04

Ravenna's POV 

"You look.... wow." Astrid voice was breathy, her mouth wide open in admiration as she stared at me. "Vexley, you're stunning. Honestly, you're even more beautiful than Thalia."

I blinked. "Thalia?"

"Yes," she replied, nodding. "She's Ronan mate and everyone thought she was the prettiest girl in the academy, but I think you're prettier."

Of course, I know Thalia quite well. The beautiful Moon Crescent Princess.

I turned to the mirror and studied the reflection staring back—silky black gown clinging to every curve, and my long raven-dark hair flowing down my shoulders in waves. The makeup was simple yet elegant, and a pair of striking silver eyes.

I smiled faintly. "Thanks, Astrid. Let's hope the crowd agrees."

Astrid grinned. "Oh, they will. You might catch Ronan's attention tonight."

I didn't respond. Inside my heart twisted painfully at the mere sound of his name. If his name could unravel me this much, then I wondered how I'd react if I eventually saw him.

______

The grand hall was a sight to behold—huge chandeliers lit up the room, and flowers adorned every corner in the Bloodmoon colours—Black and red. Laughter and chatter filled the entire room. 

The moment, Astrid and I walked into the room, heads turned as usual and I received a lot of compliments telling me how beautiful I look.

 Astrid leaned in, whispering, "I told you they will agree,"

I forced a smile at her. An unknown feeling settled inside me as I recognised some of the pack members from three years ago. But now they weren't staring at me with disgust, or rage—they were staring at me in admiration, like I was someone special, someone valuable.

Then they entered. Ronan, dressed in a black robe adorned with golden cufflinks, walked between his parents like a prince walking into his future. Alpha Lucian face was as calm as always and he looked proud of his son achievement, Luna Selena —that witch—cold as ever. But all I could focus on was him. The same man who once held me, whispered promises into my ears.... before throwing me out to the wolves to devour.

My heart thundered painfully in my chest. My breaths became erratic, and I realized in that moment that Ronan betrayal was more painful than the dagger Selena drove into my heart.

I had to get out of here—it was too suffocating in here.

I turned to Astrid. "I'll be back." 

She nodded without questions—her attention was fixed on the same set of people I was trying to get away from.

Outside in the garden, the evening air wrapped around me. I took a seat on the bench, trying to steady myself.

"I guess crowds aren't for everyone."

I turned to my left, where the deep voice came from.

A man in his mid-thirties stood a few miles away, watching me. He was tall, effortlessly attractive, with sharp features and dark eyes that seemed to see my future. His white shirt was slightly unbuttoned, displaying his athletic build. He had that calm and commanding presence that no one could ignore.

He stepped closer and without permission took a seat beside me. "I'm Professor Kael." He extended a hand.

I hesitated. If there was something I had learnt all these years was never to trust blindly. But he had the aura that made it seem like I couldn't refuse him, so I took it. "Vexley Aleron."

"Transfer student?"

"Yes, I am."

"Strange timing," he noted. "Most people don't transfer with just two years left."

Why did he care? I forced myself not to snap at him and offered the same excuse I gave Astrid. "I've always dreamt of finishing at Bloodmoon. It's the best."

He gave a knowing smirk. "That's a good lie. Polished. Believable."

I frowned, caught off guard. "Excuse me?"

"You can fool everyone else, Miss Aleron," he said softly. "But not me."

What? Did he know? How....? 

Before I could recover from my shock, he gave a small nod. "Nice meeting you." Then he stood up and walked away, leaving me there, confused and shaken.

Did he know something about me? My face? My identity? Those questions ran through my mind as I made my way back inside. I didn't watch where I was going and I bumped into someone.

"Watch where you're going, bitch," the girl snapped.

When I realised myself and looked up at her, my eyes narrowed, recognition flooding my features. Thalia.

Her icy blue eyes glared at me like I was filth—one who would stain her.

Anger rose inside me. "No, you watch where you're going, bitch," I fired back, matching her venom.

Gasps echoed from the students nearby. Thalia's face was covered in a mix of rage and shock. I bet no one dared spoke to her in that manner before.

She raised her hand to slap me. "I should really teach you some —"

I caught her wrist mid-air, twisted it and threw her across the floor. She landed on the floor with a loud, humiliating thud. At this moment, all eyes were already on us. Whispers, and gasps filled the entire room.

"You don't get to lay your hands on me," I warned, towering over Thalia. And I think, I did see a flicker of fear on her face.

And then they appeared. Ronan and Luna Selena stepped forward. Ronan face landed on me—burning with anger and something else. Attraction? Or perhaps recognition? But I knew the asshole couldn't recognise me. 

I don't know that strange look, but I knew it wasn't completely hatred. Selena's gaze were as sharp as a blade, shifting between me and Thalia—who is still on the floor.

"How did you get in here?" Selena demanded. "We don't allow filth here." Just the same words she had said to me all my life. "Guards—throw her out," she ordered.

My heart skipped a beat. No. I can't be on Selena bad side now—not yet. I know just how much she loved to be in contol and tame anyone who seems to want to stand againsy her. She could throw me out of the Academy before I even begin my plans.

Two guards stepped forward immediately. But before they could touch me, I dropped to my knees.

"I'm sorry, Luna," I said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Please forgive me this your unruly servant."