cynthia’s whisper was soft but urgent.
I scrambled toward the bars. "Is anyone watching?"
"No, I was careful." She slipped bread and dried meat through the gaps. "I'm sorry it took so long. I got caught twice trying to bring you food."
I devoured the meal, my throat tight with emotion. "Thank you," I whispered between bites.
She sighed, settling on the other side of the bars. "Owen's ceremony is tomorrow. He'll be Alpha."
My heart leapt. "Tomorrow? Then that means I’ll be free soon?"
"That’s what he promised, right?" Cynthia’s tone was hesitant. "Ariana… are you sure about this? Something feels… off."
"He loves me," I insisted. "I’m his mate. Once he’s Alpha, they’ll have to accept me."
She was silent for a moment. "I hope you’re right." Then she forced a small smile. "Tomorrow, I’ll bring you something special. We should celebrate your last night in here."
"You're the best," I murmured, squeezing her hand through the bars.
After she left, sleep refused to come. My mind raced with dreams of freedom, of finally standing beside Owen, of the pack seeing me as their Luna.