Chapter 6

One year later.

"You don't actually like that woman, do you? I'm the better choice for you," 

I was about to knock on the door when I heard a familiar woman's voice.

I was here at Alexander's study to ask him his opinion on something about the up-and-coming ball we are holding here for Alpha Victor from the neighboring kingdom.

I pause, taking a step forward to look through the crack that's in the door, seeing my sister's best friend Rebecca standing in front of Alexander.

Rebecca said confidently, her eyes locked on Alexander's. As the best friend of my departed sister, Alexander had been kind to her and in these years, Rebecca had frequently visited the palace and acted like she was the female host of this place.

From her behaviour, I knew she wanted to replace me and be together with Alexander.

“Rebecca, mind your words. You’re Cassandra's best friend. Do you want to replace her, too?” Alexander coldly stared at her.

“No no, my King,“ Rebecca hurried to explain for herself, “ You know that Cassandra’s death also pains me. I suggest this because she had advised me to take care of you before her death. ”

"You're not really in love with Olivia, are you?" She asked the question again to confirm something.

My heart couldn't help but beat faster. Rebecca's family was much more powerful than mine and she had my sister’s words, so their marriage would make sense, but hearing her ask him sent pain shooting into my heart. I stood there holding my breath as I waited for his answer.

There was silence for a few seconds as Alexander seemed to contemplate her words. 

"I haven't given my love to her," he finally replied, his voice cold.

His words cut into me like a dagger piercing into my heart. It was stupid. I knew that his heart would always belong to my sister, but it still hurt to hear that he would never care about me.

"Then why not let me replace her? I know you better than anyone else, Alexander. I can make you happy in a way that she never could." Rebecca placed her hand on his chest, her expression hopeful. 

I stepped away from the door, unable to hear any more of the conversation, tears burning my eyes, threatening to spill out at any second I held them back. Taking a breath, I pulled myself together, walking away from the door, not wanting to hear anymore. 

I have tried my hardest to be what he wants me to be, but it was clear I was never going to be good enough for him, and soon I would be replaced by Rebecca when he rejects me as his mate and remarries her. Their words kept echoing through my head. It was stupid how much it hurt me. I already knew that he had no place for me in his heart, but hearing him say it to her made it so much more real.

The night of the ball came around fast. I stood alone in a room full of people, watching as Alexander danced with Rebecca. Rebecca smiled and whispered things in Alexander's ear, but the whole time, he kept his face in the same unreadable expression. I couldn't stand there and watch them anymore. 

The pain in my chest was too much. I turned away, trying my best to hide the pain on my face. As I did, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Victor, the star of the ball.

"Would you like to dance, Luna?" he asked, extending his hand towards me with a charming smile. 

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I wanted to be seen dancing with someone other than my mate. But something about Victor drew me in: his warm smile and kind eyes, which were the same grey colour as mine. I started to feel curious about him now.

Without saying a word, I placed my hand in his and allowed him to lead me onto the dance floor. The music swirled around us as we moved together.

As we danced, Victor looked at me with an intensity that made my heart race. 

Victor twirled me around and leaned in closer to me. What was he gonna do to me? He was so close and as if he was about to kiss me. 

It was strange, we had just met and never spoken too much. But, some things about him attracted me. It was not love but something I couldn’t explain. Did he feel the same for me?

He hovered there for a second, staring deep into my eyes, but before anything could happen, Alexander grabbed my arm, pulling me away from Victor, anger clearly visible on his face as he held me close to him.