Chapter 43

Cassian’s POV

The mirror was no help.

I adjusted the cuffs of my black ceremonial suit again, more for something to do than out of actual need. The collar itched. 

The silver embroidery over the lapels

They served as symbols of our pack’s strength

They felt heavier tonight than they ever had.

Everything felt heavier.

Tonight’s alpha union was more than politics—it was image, legacy, power. The Ardhan Pack was still healing, and how I presented myself mattered.

But none of that was what made my jaw tighten.

It was the absence.

Selena hadn’t said a word to me all morning. Not even the usual courteous nod when we passed in the corridor. She’d spoken only to Sisi. And even then, there was a distance to her warmth, like she was guarding it—rationing it.

The moment i had begun comparing if she was tired of being here was when I slammed the thought shit

I was barely able to catch my thoughts when a knock interrupted me

.

“Come in,” I  called out without turning.

It was probably a maid coming to hand me the towel i had demanded for over an hour ago

Or Conrad…coming to make sure I didn’t miss a single strand of hair 

But then the door creaked and what followed was a soft click of heels

Strange

Before I could give it more thought 

I caught her perfume before her voice.

“Cassian.”

Julia.

Of course.

I turned slowly.

She stood in the doorway in a pale silver gown, all glitter and intention. Her hair was pulled into one of those high, dramatic knots she used to swear made her look like royalty. It made her look like someone trying too hard.

“You look… powerful,” she purred, stepping closer without being asked. “And tired.”

“Get to the point, Julia.”

Her smile faltered, 

But it was for a split second 

Typical

“I wanted to offer myself as your companion tonight. I thought…..given everything—it would send the right message.”

I blinked. “And what message is that, exactly?”

“That you’re not… unmoored.” She gave a light laugh. 

If you didn’t know better… you would think we were old pals catching up

You know discussing childhood memories 

I had memories with her though

Memories thst I would rather burn in hell

“That you’re not being dragged down by a contract with some soft-spoken—”

“Stop.” The word came out sharper than I intended.

She flinched. Just barely.

I stepped forward, eyes narrowing. “You don’t get to talk about Selena.”

“I’m just saying—”

“No. You’re inserting yourself where you don’t belong. Again.” My tone was colder now, like ice over steel. “Whatever this is—whatever you think you’re doing—it ends here.”

She stiffened.

I didn’t stop.

“Selena is here because we had a long distance relationship and I felt it was time we made it public. And if I even hear a whisper that you’ve said anything—done anything—to make her feel unwelcome again, I will remove you from this palace without hesitation.”

There it was

that sign of fear behind Julia’s carefully lined eyes.

I didn’t enjoy it.

But I didn’t regret it either.

She backed away a step, head held high, but the crack in her pride showed.

“I was only trying to help,” it was funny how dhe still managed to smile

And she didn’t know when to stop 

Her cheeks looked red from forcing a smile that wasn’t there 

“Then help by staying out of the way.”

She didn’t say anything 

Not like I had expected her to.

Then a short nod.

She turned and left without another word.

The door shut behind her.

I stood there for a long moment, chest tight. The ceremony was starting in less than an hour. I needed to be on the road in ten minutes.

And still—nothing from Selena.

I grabbed my watch from the dresser, strapped it on, and made for the hall.

**

The car was waiting at the front drive, black and sleek against the evening light. Conrad stood by the open passenger door, arms crossed.

I barely reached him when he spoke.

“You planning to show up to an alpha ceremony alone?”

I sighed. “Conrad—”

“She’s your mate.”

“It’s complicated.”

He gave me a long look. “You’re right. It is. And you’re making it worse.”

I scowled. “She’s been avoiding me all week.”

“She’s been heartbroken all week, Cass. And instead of stepping up, you’re hiding behind excuses and titles.” He shook his head. “What are you going to tell the other alphas? That your mate wasn’t ‘in the mood’?”

“We’ll make up an excuse,” I muttered.

He opened his mouth to respond, but was cut off by the sound of hurried footsteps and the clearing of a throat.

One of the guards—Rion—stood at the top of the stairs, his face tense.

“Alpha Cassian. Please wait. The Miss is coming.”

I frowned. “What miss?”

“Miss Selena,” he said simply.

I turned.

And froze.

She descended the stairs like a vision from another world.

Her red dress….

gods

It clung to every inch of her in ways my self-control had never prepared me for. 

It flowed under the light

Every step she made was unbearable to me and my self control 

I was doing everything within me to restrain myself 

, the high slit teasing her thigh, the sleeve draped elegantly over her left shoulder. 

Her makeup was subtle but it was enough

And it just clicked in my head

This was the first time seeing her on makeup

She didn’t walk. She ruled the damn hallway.

And I—

I forgot how to breathe.

Selena stopped at the last step, pulled something from her purse, and shoved it into my hand.

My wallet.

“You left this on your desk,” 

I don’t know if it was how casually she mentioned it

It didn’t sound like the woman who had avoided me all week

It sounded like sweet 

I couldn’t place a finger on what exactly 

But it undid me

I blinked. “I—”

“What? Cat got your tongue?” She raised a brow, then gave the barest smile. “Let’s go, Alpha. We’ll be late.”

Then she turned and slid into the car without another word.

Conrad was grinning behind me. “Well. That’s new.”

I was still holding the wallet.

Still staring at the space where she’d been.

“She looks…”

“Dangerous,” Conrad finished. “In a good way.”

I cleared my throat and climbed in after her