CHAPTER TWO

Solara's POV 

Lucas clenched his fists, his eyes darkened and burned into mine with a beastly intensity that made me take a shaky step back.

For a moment, I feared he would hit me. But instead, he dropped his hands from his flushed cheeks, stepped back and threw the envelope at  my feet.

“Sign it, Lara." His voice was softer than I'd hear and it struck a chord inside me. “Ashen would give you all the rewards I promised.“ 

He turned away, tugged on his clothes, and walked out without another word, the slam of the door rattling the walls.

Ashen—his Beta and best friend. He is also a very good friend of mine—he would always shield me from the school bullies who thought a lowly Omega like me doesn't belong here. The only one who knew about us.

I let out a shaky breath, walked towards the bed, and sat at the edge. I pressed my palms to my face and the tears I have been holding all this while finally slid down—hot against my cheeks. My chest clenched so tightly that it felt like I couldn't breathe.

“God….“ I whispered, my voice cracking with raw unfiltered pain. 

I swear… I'm the biggest fool in the world. How could I have expected that such a young and handsome Alpha would actually want anything to do with me other than being his plaything.

I had dreamt too high for someone of my status. For someone whose family never even loved. My family doesn't love me nor want me. They think a weak female child is a waste of time while my elder brother, Silas got all the love and attention.

My phone buzzed, the screen flashing Mira—my best friend and dorm mate. I answered the call with trembling hands.

“Solara.“ Her excited voice echoed in my ears. “I just heard that the biggest masquerade ball is happening tonight at the new club in town. Are you free? Maybe you and Lucas can attend—mask would conceal our identities.“

Silence—my throat was too tight to voice out any words. 

“Sol? Are you there?“ 

I swallowed hard, wiped my tears. “No... I won't be attending.“

“Are you crying?“ She asked in a low but concerned tone.

I couldn't hold it in anymore. “Lucas.... broke the contract,” I sobbed. “Nyra is coming back.“

“What?“ She snapped.

Mira knew everything. She’d always urged me to confess my feelings, but I’d clung to the hope that he would see them for himself.

“That bastard,” she cursed, and I know her fists must have been clenched so tightly if I could see her. “That slut is getting back with him after she rejected him and that asshole is willing to take her back!“ She almost couldn't believe her ears.

I didn't respond. With the gleam in Lucas' voice when he answered her call earlier, I guess… he loves her so much that he is willing to take her back with no questions asked.

“Where are you?“ She asked.

“In his penthouse.“

“Should I come over?“

I shook my head though she couldn’t see it. "No, I'll come to the dorm instead,” I said, glancing around the place that had somehow become home. “There's nothing for me here.“

“Fine. Hurry back," she said before we ended the call.

I forced myself to stop crying and move into the ensuite bathroom. I threw cold water on my face, staring at my broken reflection in my mirror.

“You have to forget him, Solara,” I whispered, forcing a brittle smile. “He doesn’t love you. So you can’t love him anymore." But deep down, I knew it wasn’t that easy.

I turned away, stepped back into the room and picked up the envelope. I dipped my hand inside and retrieved the parchment paper. It was a contract termination form with a pen. Oh, he's already prepared everything. He can't wait to get rid of me, can he?

My eyes scanned through it and the rules listed there just confirmed that I'm nothing to him.

1. Never tell anyone about us—especially Nyra Brooks.

2. Never approach him ever again, unless it's absolutely necessary.

3. Never try to get more than the rewards he's offering.

Really?

This is all that he thinks of me, huh?

Six months and all he thinks is that I did it for the money.

I swear… I'll keep to these rules.

With barely restrained rage, I tried not to rip the paper apart—I quickly signed on it and threw it on the floor.

The room suddenly feels suffocating—feels like a prison. I threw on my underwear and dress. I reached for my bag and retrieved the spare key card of the penthouse that he gave me—so I could come around anytime I want—and slammed it on the table.

I walked out of the house, my heart pounding. I held the doorknob and stared at the room one last time before slamming it shut.

Outside the gate, I slipped into the backseat of a taxi. “To the Mooncrest College.“

______

Mira refused to let me sulk in bed over Lucas and forced me to come to the masquerade ball. 

Everything happened quickly. One minute she was pulling into an embrace while muttering comforting words, and the next minute she was forcing me into a purple ball dress and here we are… standing at the entrance of the clubhouse—Howls and Fangs with a golden mask hugging my face perfectly and my best girl, Mira is holding my hands and squeezing it reassuringly.

I won't deny the fact that the whole process made me feel slightly better.

My eyes darted around as I took in the extravagant clubhouse which is a den of mystery and allure. Velvet drapes swallowed the walls, gold light flickered from chandeliers, and the air hummed with soft, haunting music. Wolves moved through the room in elegant gowns and tailored suits, each face hidden behind intricate masks—some glittering, some carved into fearsome shapes. Laughter and whispers tangled in the air as people danced and flirted without holding back.

Through the silver mask, Mira winks at me, smiling. “This would be the best night ever, Sol.“ Then she leaned forward, her breath warm against mine as she whispered, “And who knows? You might meet someone better than that asshole.“

I smiled back in response. 

I couldn't count the number of times Mira has called Lucas asshole tonight. She was so protective of me and I liked it.

But meeting someone better than Lucas?

I don't think so. He was the best man for me, if only he could love me back.

“Come on.“ She dragged me towards the dancing floor. “Let's go and mingle, my best girl.“

I followed her, swaying to the haunting rhythm in the background.

If only I knew a masked man here would not only claim my night… and but also my fate.

______

“That was one hell of a dance,” Mira said as we left the dancefloor and settled in a corner of the room. “The gold teeth guy really dances well.“

I wasn't really listening to whatever she was saying. My mind had travelled miles away to a figure sitting at the far end across from us. Shiny Gold mask. Cigar between his lips. Swirling a glass of wine in his hands. His lips curling into a cold, devilish smirk.

The moment I stepped into the dancefloor earlier, I could feel his eyes burning into my neck—causing the hair there to stand—and anytime I look back, he doesn't bother to look away. He feels cold, yet so familiar. 

Mira followed my eyes and scoffed. “Look like someone is hooked,” she sneered, her voice teasing. “You both have been staring at each other since we arrived here.“