Chapter 3

Augustine looked at me lovingly, his eyes filled with deep affection. "We'll let nature take its course. Besides…"

He paused, his voice growing even softer. "I want more time with just Haley. Our time alone is precious. I want to cherish every moment."

Hearing this, I silently took a sip of my wine.

The music began. The masquerade ball was starting.

Everyone donned their ornate masks, just like on that fateful night five hundred years ago.

Back then, Augustine and I both felt the mysterious pull between Mates, finding each other instantly in the crowded ballroom.

Ever since, on our anniversary, we would recreate that moment. Augustine would always walk through the sea of masked women and, without hesitation, take my hand.

It was our tradition.

I put on my silver mask and walked to the center of the dance floor.

As the familiar waltz began, everyone else started pairing up.

I stood still, waiting for Augustine to find me, just like every other year.

And then I saw him. Wearing a matching black mask, he started walking toward me.

But just as he was three steps away, he stopped.

A woman in a long, red gown approached him from the side, holding out her hand.

I recognized that figure instantly. It was Lucy.

I watched as Lucy leaned in and whispered something in his ear. A smile flickered across Augustine's face. He glanced around, as if checking to see if I was watching.

Then, under the cover of his mask, he followed her out of the ballroom.

Five hundred years of tradition, shattered by his own hand.

I quietly used my power to create a bat familiar and sent it to follow them.

They got into a black luxury car parked outside the manor.

My familiar perched on the window, and I heard their conversation clearly.

"What the hell are you doing here? This is reckless. I told you, Haley can't find out about you."

Lucy's voice was a whiny pout. "But it hurts. The thought of you spending your anniversary with her… the thought of you two making love later… it makes my skin crawl."

Augustine chuckled, trying to soothe her. "You're mine. What are you so worried about? You know where I like you best."

Rage and humiliation nearly made my familiar lose its form.

"Really?" Lucy giggled. "Then what about your promise to give me The Embrace?"

"I'll do it tonight. Happy now?" Augustine's voice turned husky. "I'll drain you dry tonight. That should keep you from getting needy and pulling a stunt like this again."

Lucy laughed and threw herself into his arms. The sound of wet, sloppy kisses filled the car.

Fighting back my nausea, I recorded it all and recalled my familiar.

Back in the ballroom, the other guests had sensed the crushing weight of my fury and had tactfully cleared out.

Half an hour later, Augustine rushed back.

Seeing the empty hall and my pale face, he immediately looked frantic.

"Haley! What happened? Why are you all alone? Where did everyone go?" He strode toward me. "I just got an urgent report from my men. A border dispute with another clan. I had to handle it personally. I'm sorry I left you alone…"

"Enough," I cut him off coldly. "I'm tired. I'm going home."

Without waiting for a reply, I teleported away from the manor.

Augustine followed me back to the castle, his face a mask of worry and confusion.

"Was it because I left to handle clan business? Because I didn't dance with you?"

I looked up, staring directly into his eyes.

His face was full of concern and self-reproach, but not a shred of guilt from his tryst.

"Yes."

Augustine sighed. "That was my mistake. From now on, no matter how urgent it is, I will always put you first."

He paused, then took my hand, asking carefully, "I just got another call from my men. An allied clan is under attack by werewolves. I have to go, Haley. You understand, don't you?"

I caught the flash of anticipation and excitement in his eyes, hidden beneath a facade of weary obligation.

So eager to give Lucy The Embrace, were you?

I forced a thin smile, too tired to call him on his lie. I just gave a quiet "Mm."

The moment he left, I dissolved into a black mist and followed him.

He went straight to the most luxurious hotel in the city and entered the presidential suite on the top floor.

I slipped through a crack in the window as a wisp of fog, hiding in the shadows.

Lucy was already waiting for him.

She wore a set of sheer black lace lingerie, her eyes smoldering as she looked at him.

"My Prince, I've been waiting for so long," she cooed. "You said you'd give me The Embrace tonight."

"Of course, my little demon," Augustine said, walking toward her, his eyes full of lust.

They embraced and kissed, his hands roaming her body.

I fought back my disgust, my phone steadily recording the scene.

"I'm going to take a shower. Wait for me, and we'll begin," Augustine murmured, kissing her neck.

After he went into the bathroom, Lucy picked up her phone, a triumphant smirk on her face.

A few seconds later, my phone buzzed with a notification.

A location pin, showing this exact hotel.

A second message followed immediately.

"Tonight, he's giving me The Embrace. I will be his, forever."