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Chapter 2
publish date:
2025-03-08 15:43:55The Mating Ball
Arielle's POV
The ballroom glittered under the golden glow of chandeliers, the scent of aged wine and burning wax mixing with the perfume of noblewomen in their finest silks. Laughter and anticipation rippled through the air. The ballroom was filled with distinguished guests and noblemen and women from across the pack's territory. The clinking of glasses filled the air as the crowd drank and conversed.
“This is the sixth mating ball. I hope this won't be another waste of time.” A noblewoman from the crowd said to a man standing by her side.
“Let's get this over with.”
I could hear their whispers as I walked past them within the crowd. Their voices were low, but I still caught every word. Of course, they were impatient. They wanted a Luna worthy of their precious Alpha—one of their own.
I was draped with a beautiful gown. Elder Orion had gotten it for me on my 18th birthday last year. The ball was about to start so I immediately walked out of the ballroom. I was never allowed around during such joyous and important occasions because the rest of the pack still believes that I'm a rogue and a threat—they hadn't accepted me yet.
Just as I reached the exit, a blur of motion and frantic footsteps crashed into me.
"Finally! Where have you been?" A young servant, no older than me, shoved a tray into my hands before I could react.
I blinked. "I—"
"No time!" she cut me off, her words rushed, panicked. "The wine needs to be served before the Alpha announces the dance. Just take it to the main table—now!"
The weight of the silver tray grounded me before my brain could even catch up. The girl's eyes were wide with pure desperation—she must’ve mistaken me for another server.
Before I could protest, she was already gone, weaving through the sea of nobles.
My pulse hammered. I should put the tray down. I should walk away.
But the moment I lifted my head, I froze.
The entire ballroom stretched before me—golden chandeliers, silk-draped tables, noblemen in their finest suits, women swirling in elegant gowns. Their laughter rippled through the air, oblivious to the mistake that had just been made.
No one had noticed me yet.
Maybe… maybe if I just walked carefully, placed the tray down, and left before anyone—
A hush fell over the room.
The music changed.
The room was filled with applause as everyone in the ballroom turned their attention towards the young man who had just mounted the diaz. He was draped in a proper suit that screamed luxury, he wasn't one of us.
"Welcome, everyone, to the sixth mating ball." Alpha Adrian said, his voice was calm, but there was no excitement behind it. "At this point, it’s practically a ritual. And if the Moon Goddess wills it, I hope tonight marks the end of it. I’d rather not stand here again next year for the same reason.”
A brief, uncomfortable silence followed.
Some nobles exchanged uneasy glances, their polite smiles faltering. A few chuckled nervously, unsure whether the Alpha was making a dry joke or simply venting his frustration.
“May the dance begin.” Alpha Adrian said, stepping down the podium to join the guest on the ground floor.
A sweeping violin melody filled the ballroom, accompanied by the rhythmic hum of a deep cello. The music was slow yet rich, wrapping the guests in an air of elegance.
“Adrian!” Elowen yelled, the excitement in her voice palpable. “Do you mind?” Elowen asked, stretching her hands forward for a dance.
Elowen was the daughter of Alpha Adrian's Beta Lucian. Elowen had a big time crush on Adrian, she had eulogized him and dreamt of him countless times as the man worthy to spend the rest of her life with however Adrian isn't affectionate towards her as she was towards him.
“Not now Elowen.” Alpha Adrian said, he turned in an attempt to walk away but Elowen was quick as her hand landed on Adrian's arm pulling him back.
“Adrian, you need to stop this. Just dance with me please, this is the sixth time I'm asking for a dance. How long are you going to keep saying no?” Elowen asked, her grip softened on Alpha Adrian's arm.
“As long as we keep hosting this damn ball. You wanted your answer, here it is.” Alpha Adrian said, shaking off Elowen's grip on his arm.
I stood there, the tray still in my hand as I watched the whole event unfold before me. As I was about to walk to the main table I felt a striking sensation on the back of my neck. The hair all over my body stood up and I felt something poking me from behind. I stood still for a moment before I turned.
Our eyes locked.
Alpha Adrian stood there, his eyes glowing frantically as it constantly changed colors. He was panting slowly as if experiencing a major climax, his face appeared more cold and indifferent and as if on cue a whisper tickled my ear.
“Mate.”
The whisper faded as fast as it came in. The tray of drinks I held fell from my hands, the glasses chattering into a million pieces as drinks filled the floor mixing with the scent of aged wine and burning wax that had filled the air. The music halted and all eyes were fixed on Adrian and I. Everyone was shocked to see me, I knew something was about to go down and it was me.
“How dare you defile the sacred ground!” Alpha Adrian yelled, followed by an unexpected howl. Fear ran through everyone in the ballroom.
“Isn't that the outcast whose parents were rogues?” a lady from behind me said.
“Yes she sure is.” Another gentleman concluded.
This wasn't meant to happen. I wasn't supposed to be here. This was a mistake.
“What have you done Arielle?” Elder Orion muttered from where he was seated.
The tension in the room was heated and palpable.
Alpha Adrian walked towards me, his face filled with sudden hatred. I had no idea where it came from. Was I the only one who felt the pull? Did he also feel it or was he pretending not to?
“Guards! Guards!” Alpha Adrian said, his eyes scanning the room as two hefty men walked into the scene. “Who allowed her in?” He yelled.
He was met with silence. I quickly fell on my knees begging. “Please, I beg for your forgiveness. This was a mistake.”
“Take her to the dungeon and lock her up. She shouldn't be released until I say so!” He yelled.
The guards bowed as they grabbed me by my arms. I wanted to scream and plead for mercy but I was quick to accept that no amount of pleading would save me from what I've got myself entangled with.
“The ball is over!” Alpha Adrian yelled as he stormed out of the ball room.
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