004

ELIANA

I adorned myself with gold jewelry, secured my hair into a sleek ponytail, and added subtle touches of makeup. Just then, a knock at the door broke the silence.

I swiftly finished applying the blush, slipped into my black stilettos, grabbed my black purse, and hurriedly exited my room.

I crossed my fingers, wishing myself luck; I let out a deep sigh and, with a sense of resignation, stepped outside.

A deep, baritone voice greeted me as I stepped out. "I've been instructed to escort you to the ceremony."

I nodded with a faint smile on my lips and followed him to the parking lot. We exited the room, the evening air enveloping us as we walked toward the waiting vehicle.

As I stepped out of the car, the melody of music enveloped me, but my nerves intensified. My father's haunting words still lingered: "If no one is attracted to you, you'll end up on the streets."

I strutted in confidently, but my face unexpectedly collided with a firm chest. The enticing aroma of his Tom Ford Noir cologne enveloped me—rich notes of oud, vanilla, and amber blending seamlessly. Wincing slightly from the impact, I glanced up at him, rubbing my sore forehead. 'Did he eat iron?'

"I'm sorry, I didn't see you," he said, his deep hazel-green eyes meeting mine. My cheeks flushed as he smiled warmly, his perfect teeth gleaming, and gently ruffled my hair. 

That was weird.

I gazed up, embarrassed. His chiseled lips, sculpted by the gods, curved into a divine smile. "You didn't have to do that," I feigned annoyance.

"I'm sorry, Pixie," he whispered, his velvety voice resonating. Softly illuminated by the warm light, his lips shimmered like polished rose-tinted. Inviting and irresistible.

Did he just call me Pixie? Pixie was a small god!

His face stirred a lingering memory, yet the details remained elusive. I couldn't shake the certainty that our paths had crossed before.

"Don't call me that," I teased, pretending irritation. Our banter flowed effortlessly, like old friends reconnecting, not strangers exchanging awkward pleasantries.

"I'm sorry, Pixie." His apology was accompanied by a captivating smile, showcasing flawless white teeth. The sharp lines of his chiseled jawline accentuated his rugged yet refined features, rendering me momentarily breathless.

I just smiled at the silly nickname. I secretly liked it.

"You don't remember me, do you?" he asked, his eyes glinting with amusement. I took another look, and my heart skipped a beat. He was the mysterious man from the club.

"I don't remember you," I said, the words tasting like a lie on my lips. The stranger's expression, however, was telling—a subtle, knowing glint in his eye that suggested he saw right through my deception. But he ignored it.

His piercing gaze locked onto mine as he extended his hand, his deep, velvety voice resonating, "Axel Draconis." His dark hair, perfectly tousled, framed his chiseled features, exuding raw power and mystique.

My gaze lingered, transfixed, before reality snapped me back. "The Lycan King?" I breathed, eyes darting to the intricate tattoo peeking above his crisp silver shirt, the crescent moon symbol gleaming subtly.

Axel's demeanor shifted, his piercing eyes narrowing slightly. "For a moment, I thought you didn't recognize me," he said, his deep voice tinged with a hint of curiosity and subtle vulnerability.

My mind reeled with whispered tales of Axel's notorious reputation—ruthless, merciless. Rumors swirled around his troubled past, including the unconfirmed whispers of his ex-wife's tragic demise. Fear crept in, chilling my veins.

His intimidating presence belied his warm demeanor. His chiseled physique and piercing gaze commanded respect, yet his cheerful smile disarmed me. Confusion swirled in my mind, reconciling the ruthless rumors with the charming figure before me.

"I apologize," I said, attempting to conceal my fear after he revealed who he was.

"No need to apologize," he said with a hint of amusement. "I didn't expect you to recognize me, but I thought the Luna of the Shadow Pack would acknowledge my presence."

I let out an uncomfortable cough, my mind racing. He knew who I was, and a tangled mix of emotions swirled inside me—fear, anxiety, curiosity—each one blurring into the next, impossible to discern.

"I'm no longer..." The words hovered on my lips, but I swallowed them. No need to reveal that to him. He'd find out soon enough.

"Your name?" he asked, his eyes locked on mine.

I stared, bewildered. "How did you...?"

He smiled. "I know you're Luna, but your name remains a mystery."

"Eliana," I whispered barely audibly.

He stretched out his hand, and I took it hesitantly, placing my small palms on his huge one. Together, we stepped into the grand hall.

I gazed around in awe. I didn't expect the ceremony to be this grand. 

As we walked in, I met Victoria's gaze locked onto mine, her eyes blazing with envy and jealousy. I wondered why she seemed so resentful. Did my presence stir a painful memory or awaken a long-buried rivalry? I guessed it did.

Victoria glided effortlessly towards us, her serene exterior belied by the turbulent emotions swirling in her eyes. My heart sank, sensing impending confrontation. Why was she approaching?

Victoria's gaze roamed over Axel, her eyes scrutinizing every detail. "Oh, dear Ellie, when did you return?" She batted her eyelashes, her sweet tone dripping with insincerity. I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes, wary of her true intentions. I was certain she was up to something.

Her smile twisted into a venomous grin. "So, it's true... your mate rejected you due to your infidelity and inability to produce an heir." Her words cut deeply, spreading like wildfire. I felt Axel's gaze on me, his expression unreadable. Why was she revealing these painful secrets now?

"Infidelity?" My eyes darted from hers to Axel's.

Victoria's icy fingers grazed my skin as she brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, her voice dripping with feigned concern. "Don't be shy, Ellie. We're all family here." Her proximity made my skin crawl. What was behind this sudden, calculated display of affection?

Victoria's gaze lingered on Axel, her voice laced with malice. "Everyone knows, Ellie. I'm sure your... friend is well aware." The emphasis on "friend" stung. Axel's expression remained impassive, but I felt embarrassment and humiliation burning within.

Axel's grip on my hand tightened. "That's an unnecessary piece of information. If everyone knows, why rehash it? Find something productive to do. Eliana and I were heading to the dance floor before you interrupted with your baseless information." His tone was firm.

Victoria's face fell, her eyes flashing with anger and defeat. A fleeting sense of satisfaction washed over me, but Axel's gentle tug on my hand reminded me to rise above the drama.

Axel's defense still resonated, yet Victoria's words lingered, stirring old wounds. "Barren" was a familiar, stinging label. But infidelity, that accusation, cut deeper. Did Gabriel tell them I cheated? My heart raced, memories flooding back. Pain and confusion swirled, testing my resolve.