CHAPTER EIGHT
-WILHELMINA-
The highly anticipated Moon Goddess's Ball would begin in a few hours. I had been at the Gravemaw Mansion all day, working with Weldon, Dermon, and Severa to get everything ready for the event. I saw this event as an opportunity to strengthen my alliance, and what better way to begin than by gaining the loyalty of the servants.
It wasn't just about the prestige, or the networking opportunities. It was also about showing my strength, my capability as the future Luna. Servants were the eyes and ears of any establishment, their loyalty paramount.
CHAPTER EIGHT-WILHELMINA-In an hour, the Moon Goddess's Ball will begin. I had been inside the luxurious Luna's suite, preparing for the grand event with Severa. Estrada and a few other maids were present, aiding us in the room. She had been assisting me in putting on the elegant ballroom gown.The gown was made of the finest silk from the eastern realms, its intricate details embodying the crescent moon and stars through precious gems. It was soft, flowing, and the color of the reddest roses. I surveyed my reflection in the grand mirror, the gown hugged my figure perfectly, accen
CHAPTER EIGHT-WILHELMINA-The mansion doors swung open, the presenter kicked off the introductions for each guest as they made their way inside. They all came forward to shake hands with Thorin first, followed by Weldon, then the Luna Mother and Alpha Father. Finally, the guests made their way over to Boris, Severa, and myself for introductions. Once the guests had finished introductions, a servant would escort them to the magnificent ballroom.Everyone who entered shook hands with Boris first, their faces carefully polite. Next, it was my turn. Rather than following Boris'
CHAPTER EIGHT-WILHELMINA-Just as he closed the distance, I placed my free hand on his chest, stopping him in his tracks. My heart pounded against my ribcage like a drum's urgent beat, its rhythm chaotic and wild."Antonio," I murmured, my voice trembling with the weight of what I was about to say, "We can't..."He froze in place, his warm breath caressing my lips when he exhaled. His eyes held my reflection in them, fluttered shut for a moment as he absorbed my words. When they reopened, I saw a flicker of pain, quickl
CHAPTER EIGHT-ANTONIO-Wilhelmina's vulnerability, her raw honesty, touched something primal within me. It was my instinct to protect, but as her mate, it was my duty to stand by her side, sharing strength and courage in equal measures."You could never fail, Wilhelmina," I said firmly, my fingers curling tighter around her cheeks, my gaze locked onto the sheen of trepidation in her eyes. "Because even if you falter, even if you stumble, it won't be a failure. It will be a learning, a stepping stone toward becoming the leader your pack needs."
CHAPTER EIGHT-ANTONIO-Weldon took a deep breath. "Wilhelmina never liked Boris," he began, looking out over the balcony's edge to the darkened garden beneath us. "But Boris has always had a fascination with my sister.""So it was Boris who pursued this arrangement," I said more as a statement than a question."Ever since they were children," Weldon continued, "Boris was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He'd follow her around, always trying to impress her with his petty accomplishments. He never understood that my s
CHAPTER EIGHT-ANTONIO-A silence fell over us; pregnant and suffocating. The wind roared around us, carrying whispers of sorrow and regret. Weldon seemed lost in the past, his face a mask of pain as he recalled the long hours waiting for his sister to wake.His hands clenched and unclenched; a physical manifestation of his internal struggle. "Even though Mr. Leon, the Alpha Father, knew of Mina's condition, he did not disqualify her. Instead, he appointed her to the role of Delta. He even postponed our first leadership meeting to ensure she wouldn't miss it."
CHAPTER NINE-WILHELMINA-Trisha and I strolled down the corridor of the grand mansion, heading back towards the ballroom. She walked beside me, her steps in sync with mine. We remained quiet as we walked, not exchanging any words.Saying goodbye to Antonio, I had felt an unfamiliar void and chill settled over me. His warmth and company brought out emotions in me that I had never experienced before. Now, I felt a strange emptiness that made my heart ache in longing. This was not the life I had chosen for myself. I was being forced into a marriage with a man I didn't love. My heart s
CHAPTER NINE-WILHELMINA-Severa and I exchanged glances, both of us relieved by Boris' temporary absence. As the crowd weaved around us like an intricate lattice of emotions and pleasantries, Severa turned her attention back to me. Her gaze was full of curiosity."Seems like you have quite a lot on your mind tonight," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper among the clamor. "What have you been thinking about?""It’s nothing I can tell you here," I admitted with a smile.
