### CHAPTER FIVE **Anna's POV** As I stepped into the grand hall, the announcement of my name echoed through the space, "Her royal Majesty Queen Anna!" The air was thick with anticipation, an excited buzz that wrapped around me like a heavy cloak. I didn’t bother with the ceremonial descent along the stairs; mingling with the crowd had never been my forte. Instead, I lifted my chin, steeling myself as I faced my subjects. "Good evening, everyone. Thank you for attending my banquet. With my presence, let the festivities commence!" My voice rang clear, but internally, a storm brewed. My gaze swept across the room until it landed on Daniel. A flicker of something raw shot through me as I approached my throne, prepared to receive the gifts that would be bestowed upon me until the blood moon illuminated the night sky. That sacred night, revered amongst werewolves, was the only time we were granted a glimpse of fate—an assurance that our destined mates awaited us. And yet, amidst the promise of love, I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. I was their Queen, feared and admired, yet what I truly craved remained infinitely out of reach. "Happy birthday, Queen Anna! I’m Lord Griffith of the Westfield pack." His voice boomed, woven thick with the pretentious charm typical of those who courted my favor. "My Alpha and his Beta regretfully send their best wishes through me, along with these gifts." He gestured grandly to the opulent offerings piled before me. It was the same dance every year. Dignitaries parading their riches as if I could be won over by trinkets and baubles. But I remained unmoved, my heart hardened against their flattery. For what felt like an eternity, I remained seated, surrounded by extravagant offerings, yet my attention was elsewhere. My eyes constantly strayed back to Daniel, whose gaze seemed forever locked on a woman beside him. Laughter bubbled from her lips as she leaned closer, a vision of charm and ease that twisted a knife of jealousy deep within me. Every glimmer of affection they shared felt like a personal affront, a reminder of all I lacked. Then, my heart plummeted as I realized who had just entered the hall—Terri. My grip tightened on my throne as resentment bubbled beneath the surface. "What in the world is she doing here?" My thoughts spiraled out of control. “If it isn’t our lovely Queen, here to bask in her own glory! Just thought I’d drop by to offer my birthday wishes,” Terri cooed, her voice insufferably sweet, a thin veil over her intentions. “Do you really think I care?” I shot back, my fury palpable. "Happy birthday, my Queen," she said, presenting me with a pitiful gift that I promptly swatted away. It fell to the floor with a thud, drawing startled gasps from those around us. “Get out of my sight! Now!” I roared, the room closing in as I stormed from the ballroom, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. "Queen Anna!" A familiar voice chased after me, desperate and imploring. I couldn't bring myself to turn around; the rage coursing through me was too fiery to contain. The very sight of Terri, the instigator of my feud with Daniel, was a relentless reminder of the chaos she had sown. A gold-digging viper, she clung to the status my friend should have enjoyed. No matter how hard I tried to make Terri see through her, her delusions thickened as she embraced the woman’s charm. “Queen Anna!” Daniel’s voice, imbued with an unusual mixture of gentleness and anger, broke through my turmoil. “What is it you want?” “What do I want?” I spat, emotion surging. “I don’t owe you an explanation. You’re all pathetic, believing you can judge me!” “Can you not act like a child for once? You can’t insult your guests and expect respect in return. You lack the grace and dignity of a Queen!” This outburst stung, particularly because it came from Daniel, who’d often been my shield against the world. Fury twisted within me, fanning the flames of my defiance. “How dare you reprimand me? I could have you stripped of your position in an instant! What do you know of power? You think your false sense of authority intimidates me?” His expression turned mournful, yet I could see the steel behind his stare. “You’re making it impossible for me to defend you. You’re acting like a child!” “Then let me be!” I shouted, turning away from him as if to escape the weight of reality. The world swirled, stars exploding behind my eyes. The room tilted, and I stumbled, blood trickling from my nose as darkness enveloped me. “Queen Anna!” Voices echoed, distant and muted, until I opened my eyes to a landscape painted in blinding white. “Why must you be so reckless?” The voice belonged to Scarlett, my wolf—fierce, wise, and always exasperated. I squinted against the light to meet her gaze. “What do you want?” I barked, frustration coating my words as I wrestled for control. “Mind your tongue, Anna. Your recklessness will bring consequences,” she warned, her eyes narrowing. It was then I noticed the serene presence beside her—the Moon Goddess, bathed in radiance, emanating a calm authority. “What consequences? I haven’t done anything deserving of such punishment,” I retorted, unsure whether to beg or argue. “Yet you have acted without thought. You will remain mateless for the rest of your life.” The weight of her decree crashed over me, and I stumbled backward, disbelief splintering through my mind. “What do you mean I’ll be mateless?” Panic clawed at my throat. “I didn’t mean to reject anyone! I was only—” “You let jealousy and anger dictate your actions. I can’t reverse what’s been spoken, but only your mates can choose to accept you again,” her voice echoed in the vast emptiness around me. I knelt, bewildered and broken, my pride crumbling away under the crushing reality of her words. “Please, I didn’t mean it. I was wrong!” I begged, but deep down I knew—the seven of them would never forgive me for the words that had spilled from my lips in rage.