Chapter 3
Ashina's POV
I arrived right on time, covered in sweat from my run. As i transformed into my human form, I discreetly retreated behind the massive trees by the palace gate.
After wearing my gown, i took a deep breath just as a deep voice in the distance startled me.
"Were you invited?" he inquired, approaching with a suspicious gaze that made me feel like a trespasser.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "What a rude man," i muttered to myself as i walked closer, informing him that i was indeed one of the prince's guests.
"Do I appear bothersome to you?" I asked, prompting the man in the black suit to burst into laughter.
"I'm also a guest. I'm Caleb , the cousin of the alpha prince.
Shall we?" He extended his hand, offering to escort me inside the hall.
I accepted his hand, considering his relation to the celebrant.
Once inside, all eyes turned our way, assuming i was Caleb's mate.
How could an omega be the mate of someone of high rank? They all wondered.
I quickly withdrew my hand from his arm and seamlessly blended in with the female guests.
Caleb scanned the room in search of me, but the crowded palace made it impossible to find me, even by scent. He sighed in frustration.
"Everyone, my selection will begin now," The Alpha prince informed the crowd, prompting applause from the attendees.
The alpha prince walked down the aisle to commence his selection process.
I felt mesmerized by the prince's face, it was my first time seeing a handsome man in my entire life.
I giggled like an innocent girl as Dante's gaze fell upon me.
I nervously bit my lower lip, pondering whether the prince would even notice me amidst these elegant young ladies from higher social classes.
I waited in anticipation for him to choose me, but my confidence waned when Dante unexpectedly selected another girl for the dance.
At that moment, I couldn't help but question my own beauty and felt a sense of despair creeping in.
I couldn't help but envy the fortunate girl who had managed to capture the attention of the esteemed Alpha of the Moonshadow pack. I watched them dance from afar.
While i yearned for the prince's dance more than anything, I noticed that some of the other girls seemed relieved.
Feeling a bit bewildered, i turned to the girl beside me and asked, "Aren't you sad that he didn't choose us? The girl in white is incredibly lucky."
I noticed the girl's pale complexion and trembling, realizing that attending this special event seemed to be taking a toll on her.
"Watch your mouth! I'm relieved he didn't choose me. He's a monster," .
hearing those words escape her lips tempted me to report the girl. Immediately, I clenched my hands onto my arms, trying to make sense of her statement.
After a few moments, the sweet music ceased, and Dante escorted the girl back to the group of female guests.
I was taken aback when Dante approached my location.
He requested permission to take my hand.
"Would you mind if I escort you to my room?"
I was astonished to hear this from him; I had expected him to offer me a dance, just as he had done with the first girl.
"What? Pardon me, my Lord!" I stammered, still speechless and surprised.
He leaned in closer to my neck.
"I said, 'You're the chosen one!'" he exclaimed.
His warm breath sent shivers down my spine.
As the music played on, he made an announcement. "The party's over.
Bring her into my cabin!" He commanded his beta, Enzo , and all the guests left as if nothing had happened.
I had no idea what was happening. I attempted to inquire of the other girls, but they vanished like ghosts. What on Earth is happening here? I asked, but nobody answered.
"Come with me, my dear. Prince Dante is waiting for you," Enzo said as he gently took my arm, leading me through the hallway inside the palace.
"I recognize this man; he's the one who asked my name at Frostfang . "I never expected him to live here". I thought to myself.
We ventured down a corridor that led to a striking red door within the spacious palace. Along the way, i couldn't help but notice an array of uniquely colored doors.
"We're here. Good luck, gorgeous!" Enzo said before returning to the party area.
I found myself standing before a closed door, only to be unexpectedly pulled inside by a captivating figure.
"Hey! What are you doing?" I asked, irritation evident in my tone.
I stumbled forward as he released my hands, causing discomfort in my elbows.
Dante reclined on his bed, assuming a regal posture that suited a king.
Though a mixture of fear and excitement coursed through me, i couldn't help but wonder if this was how a prince connected with the girl he liked.
My cheeks flushed like cherries at the thought.
"What's your name, miss?" he inquired, his husky voice adding to the intrigue.
"I rose and introduced myself to him.
"I'm Ashina Miller , my lord. It's a pleasure to meet you!" I said, and he chuckled.
"You're quite polite, Ashina ," he remarked as he stood up from his bed and approached me.
He stood behind me, and i felt a sense of discomfort as he sniffed my hair and placed his hands on my waist, measuring its size."
Hmm, you have sexy curves and your scent is unusual from the others!" He whispered while his hands crawled inside my chest.
"Wait!" I shouted and stopped his hands, but he held me by the neck and pulled me to him.
"Did you ever wonder why I invited all the girls to the ball? It's because I'm searching for my new pet, and I've chosen you!"
I was taken aback by the revelation, but it was too late to react.
He forcibly pushed me down on his mattress and climbed on top of me. He ripped my gown and my bare skin was exposed.
I covered my body as my wolf growled inside me.
Hmmm! He said, surprised to see my golden eyes.
I had to act helpless and weak because of the plans i had.
"Please, don't do this to me, my Lord!" I begged for his mercy but his face was full of lust.
He grasped my hair and pulled my face towards him. I could feel the pain in my scalp.
"I'm going to mark you tonight, so brace yourself, my new pet!" He said and kissed me on my lips.
"Hmmm, your lips are so soft!" He mumbled while he began nipping on my neck.
He saw my nudity when he tore my clothes.
After a few seconds, he rose to his feet and instructed me to enter the bathroom.
"Go and wash off. We'll discuss things afterward," he said, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
I had considered fighting him, but as he ceased his humiliation, i became relaxed.
No one dared to lay a hand on me, not even the prince. I was determined to protect my purity, even if he was my mate.
I rose from the bed and made my way to the bathroom.
Gently patting my face, I attempted to restore some order to my disheveled hair and the now-tattered gown.
I dreaded the thought of my mother's reaction upon seeing her cherished dress in such a sorry state.
I gave my cheeks a little pinch, hoping it was all just a dream. The ensuing pain confirmed the harsh reality.
"Had he really declared me his new pet?"
Was this what Mother had warned me about - the need to take care of myself in this unfamiliar place? I pondered to herself.
"Hey, why are you wasting do much time in the bathroom? Hurry!"
My heart raced after hearing his commanding voice.
I had no option but to comply with his instructions.
My head was spinning, and all i wanted was to return home.