Chapter 10: Winter Moonlight Ball 2

Selene

I averted my gaze, unable to meet those piercing eyes.

Would he recognize me? Could a single glance give me away?

The thought sent a chill through my fingertips, and I dared not dwell on it further.

The winter garden offered me momentary sanctuary, its frigid air a welcome relief against my flushed skin.

Out here, with only moonlight and frost-covered statues for company, I could finally breathe away from the suffocating crowds of the Ball.

"So this is where you've been hiding all these months."

I turned sharply, my heart skipping painfully. Adriana stood beside a marble statue, her golden hair gleaming under the moonlight, her perfect makeup unable to disguise the malice in her eyes.

"How surprising to find my dear sister so easily," she sneered, stepping forward, her high heels clicking against the stone path with meticulous precision.

"What do you want?" I asked, keeping my voice level even as frost began to crystallize at my fingertips.

"Just checking on my dear sister. I never thought you'd move on so quickly." Adriana's eyes narrowed as she studied me. "Done playing the heartbroken Luna already? Or did you find a better Alpha to replace him?"

I scoffed, "Really, Adriana? Why would I continue to be heartbroken? I've forgotten Vortend. I truly don't care what he does. As you said, I've moved on."

"Oh? Does Alpha Archer know you're his rival's former mate? Or did you somehow trick him into getting you pregnant to trap him?"

"He knows everything, don't worry," I replied, my voice as cold as ice. "I'm not the type to trap anyone, Adriana. Whatever I do, I do it openly."

Adriana's eyes flicked to my prominent belly, a smug smile curling her lips. "It seems your little scheme didn't work, did it? Couldn't trap Vortend with your baby?"

I frowned, genuinely confused by her words. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, dear sister, stop pretending. You think I don't know? My baby will be the future Alpha of the Black Pine Pack." Adriana stroked her flat stomach, looking triumphant.

In that moment, understanding dawned on me.

"You're not pregnant," I stated flatly, a sharp glint in my eyes. "You've been lying all along."

Adriana's expression faltered momentarily before she regained her composure.

"You have no proof. And I'll be carrying Vortend's child soon enough. Right after they confirm me as the official Luna."

"Ah yes, lie and deceive your way in before Malcolm and Elizabeth give their approval. Very much your style." I couldn't help the cold smile that formed on my lips.

"Shut up!" Adriana suddenly raised her voice, her enchanting aura spreading like snake venom. "At least I didn't run away! At least I'm willing to fight for the man I love!"

"Love?" I scoffed. "You don't even know what love is. You only understand possession and control."

Just then, a familiar voice interrupted us.

"I thought I might find you here, Selene."

Vivian emerged from between the trees, she glanced at Adriana with undisguised contempt.

"Really, Adriana? Harassing a pregnant woman at the Winter Gala? Your taste continues to astound me."

"Look who's shown up, the loyal doctor friend," Adriana sneered. "I wonder what Vortend would think about you two conspiring here."

"Leave, Adriana," Vivian said coldly. "Unless you want the entire gala to know your pregnancy is nothing but a lie. I'm sure the Alpha's parents would find that fascinating."

Adriana's face paled instantly. She glared at me furiously before turning to leave, but not without a final whispered threat:

"One day, Selene, you'll regret choosing to leave. And when that day comes, I'll savor your pain."

As Adriana's figure disappeared into the depths of the garden, Vivian immediately turned to me, "Are you alright? She is truly insufferable."

I took a deep breath, feeling the twins calm within me.

"I'm fine. Thank you for appearing when you did, Viv."

Vivian quickly produced a small glass vial from beneath her doctor's coat and handed it to me.

"I need to tell you something, and time is short. I analyzed your blood samples—the Silver Vine toxin hasn't diminished in your system; if anything, it's increasing. Someone is still poisoning you, Selene."

I took the vial with shock, feeling a chill spread through my body that had nothing to do with my abilities.

"What? But I've been away from Black Pine for several months now. Who would...?"

"I suspect Adriana has an accomplice in Mist Mountain Pack. Perhaps a staff member or someone you interact with daily." Vivian's expression was grave. "This is the antidote. Take it every night. From now on, be extremely cautious about everything you eat and drink."

I nodded, tucking the small vial into my clutch, my mind racing with possibilities.

"Thank you, Viv. You're taking a huge risk."

"We're friends, Selene. And—" she paused, her expression softening, "Jason has been worried about you. He says Vortend's been acting strangely, especially when he hears news about you."

My heart quickened, but I swiftly suppressed the flutter.

"That doesn't matter anymore. We should go back; Archer will notice my prolonged absence."

We said brief goodbyes, with Vivian leaving first. I lingered in the garden for a few more moments, gathering my thoughts and emotions.

When I returned to the Hall, the gala was in full swing. I carefully navigated around the dance floor, hoping to remain unnoticed, but Archer's voice immediately called out to me.

"Bella, come here. There are several Pack Alphas who'd like to meet you."

I froze, because standing beside Archer was none other than Vortend Fenrith, his dark gold eyes fixed directly on me.

I approached hesitantly, maintaining an elegant posture despite the turmoil inside me.

"Gentlemen, this is Bella, my woman," Archer announced proudly, placing a hand on my waist.

I nodded stiffly, carefully avoiding direct eye contact with Vortend, though I could feel his gaze burning into me.

"Your mate is beautiful, Archer," one Alpha commented, while I felt nothing but intense nervousness, especially as Vortend continued to stare at me in silence.

The band began playing a new song, and Archer extended his hand to me.

"May I have the honor of this dance?"

I forced a smile, accepting, and took the opportunity to whisper in his ear:

"I'll need to leave after one dance; I'm not feeling well."

Archer nodded, leading me onto the dance floor, while my gaze involuntarily met Vortend's for a brief moment. Something in those dark gold eyes made me hastily look away.

"I'll have someone escort you back," Archer said with concern.

"That's not necessary. I can leave on my own," I insisted. "I just need to rest."

I quickly made my way across the ballroom, choosing a more secluded route through a small art gallery.

Just as I was about to reach the exit, a familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Selene."

I slowly turned to see Vortend standing at the other end of the gallery, moonlight streaming through high windows outlining his tall figure.

His dark gold eyes gleamed in the darkness, seeming to peer directly into my soul.

"I know it's you."