013

Elysia's pov.

The grand hall sparkled with golden lights as music played softly in the background while warriors and nobles filled the space, laughing, drinking, and dancing.

I could perceive the sweet smell in the air, it smelled of wine, roasted meat and something else, something sweet but I just couldn't seem to recall the name.

Everything about tonight screamed celebration, but inside, my heart beat like a drum, not because of the celebration, but because of the fact that Adrian had also invited Tyler and Alicia. Those bastards.

Sarah's words rang in my head as I stood near the center of the hall, my gown flowing around my legs like water.

It was deep red, hugging my body and showing my bare shoulders, I didn't need to be told how pretty I was.

My hair had been twisted into curls and pinned up with silver pieces shaped like tiny stars.

Sarah had specifically helped with this, even after telling her not to worry, that it was the job of the maids, she had insisted.

And right now, I looked nothing like the girl I used to be. And that was the point, that was what I wanted.

I tilted my head to look at Adrian who was standing beside me, he stood tall and confident in his black and gold robe. His deep voice and his presence made people stare.

He hadn’t left my side all night, or rather since we stepped out. I could see lots of eyes on us, probably wondering if we were a couple, it was clear they could see the closeness between us. I could feel it too, and that scared me.

“I hope the music isn’t too loud,” he leaned down and whispered.

“It’s perfect,” I replied with a small smile.

He looked pleased, and with that, I turned away quickly, trying not to let too much of my feelings show at a public space like this.

I was falling for him, little by little, I could tell . But after everything I had been through, trusting someone didn’t come easy, not anymore.

Just then, the guards at the entrance called out, “Alpha Tyler and Alicia!”

The hall shifted, some stopped dancing, others turned to look, and my chest tightened as I heard their names. My chest tightened.

I Glanced towards the entrance and there he was,

He walked in like he owned the place, just like he always used to. Beside him was Alicia, she had a cond smile on her face.

Her gown glittered under the lights. Tyler wore a black suit with a silver crest pinned to his chest.

For a moment, he looked around with pride, then his eyes landed on me. Our eyes locked and he froze.

Alicia’s lips parted slightly as if she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Her hand clutched Tyler’s arm, and they both started walking toward the middle of the room, pretending to act normal, but their eyes kept flicking back to me.

“Is that who I think it is?” Alicia whispered.

I heard her clearly even through the noise, they were getting closer, I stepped slightly behind Adrian, not to hide, but to give myself a second to breathe.

My heart was beating so fast I thought it might break through my chest.

“She looks... different,” Alicia said again, her voice low but sharp this time.

“She shouldn’t be here, I mean alive.,” Tyler muttered with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

“She’s with the Lycian King,” Alicia whispered, glancing at Adrian, who was standing beside me “What is she doing with him?”

Adrian turned to me. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” I said softly. “Let them come. I’m not afraid anymore.”

He nodded once and didn’t move away from my side.

Tyler and Alicia finally approached, keeping up their act, but I could see through them.

“Elysia,” Tyler said, his voice careful. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“That makes two of us,” I replied calmly.

He blinked and Alicia narrowed her eyes.

“You look well,” Alicia said, her tone mixed with confusion and jealousy.

“I am,” I said. “Better than ever, actually.”

“You’ve changed,” Tyler said.

“Yes. I have,” I replied “I had to.”

Tyler raised a brow. “And now you belong to a king?”

I gave him a small smile. “I belong to no one. But I choose who I stand beside.”

Tyler scoffed. “Still talking big. I guess dressing like royalty gives you courage.”

I took a breath and looked him in the eye. “No, Tyler, surviving you gave me courage.”

His jaw clenched, but before he could say anything else Adrian stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. “Is there a problem here?”

“Not at all, Your Majesty,” Alicia said quickly, bowing her head. “We were just... surprised.”

“I’m sure you were,” Adrian said with a cool smile. “Elysia has that effect.”

I smiled up at him. A real one this time.

Alicia stared at me. “You’ve changed... a lot.”

“Yes,” I said, my voice steady. “The old Elysia wouldn’t even look you in the eye right? But she’s gone.”

Tyler laughed bitterly. “So, you think you’ve risen above us? Just because you wear a fancy dress and hide behind alpha Adrian?”

I looked him straight in the eye. “I’m not hiding behind anyone. And I didn’t rise above you, I outgrew you.”

For a second, there was silence. Tyler looked stunned, Alicia’s mouth was slightly open.

Of course, this was because they weren’t used to me standing up for myself. Not anymore.

Adrian smiled beside me. “Would you both excuse us? I have something to announce.”

Tyler and Alicia stepped back, clearly still shaken and shocked by the whole thing

Adrian walked to the raised platform in front of the hall. A bell rang, and the room quieted down immediately.

“Thank you all for coming tonight,” Adrian began, his deep voice echoing across the hall. “It is not every day we gather like this, but I am here to announce a decision I have made.”

I felt my chest tighten, though it had no idea what this was all about. What is he doing?

He turned slightly and extended his hand to me.

“Elysia,” he said. “Come here.”

Slowly, I walked up the steps, my legs felt heavy, but I didn’t stop. Adrian took my hand gently and turned to the crowd.

“Many of you know her. Some of you only just noticed her,” Adrian said. “But she has proven herself in ways most of you never will. She has stood tall in the face of pain. She has chosen to rise rather than break.”

I swallowed hard, what is this?.

Adrian looked down at me. “And she has captured my heart.”

The room gasped. I glanced towards Tyler and could see his face twisting in confusion.

“I, King Adrian, name Elysia as my queen,” he said clearly.

The room went silent for a heartbeat. Then it erupted in noise, shocked gasps, whispers, and scattered applause.

Tyler stepped forward. “What?!”

I could see his face red with anger.