A Crown I’ll Never Wear

Thalia’s POV:

The harsh pull of my blanket jolted me awake. My eyes blinked open to see the face of Madam Loriane glaring down at me, her mouth twisted in anger.

“Useless girl!” She snapped, yanking the blanket fully off me. “Three girls came to wake you, and you still sleep like the dead!”

“I... I’m sorry, Madam,” I stammered, scrambling to sit up. My body ached all over; the nights had been restless lately with my nausea getting worse.

“Sorry?” She hissed. “Your sorry won’t clean the Banquet Hall! Move, now!”

I didn’t wait to be told again. I threw on my plain gray dress and rushed after her, my heart thudding against my ribs.

The corridors were alive with hurried footsteps and loud voices. As I reached the Banquet Hall, the sight stole the breath from my lungs.

Long tables were being lined with gleaming silverware and dazzling crystal glasses. Massive chandeliers dripped light onto the marbled floors. Bouquets of blue and white roses were being arranged along the walls. Banners of gold silk hung from the towering ceilings.

I stood frozen, unsure where to start, until a maid brushed past me.

“What’s happening?” I asked her in a whisper.

She threw me a surprised look. “Where have you been? It’s Lycan Alaric’s birthday! He’s hosting a Banquet, inviting all Alphas and Lycans from allied territories!”

Alaric’s birthday.

I swallowed thickly. I hadn’t even known the day was approaching. How could I? I wasn’t part of his world — not really.

“Get moving!” Madam Loriane barked from across the hall.

I bent my head and hurried to work, polishing silver, arranging chairs, dusting off the velvet drapes until my arms shook with exhaustion.

By nightfall, the hall was transformed into a world of beauty. I stood near the pillars at the far end, clutching a tray with empty goblets. I was assigned to stay hidden because Madam Loriane said my ruined face would ruin everyone’s appetite.

The music swelled and guests poured in. Alphas in dark, expensive clothes. Lycans in formal ceremonial dress. Their mates draped in glittering gowns.

And then he entered.

Alaric.

My breath caught at the sight of him. He wore a black embroidered jacket, silver cuffs gleaming at his wrists, and his dark hair was swept back in a style that made him look dangerously regal.

And beside him — Valerie.

She clung to his arm like a prized jewel, laughing and tossing her perfect golden hair. She wore a blood-red dress that left little to the imagination, the neckline plunging scandalously low.

The guests fawned over them. Compliments, laughter, and admiration filled the air. Alaric smiled politely, sometimes coldly, but he never once shook off Valerie’s touch.

Once, not long ago, I would have been the center of attention at an event like this. With my flawless skin, my golden curls, my radiant smile... I would have been admired, envied, and wanted.

Now, I hid behind pillars and shadows, nothing more than a scarred slave. My hand instinctively drifted to my still-flat stomach.

Would he ever accept me? Accept... us?

The baby growing inside me — Alaric’s heir — deserved better than this. Better than a slave as a mother.

I gnawed on my bottom lip.

Maybe... maybe if I told him about the baby, he would change. Maybe he would see me not as a burden tied by the Mate Bond, but as the mother of his future heir.

Maybe he would need me.

As I walked along the edges of the banquet hall, trying to stay out of the way, I couldn’t help but watch Alaric.

He was standing tall in the center, effortlessly commanding the room, the way he always did. His gaze lingered on Valerie, his eyes soft in a way I’d never seen directed at me. My heart sank deeper with every moment.I watched walk away and I simmered in my thoughts.

——

"Are you just going to stand there all night?" Valerie's voice broke through my thoughts. She had appeared out of nowhere, as usual, her eyes filled with contempt.

I turned to face her, a tight smile pulling at my lips. “What do you want?”

Valerie stepped closer. “I see you’re still here, pretending you’re fine.” She glanced at the gathering. “He’ll never choose you, Thalia. Not now. Not ever.”

I pressed my lips together, refusing to let the tears well up. “You’re wrong.”

Her eyes gleamed with triumph as she took a step closer. “Look at you. Do you really think a Lycan like him would want you now?”

I clenched my fists, my pulse racing. “You’re wrong,” I repeated, though the words felt hollow.

“I guess you miss the attention?” She added.

I gritted my teeth, my hands curling into fists. “Leave me alone, Valerie.”

She stepped closer, her eyes gleaming with malice. “Do you really think that he’ll ever look at you again after tonight?”

I swallowed hard, trying to push down the bitter tears that threatened to rise. “I never asked for his attention.”

“Oh, please.” She laughed cruelly. “You were always a threat, always the one everyone wanted. But now? You’re just a shadow.”

Before I could respond, she turned on her heel, leaving me standing there with a burning ache in my chest.

Valerie just smiled, turning away as she whispered. “Enjoy being invisible.”

I turned my back to the banquet, unable to bear the sight of Valerie clinging to Alaric’s arm as if she belonged there. I felt my heart twisting in knots, and I fought to keep my breath steady. My hands were trembling as I reached up to touch my veil, but I couldn’t bring myself to adjust it. What was the point?

I was caught in my imagination when a loud clink echoed through the hall — Alaric striking his goblet with a knife.

The chatter died instantly. Every head turned toward him. Alaric stood at the center of the hall.

"Thank you all for coming," He said, his deep voice filling the room. "Your presence honors me tonight."

A round of applause swept through the crowd. Then he raised a hand, silencing them again. "I have an important announcement to make.” He continued.

My heart leapt into my throat.

This was it.

He was going to acknowledge me. The bond.

I gripped the pillar tighter to stay upright, my palms clammy with anticipation.

Alaric’s gaze swept over the room — and for a fleeting moment, it brushed past me without recognition.

"My people need strength.” He said. "They need a Luna worthy of leading beside me. A woman of beauty, grace, and power."

He turned slightly, extending his hand.

Valerie stepped forward, radiant with triumph.

"I am honored to announce my engagement.” Alaric declared, "to Valerie BlackWood. My future Luna."

The room erupted into cheers.

Laughter. Applause.

I didn’t hear any of it.

I could only hear the sickening crack of my own heart shattering inside my chest.

Alaric smiled — genuinely smiled — as he lifted Valerie’s hand to his lips and kissed it.

Oh no.