Chapter Nineteen

Celine

“Are you sure about this, Kaiden? Is it really a good idea to attend Anya’s coming of age’s party? And as your guest instead of your maid? Isn't that flaunting us in her face? You know she hates me already.” I panicked as I struggled to zip my dress while I stood at the mirror.

Kaiden let out a small chuckle, looking incredibly handsome as he strode to me wearing his black ceremonial suit. The suit did nothing to hide his muscles, and I hid away my blush as he stood behind me and helped me with my dress.

“You worry too much, love. I already assured you it was fine, as a matter of fact, I am sure Anya hates me a whole lot less after all the gifts i got her. I paid a huge sum of money to have her favorite singer here today so this should be the least of her concerns.” Kaiden’s fingers trailed upwards, igniting a flame in me.

He placed a kiss on the side of my neck. “You should worry less. I can handle it all, I promise. Trust me” his gaze met mine in the mirror and I smiled, turning to him.

“You know I trust you.” I smoothened his suit. “More than anything.”

He smiled, and wrapped his arms around me. “Then you should trust me when i say you look so beautiful in this dress. Like the queen you were meant to be.” 

I blushed, looking away. “Thanks to the dress.”

He softly held my hand, twirling me around. “The dress would be nothing without you.”

My heart pounded wildly as we made our way toward the door. But just as Kaiden reached for the handle, a strange unease settled over me.

“Kaiden, wait…” I hesitated, gripping his arm. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

Run.

A whisper. Faint, and yet sharp.

I gasped as my wolf’s voice flickered through my mind, but the moment passed as quickly as it came.

I swallowed hard, shaking off the chill creeping up my spine. Was i imagining things? The poast few days with Anya and the council left me in a more shaken state than i wanted to admit.

“Are you alright? You seem pale.” Kaiden gazed at me with worry. “We don't have to go.”

“No,” i shook my head frantically. You cant miss today, Anya would hate me even more. I am fine trust me.”

Kaiden was hesitant, but he gave me a small smile.

I buried my worry deep within me so i do not destroy the mood.

I was just being silly. Everything was fine.

Right?

Anya was the center of attention, dressed in an extravagant gown of shimmering blue. She accepted the admiration of her guests with a practiced smile, but the moment her gaze landed on me, her expression darkened.

I knew this was a mistake.

Still, I kept my head high, playing my role as Kaiden’s chosen guest. I avoided Anya’s sharp glares and pretended not to notice the whispers that followed us through the room.

But Kaden noticed my tight grip on his arm and leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. “Relax, love,” he murmured. “I am here. They can only stare. They don't matter.”

I let out a shaky breath as i raised my head high. He was right.

Anya finished with her guest and walked towards us, her steps deliberate, her expression schooled into a polite smile. But I saw through it, the sharpness in her eyes, the tension in her posture. The hatred in her pretty eyes.

“Kaiden,” she greeted sweetly, placing a hand on his arm with warmth, and I remembered these two used to be very close before me.. “I’m so glad you could make it, we live in the same place but I practically never see you. And you brought… her.” Her gaze flickered to me, lips curling ever so slightly.

I forced a smile, refusing to be intimidated. “Happy birthday, Anya. You look stunning tonight.”

She let out a light laugh, the kind that held no warmth and was filled with mockery and disdain. “Oh, I know. But it’s sweet of you to say.” Her eyes roamed over my dress, then back to Kaiden. “I must admit, I was surprised to see the invitation extended to her. A maid as your guest?”

Kaiden’s grip on my waist tightened, his voice dropping to a low warning octave. “Celine is not a maid here tonight, Anya. She is with me.”

Anya’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she recovered, turning her attention back to me. “Of course. My apologies if I offended you, Celine. Old habits, you understand.”

I said nothing, only nodded.

Anya sighed dramatically. “Well, since you’re here, enjoy the party. I suppose it would be rude to ask you to leave now.”

She turned gracefully, heading back toward her entourage, who were already whispering among themselves.

Kaiden exhaled slowly, his hand running down my back in soothing strokes. “Ignore her. She can try all she wants, but what she say doesn’t matter.”

I nodded, but the feeling of unease had only grown stronger. My wolf stirred again, restless. Something was wrong.

The beta walked up to us “Your highness, its time for your speech for the birthday girl.”

Kaiden sighed, pressing a lingering kiss to my temple. "I'll be back soon, love. Stay close, alright?"

I nodded, but the tight knot in my stomach only grew worse as he stepped away.

Now I was utterly alone and with no one to shield me from the guest’s accusatory stares. I sighed, as my gaze landed on a servant with a silver tray with champagne flutes.

He came as soon as I gestured and I took one from him, drawing it in a go. I needed liquid courage if I was going to do this alone.

But I instantly regretted it as my vision doubled.

“Miss,” the servant called out. “Are you okay?”

My breath hitched as my knees buckled, my vision darkening around the edges.

The last thing i saw as my vision darkened was the servant dragging me out of the hall. 

“Kaiden…”