Chapter 398

I paused, considering a response. He wasn't worth my breath, so I continued walking.

Stepping outside, the sunlight was blinding, forcing me to shield my eyes. My heart pounded with anticipation. Would Noah be waiting? Despite everything, a flutter of excitement stirred at the thought.

But my eyes adjusted to reveal not Noah by the car, but Drake, with Viona.

Disappointment struck—a fleeting moment. Noah had promised… In my nostalgic lovesickness, I'd believed he'd come. My fingers tightened around the seashell necklace he'd clearly fashioned for himself. If his words were true, why wasn't he here?

“Hannah!” Viona cried, rushing forward and embracing me. I returned the hug, burying my face in her shoulder. Disappointment could wait; my friends were here, and that mattered most.

“Are you okay?” Drake asked, joining us and placing a hand on my shoulder. “Did they hurt you?”

I shook my head, pulling back to look at them. “I’m fine. Just… confused. How did you get me out?”

Drake looked sheepish. “I may have threatened to invade Darkmoon if they didn’t release you. Being the Luna Queen’s favorite nephew has its perks.”

Viona snorted. “More like only nephew.”

I laughed. “You didn’t.”

“I did,” Drake grinned. “David folded pretty quickly after that.”

Walking to the car, I glanced again at the seashell. Noah hadn't come… Then it hit me. I inhaled sharply, stopping. “What day is it?”

“It’s Saturday,” Viona replied, opening the car door.

I froze, a chill running down my spine. “Is the wedding still on? Zoe and Noah’s wedding. Was it canceled?”

Drake and Viona exchanged puzzled glances. “I haven’t heard anything about it being canceled,” Viona said slowly. “In fact, it should be starting right about now.”

“I’m going,” I said, clutching the seashell.

Drake raised an eyebrow. “You probably shouldn’t bother, Hannah. It’s not worth it. Besides, you’ll need time to change and all that…”

I stood there, my mind racing. Noah's words echoed: “You are my mate, Hannah. Not Zoe. You are my eternal moonlight, and I am a fool for not remembering you. But I remember now, and I love you. I always have. I will make things right.”

If what he said was true… if Zoe had manipulated him…

“I don’t need to change. Just take me to Nightcrest,” I said, sliding into the back seat. “Immediately.”

Viona and Drake’s eyes widened. “What? Hannah, you can’t be serious,” Viona said. “After everything that’s happened… And you’re still in your robe!”

“I’ve never been more serious in my life.” I buckled my seatbelt, giving them an imploring look. “Please. I need to do this.” I straightened my shoulders. “That’s an order.”

Viona and Drake studied my face, then exchanged another confused glance. Finally, Drake shrugged and slipped into the driver’s seat. “Alright. As you wish, Alpha.”

As we pulled out of the parking lot, I clutched the seashell tightly. My mind was made up. If there was even a chance Noah was telling the truth, I had to know. I had to see for myself.

And if Zoe had sunk her claws into his mind again, just as I suspected… well, then we had a wedding to crash.