Chapter 7

Selene's POV

The screen lit up with Melissa’s face before I could even sit properly. Her curly brown hair was twisted up in a messy bun, and she was holding a glass of what looked like red wine. Her eyebrows shot up the moment she saw me.

“Girl. Don’t even try to hide it,” she said. “I heard everything.”

I blinked. “How? I just…”

“You ended things with Victor!” she shouted, nearly spilling her drink. “Finally! Oh my goddess, I’ve been waiting for this day since forever.”

I groaned. “Please don’t start.”

“No, no, no,” she said, pointing her finger at the camera. “You don’t get to shut me down. I watched you cry over that man for years, Selene. Years. While he acted like you were just a piece of decoration standing beside him.”

My chest tightened. “Melissa…”

“No, listen. I’m throwing you a party. No arguments. A pool party. Big. Loud. Fun. And you know what else?” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “I’ve got a list of eligible Alphas. Strong. Smart. Some of them can even smile. Can you believe that?”

I gave her a flat look. “I’m not interested.”

She gasped like I had just kicked a puppy. “Not interested? Are you kidding me right now?”

“I’m serious,” I replied. “I don’t… I don’t believe in love anymore.”

That shut her up. For a second.

Then she set the wine down and leaned closer to the camera. “He broke you.”

“No,” I whispered. “I let him.”

Her expression changed. “You’re not doing this to yourself again, Selene. You’re not going to blame yourself for his cold heart.”

“I’m just tired,” I said. “I want peace. Not parties. Not men. Just… quiet.”

Melissa’s eyes narrowed. “Fine. You don’t want a party? I’ll cancel it. But you know what I won’t cancel?”

“Melissa…”

“I’m going to teach Victor a lesson,” she said, eyes fierce. “He thinks he can throw you away and just move on? Hell no. He messed with the wrong girl.”

“No. Don’t do anything. Please.”

“I mean it. I’m going to ruin his peace. Shake his little Alpha ego until it cracks.”

“Melissa, please…”

There was a sudden click sound and the call ended.

I stared at the blank screen for a long moment, then set my phone down and sighed. There was no stopping Melissa once she had an idea in her head. But part of me was thankful. I needed someone like her in my life. Loud. Fierce. Loyal.

Even if I didn’t believe in love anymore, I still believed in friendship.

A soft knock on the door pulled me back to the moment.

“My Lady?” a maid peeked in. “It’s time to get dressed for the banquet.”

I nodded and stood up slowly, brushing invisible dust from my sleeves. My heart beat was a little faster. Tonight was important. The entire werewolf kingdom would be watching. This was the first time I would step back into the world as Selene, daughter of the Werewolf King, not the Luna of Nightshade Pack, not Victor’s wife, but just me.

Three rolling racks were wheeled in, each covered in gowns. Rich colours. Silks. Satins. Sequins. They shimmered under the golden light of the room’s chandelier.

“All made by the royal designer,” the maid said, her voice soft. “He remembered your childhood favourites.”

I walked slowly past the racks, my fingers grazing the fabric. One dress caught my eye. Midnight blue, with an open back and delicate beadwork that looked like falling stars. I had loved this dress the first time I saw it years ago, but never dared to wear it in Nightshade.

But this wasn’t Nightshade anymore, so I chose it.

“Excellent choice,” the maid said with a small smile.

She helped me into the gown and zipped the back gently. I stood in front of the mirror, feeling strangely bare and powerful at the same time.

Then she opened a small velvet box.

“This arrived an hour ago. A gift from the designer.”

Inside, resting on blue satin, was a necklace. A single sapphire the size of my thumbnail hung from a thin silver chain. Deep blue. Clear as the ocean.

“The Wildheart,” she whispered.

I reached for it carefully and fastened it around my neck. It sat perfectly against my collarbone, cool and heavy.

As I stared into the mirror, I hardly recognized the woman looking back.

Three years of being married to Victor had changed me. My eyes didn’t hold the same softness. My mouth was steadier now. My shoulders straighter.

I wasn’t the girl who cried in silence anymore.

The maid finished my makeup, light and elegant, and swept my hair into soft waves, letting a few strands fall free.

“You look like a Queen,” she said.

I gave a small smile. “Thank you.”

A guard knocked, and it was time.

As I walked through the long hallways of the castle, I could hear the distant sound of music and voices. The banquet was already in full swing. My guards flanked me on either side, and a few maids followed behind.

Just then, my phone buzzed in my hand.

It was a text from Melissa.

“I think Victor might show up tonight. Just a heads-up. But don’t soften. You’re stronger than him.”

I stared at the message in confusion. Victor? At a banquet?

He hated events like this. He only went when he had to. When I used to ask him to join me, he would always say, “Too many fake smiles and weak Alphas trying to impress themselves.”

There was no way he would come. Still… my fingers gripped the phone a little tighter.

The guards opened the banquet hall doors, and warm light spilled out. Music swelled. Laughter floated through the air. Glittering gowns, clinking glasses, and the scent of roasted meats and fresh bread filled the room.

I stepped in slowly, nodding politely at the nobles who bowed as I passed. Just before I reached the lounge area, someone stepped into my path.

A tall man in a deep gray suit. His hair was black, neatly styled, and he had a smooth, confident smile.

He bowed low. “My Lady,” he said, voice low and rich. “It's an honour to finally meet you.”

Then he took my hand gently, lifted it, and kissed the back of it.

I blinked in surprise.

He looked up, eyes sharp and unreadable. “Welcome home.”

I smiled, polite but unsure. “Thank you.”

He didn’t move. Just stood there, watching me like he knew me.

But I didn’t know him. Or did I?

My heartbeat picked up.

I tilted my head and asked softly, “Do I know you?”