Chapter 24

The clock struck exactly 7 p.m., marking the full swing of the Moon feast . Emma stood elegantly before the grand door of the event, her breath caught in her chest. Her heart pounded at the sight before her. 

The night had finally arrived the night she had been planning for. With one smooth motion, she smoothed the fabric of her dress. Standing at the wooden door, she took one last breath and pushed it open.

Inside, the venue was electric. The sound of music filled the air, and a gentle hum of conversation weaved through the crowd as she stepped further into the room. Everywhere she looked, women were adjusting their dresses, tugging at their hair, and perfecting their appearances. Everywhere seems thick with anticipation, each one of the ladies vying for attention. They laughed, whispered, and even boldly called dibs on who would claim the twins’ attention.

Emma could feel it all, the sharp glances, the whispers, the subtle but undeniable competition. But she didn’t let it faze her. She knew why she was here. She walked gracefully through the hall, making her way toward the high table. She hoped to position herself just right, to catch the twins’ attention and remind them of the bond they shared, the bond that had been erased Ever, she hope they could remember her now. 

With each step she took, she adjusted her dress more and more. But it wasn’t to impress anyone else. It was to check the vial being hidden at her body. 

She brushed her hand over the pockets hidden in the folds of her gown, confirming that the vial was still securely tucked inside. The vial was still intact. 

Her heart beat faster with each passing moment, but she kept a calm face, refusing to let her nerves show. She could feel the eyes of others on her, their gazes filled with envy and curiosity. But Emma had no time for that, her mission was clear. There was something weighing on her mind, though, a whisper of doubt creeping in as she noticed the pendant her mother had given her, still nestled inside the box in her bag. 

When she left home, she had considered whether she should wear the necklace or not. After much thought, she had pulled it off her neck and tucked it into her bag, the heavy thought of her mother’s expectations serve as a burden she wasn’t ready to bear. 

She didn’t want to wear something that might influence how she was seen tonight. She wanted to trust that her own charm, her true presence, would be enough to reach the twins, to remind them of what they had lost and what was meant to be.

No matter how beautiful or meaningful the pendant was, Emma knew it would only make her question if the attraction she gained from the twins was real or if it had been forced upon her by the pendant’s influence. 

But the moment of doubt was quickly pushed aside. She pulled herself together, reminding herself that she could not afford to show any weakness tonight.

Suddenly, the music paused, and the energy in the room heightened. An announcement crackled over the speaker, making Emma’s heart race. 

“The Alpha has arrived!” The voice boomed, and the room erupted in cheers as everyone eagerly welcomed the Alpha.

Emma’s attention snapped away from the speaker, turning toward the twins way, her eyes widen in terror on seeing them, It wasn’t actually the Alpha who caught her eye. It was Ever, walking through the grand entrance with the twins by her side as her dates. 

Emma’s blood ran cold. Her sister? The same sister who had done everything to undermine her, now stood proudly at the head of the party with two men who were meant to be hers. The twins, the ones who belonged to her by birthright, were now walking with Ever as though they had forgotten everything about the bond they shared with her.

The pang of jealousy mixed with betrayal hit her all at once. How could she 

Emma could not tear her eyes away from the scene unfolding in front of her. Ever’s triumphant smile made her stomach churn, and the way the twins leaned in to Ever word was a dagger to Emma’s heart. The high table, where she had imagined staring throughout the evening, now became something she couldn’t even bear to look at.

She caught Ever’s gaze once, and this time, the satisfaction in her expression was unmistakable. Ever knew exactly what she was doing, and she was reveling in it. Emma’s chest tightened with a mix of anger and despair. This was not just a coincidence, and she knew it. Ever was deliberately flaunting her closeness to the twins, as if to stake her claim and remind Emma of her own perceived failure.

The twins, seated on either side of Ever, seemed completely enthralled. Ever leaned in close to whisper something to one of them, her soft laugh carrying across the hall. Emma’s nails dug into her palms as she watched the men respond with amused smiles and subtle nods. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but it didn’t matter. The bond they were supposed to share was being trampled under Ever’s manipulation.

Emma’s mind raced. She hadn’t expected this, not Ever walking into the Moon Feast with them. She felt completely unprepared.

Unable to act, Emma sat stiffly at her table, watching the humiliating scene from a distance. The energy of the feast was lost on her. As her thoughts spiraled, she realized something with a sinking feeling; Ever must have done something to manipulate the twins. There was no other explanation for the way they were acting, for the way they looked at Ever as if she were their world.

Emma’s pulse quickened with frustration and determination. Whatever Ever had done, Emma was certain it wasn’t natural.

Her hand slipped into the folds of her gown, brushing against the vial she had hidden there. She could feel its coolness. Her thoughts turned to Damien, and she wondered if she should call him.

Emma pulled out her phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she typed a message to Benson.