CHAPTER NINE-ANTONIO-Thorin nodded, his stern expression softening. He rushed over to Kinnsion and Eris, and for a brief moment the two broke off their make out session."Prince Kinnsion, Eris," Thorin said urgently, "we need your help with something."Kinnsion frowned, meeting Thorin's gaze before glancing at me and Lady Basia. "What's wrong? Can't you see I am busy with my mate?" he asked, his eyes flickering with annoyance.
CHAPTER NINE-ANTONIO-I sat alone in the dimly lit room, the deafening silence ringing in my ears. A sigh escaped my lips, a deep and pitiful sound that echoed across the stone walls and filled the room with my regret.A soft knock echoed through the room, breaking the stillness. The door creaked open and Thorin walked in, his face pensive, "Are you alright, Antonio?" he asked, coming to sit next to me on the bed.I shook my head, watching the flickering flame of the candle. "I feel terrible for deceiving Lady Basi
CHAPTER NINE-ANTONIO-The sleek black limousine stopped at the entrance of the Alpha's estate. The driver emerged from the front and swiftly opened the door for us. As we made our way inside, our coats were gracefully taken by a team of attentive servants.We were each guided to our individual suites on the second floor. I entered mine, shut the door, and made a beeline for the bed. The events of tonight had been overwhelming.I had met my mate, who would soon be the Luna of the Gravemaw Hounds. Thankfully, the
CHAPTER NINE-WILHELMINA-Our kiss ended abruptly as Boris pulled away, his eyes full of desire. In one smooth motion, I was suddenly lying on the floor of the limo. Severa was next to me, also lying down. Boris's eyes bore into us, as he loosened his tie.Even in the fog of the potion's effect, I felt a bolt of fear shoot through me. Boris's predatory gaze traveled from me to Severa, who was blinking back the heavy haze, her chest rising and falling with rapid breaths."Boris," her voice trembled, but there was defiance
CHAPTER NINE-WILHELMINA-It was not a soft peck, nor was it a quick peck meant for show. It was a passionate, lingering kiss that sent ripples of shock through the atmosphere in the limo. Severa melted into him, her fingers curling in the lapel of his jacket. A soft moan escaped her lips as if she had been waiting for this very moment. Their bodies pressed together.The sight of them kissing stunned me for a moment, causing my mind to go blank and temporarily distracting me from the heat and dizziness. "What… what are you doing?" I asked in a breathy whisper, my voice coming
CHAPTER NINE-WILHELMINA-I witnessed Thorin escorting Antonio out of the building. A feeling of sadness and emptiness washed over me. My instinct was to call him back, to stop him from leaving but deep down, I knew I couldn't. There were too many curious eyes. If either of us disclosed the truth about our relationship, it would only add more complications to an already delicate situation."What the hell is his problem?" Boris snarled."Calm down, Boris," Weldon advised, placing a hand on the agitated man's shoulder. "Pr
CHAPTER NINE-ANTONIO-The Moon Goddess's Ball was ending, and everyone was heading out. I had spent the majority of my evening in the company of Lady Basia. Although I was engaged to my fiancé, my heart and soul were pulled towards my true mate, Wilhelmina. It made it difficult to focus on my current relationship. Every moment felt off, and being with the wrong person just felt plain wrong. As much as I longed to be with Wilhelmina, I knew it wasn't possible at the moment.I watched as she chatted animatedly with Boris, a flicker of jealousy sparking within me. Seeing them t
CHAPTER NINE-WILHELMINA-Severa and I exchanged glances, both of us relieved by Boris' temporary absence. As the crowd weaved around us like an intricate lattice of emotions and pleasantries, Severa turned her attention back to me. Her gaze was full of curiosity."Seems like you have quite a lot on your mind tonight," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper among the clamor. "What have you been thinking about?""It’s nothing I can tell you here," I admitted with a smile.
CHAPTER NINE-WILHELMINA-Trisha and I strolled down the corridor of the grand mansion, heading back towards the ballroom. She walked beside me, her steps in sync with mine. We remained quiet as we walked, not exchanging any words.Saying goodbye to Antonio, I had felt an unfamiliar void and chill settled over me. His warmth and company brought out emotions in me that I had never experienced before. Now, I felt a strange emptiness that made my heart ache in longing. This was not the life I had chosen for myself. I was being forced into a marriage with a man I didn't love. My heart s