Seraphina's POV
"Jake," she purred, walking toward him with a sway in her hips.
His whole face lit up instantly. "There's my girl," he said sweetly as he opened his arms.
She smiled, walking toward him seductively. She didn't even glance at me—her eyes were only for Jake. "I was looking for you everywhere," she whispered, curling herself into his chest like a well-trained snake.
Oh, how romantic. I rolled my eyes internally. A perfect match—the predator and the piranha.
He chuckled. "Were you now? Sorry, darling—I was just giving Seraphina a few... instructions."
Riley froze for half a second. And then her eyes finally acknowledged my existence. She turned her gaze toward me, taking in the emerald dress, the hair, the makeup. I saw the flicker of something in her expression—surprise, maybe. Or was it jealousy?
But then she recovered quickly, her lips curling into a venomous smile. "Wow. Who knew the kitchen ghost could clean up?"
I said nothing. Words would only give her more ammunition. Silence was safer.
She turned to Jake. "You didn't tell me we were letting charity cases attend the gala."
Jake laughed again, shaking his head like she was just too adorable. He tapped her nose, full of sickening affection. "Now, now, she's turning eighteen tonight. Rules are rules, babe."
She scoffed and glanced back at me like I was dirt on her shoe. "Tradition or not, no one in their right mind would ever want her."
He laughed again—but this time, it felt darker and meaner. "You're right. Who'd want the cursed princess?" he said, loud enough for me to hear. Riley was too stupid to hear the hidden meaning in his words, but I did. And that only repulsed me to my core.
She giggled, pleased with his words. Then, shooting me a smug look, she stood on her toes and kissed him. He seemed surprised, but soon he was kissing her back. It started small, but quickly turned into a full-blown, passionate performance.
Her lips on his, her hands tangled in his shirt like I wasn't standing right there. Like I wasn't a person, just furniture.
I looked away. My fists clenched at my sides. I wanted to leave and not watch their make-out performance. But I wasn't allowed to. Not yet. I knew Jake better and was aware that if I left, he would find a chance to punish me. It would only ruin my chance of escape, so I stayed put.
Physically, I was watching them, but mentally, I was counting wolves.
Finally, they pulled away. She looked triumphant, like she'd just won some unspoken competition I never agreed to be in. "Let's go, babe," she purred, looping her arm through his.
Jake nodded, but just before stepping out, he turned back. His eyes found mine. And then—he did it again. He licked his lips slowly, his eyes roaming over me, and mouthed, "I'll be waiting for you in my bed tonight, Seraphina."
I froze.
Disgust crawled all over my skin. I couldn't think, I couldn't breathe. My chest tightened like someone had grabbed my lungs with both hands. I clenched my fist as I watched their silhouettes disappear through the doorway.
Thinking of what was waiting for me tonight, the slight hesitation in my heart burned away.
I wasn't staying, not another night.
I took a moment to calm my racing heart. My fingers shook slightly as I fixed the ends of my dress. Then I stepped outside. The night air kissed my skin, cool and soft.
For a second, I felt alive again. From where I stood, I could hear the soft hum of music in the distance. The sound of strings, drums, and laughter floated through the air.
The Lunar Gala had already begun. Even from afar, it looked like something straight out of a fairytale. Golden lanterns hung high in the trees, glowing like tiny moons in the night sky. They swayed with the breeze, casting soft, magical light over everything.
Silver ribbons curled and danced between the branches, fluttering as if they had a life of their own. The air smelled rich, like flowers, perfume, and sweet wine.
The field was full of people. I could see Alphas standing tall beside their Lunas. Betas moved around in neat, shiny shoes, speaking politely to one another. Girls in sparkling gowns laughed and twirled, while boys in tailored suits stood proudly.
Packs from all over had gathered here tonight, dressed in their best, each one hoping to find their fated mate. As I stepped into the glowing field, the soft crunch of grass under my shoes seemed to echo louder than it should have.
Almost instantly, I saw heads begin to turn. At first, they seemed to be in awe of my beauty, but slowly, as recognition of who I was filled them, their eyes were filled with hate. Whispers soon followed; some were hushed, others not even trying to be subtle.
"Is that her?"
"The cursed one…"
"Can you believe they let her out?"
"She's quite beautiful though....."
"Definitely one of the prettiest women in our world..."
"But what's the use of that beauty? She's doomed!"
"I hate her!"
"Humph! She's just a slut, seducing people with that foxy face..."
"Why is she even here? She should be in the dungeons, chained and locked forever."
I kept my head down and my steps steady, pretending not to hear any of it. Pretending I was just another girl in a pretty dress. But I felt every stare like a needle pressing into my skin.
I didn't belong here. I never had.
Carefully, I made my way to the far edge of the field—somewhere dim, away from the glowing lanterns and dancing couples. I chose a quiet corner, half-hidden by the trees. If I could just stand here, still and silent, maybe the night would pass without any more trouble. I just needed to blend into the background.
My strategy was simple. All I had to do was survive this stupid ball for a little while longer. Just until the clock struck midnight. According to the pack law, anyone under eighteen wasn't allowed to leave their pack without permission.
That was a crime. But once you turned eighteen, you were no longer bound. You were free to go, no questions asked.
So I folded my hands, kept my eyes low, and let the music and laughter wash over me. I wouldn't speak. I wouldn't move. I just had to wait...
And then, this cinderella would leave the ball and disappear forever.