Chapter 4

My breath caught in my throat as I looked at the man. He was the most handsome man I had ever laid eyes on. The word 'handsome' didn't do him any justice. He was straight up gorgeous. I couldn't believe he was real. He looked like he just stepped out of a magazine.

He had brown hair tied in a bun, framing his face perfectly. He had the most beautiful pair of blue eyes I had ever seen. His eyes reminded me of the ocean. I could get lost in them if I stared at him for too long. He was tall and muscular. He was three times my size, making it look like he could crush me if he wanted to. He had an aura of power and confidence that made me want to bow my head at him in respect.

Who was he? I had never seen him before but from his aura, I could tell he was most likely a powerful noble. He probably came for the ball from a foreign pack.

For a moment, we just stared at each other. For some reason, I felt a strong connection to him. The connection was a pull that stirred my wolf inside me. His face was cold. From his look alone, I could tell he was dominant.

“Do you need help?” he asked.

His deep voice made my wolf stir further inside me. His voice sent goosebumps down my spine.

I nodded, unable to find my voice. He moved closer, and took my hand in his. I was surprised by his gesture. For someone who looked so tough, his touch was surprisingly gentle. As our hands touched, I felt sparks in my skin I watched in awe as he expertly removed the bandage and dressed it again.

“There, that should do it,” he said.

Once again, his eyes met mine. I could see an emotion in his gaze. I was intrigued by him. I had never felt this kind of connection to someone like this before.

“Thank you,” I managed to whisper.

“You’re welcome.”

There was something familiar about his scent. That was weird because I had never seen him before. But before I could think about it, he handed me a mask.

“Are you going to the ball?” he asked.

I hesitated. I had no intention of going, especially not after the argument with Jackson and my family. But there was something about this man, something that made me want to follow him, to see what would happen next.

“Yes,” I said, surprising myself. “I suppose I am.”

He raised an eyebrow but didn’t question me further. He was probably wondering why I was so casually dressed for a ball as grand as that. I took the mask and put it on. The man extended his arm, and I took it, feeling those sparks again. We walked together to the ball, and I couldn’t help the emotions I felt. I was nervous and confused at the same time.

Why did I feel such a strong connection to this man?

As we entered the grand hall, I saw Jackson across the room. He was talking to someone. I turned away from him, not wanting him to see me. I might have a mask on but Jackson would be able to recognize my dress.

The man led me to a table. He pulled out a chair for me, helping me sit. I was in awe. Jackson had never done that for me before. The man set next to me. I could feel the heat radiating off him. My body came alive at the feeling of him being next to me.

What was wrong with me?

I focused my attention on the ball, trying to distract myself. The ball was in full swing. Couples danced in the center of the room. Conversation and laughter filled the air. Despite all the action going on, all I could focus on was this man and the way his presence made me feel—safe, intrigued, and strangely alive.

My body hummed with electric energy just by being close to him. The connection I felt to him made my skin tingle and my heart race. I could barely concentrate on the ceremony.

The ball was a gathering for the nobles to discuss and update everyone on pack matters. As I looked around, I noticed the questioning glances and heard the whispers from the people.

“Why isn't Luna here?”

“How can she not show up for such an important event?”

My heart sank in my chest at their words. I was the Luna, but it seemed I was no longer welcome. My family didn't care about me. They cared more about the pack than my own happiness. It sucked.

Soon, Jackson appeared at the front, calmly calling the ball to order. He didn’t even glance in my direction. I don't think he even bothered to look for me. I bowed my head, not really wanting to be here but too curious about this man to leave. Who was this handsome man who sat beside me, and why did I feel so drawn to him?

Jackson stood at the front. His posture commanded attention as usual.

"Good evening, everyone" he said “It is my great pleasure to inform you that the Lycan King has graced us with his presence for this ball.”

The room was filled with gasps. Even I was surprised. What's the Lycan King doing here? The Lycan King was like a legend, someone no one had ever seen before. We had heard of him, of how powerful he was but had never seen him. That was how private he was. I was curious to finally know who he was.

Jackson continued talking “Before the meeting begins, I have a pack announcement to make. Elisa, the Luna of the Midnight pack, has broken pack rules and will no longer be Luna anymore. Gina will be the temporary Luna of our pack, and I hope you will support her.”

My blood ran cold as Jackson made that announcement. I felt a lump in my throat. My chest ached even more.

To my horror, Gina walked up to stand next to Jackson. She had a shimmering red dress on, one that showed all her curves with heels. Her long hair was curled and her lips were so red that you could see the colour from a mile away.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. How could he do this? I was the one who asked for a divorce, yet here he was, making it seem like I had abandoned them, like I was the one at fault.

Tears fell freely from my eyes. I was glad I had a mask on. If not I would have been a crying mess.

The whispers around us grew louder. People murmured about the sudden change in leadership.

"What could the Luna have done?"

"I'm not surprised. She has always looked like a reckless person"

"She grew up with rogues. What do you expect?"

The whispers made me so harder. I felt humiliated, betrayed. It hadn’t taken Jackson long to replace me, to cast me aside like I was nothing.

“I can’t believe this,” I whispered “How could he do this to me?”