[Elara''s POV]
I stood at the gates of the Lycan King's temporary castle near the Sanctum as his butler, Alfred, conveyed his master's message with impeccable politeness.
"Miss Elara, the King has instructed me to inform you that the ancient tome was a gift and, as such, cannot be returned. However, if you insist on doing so, you must return it to him in person."
My brow furrowed. "And when will he be back?"
"The King''s movements are unpredictable, I''m afraid I do not know," Alfred said with a slight bow.
I looked down at the book in my hands, its hide cover feeling like a hot brand against my skin. It was too valuable. I couldn''t accept it.
After leaving the castle, I went to the Azure Fang''s headquarters.
The moment Liana saw the book, her eyes went wide.
"By the Goddess! Is this… is this the legendary Silvermoon Codex? The one that''s been lost for three hundred years? How did you get this?" As my best friend, she knew my obsession with ancient texts and strategies better than anyone.
"Malachi gave it to me. I''m trying to return it," I said with a sigh. "But he insists I do it in person." I explained what had happened at the castle.
Liana's expression turned mischievous as she circled me. "You don''t think… the mad king has a thing for you, do you? You try to return a book, and he demands to see you in person? That''s the oldest trick in the book to score another date!"
I shot her a withering look. "And you think being the object of Malachi''s affection is a good thing?"
Liana immediately recalled the gruesome rumors surrounding the Lycan King and shuddered. "Okay, maybe not. Survival first." After all, if the rumors about his madness were true, one wrong move could be fatal.
"Wait a minute," Liana''s eyes suddenly lit up. "In three days, it''s the annual Moon Goddess Gala at the Starlight Castle in the Eternal Sanctum. A man of Malachi''s status will definitely be there. I got an invitation. Why don''t you come with me? You can finally get rid of that hot potato."
I considered her proposal for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."
The sooner I returned the book, the sooner I could sever this strange connection. My instincts were screaming at me to keep my distance from that man.
Three days later, Liana insisted I wear a lavish gown for the gala.
"I''m just returning a book. I don''t need to be this dressed up," I said, feeling awkward as I looked at the stranger in the mirror.
"Of course you do! You have no idea how stunning you look!" Liana gushed, adjusting the hem of my skirt while launching into a familiar rant. "Gods, Kaelen is a blind fool. To let a perfect mate like you slip away, just to chase after that two-faced snake, Seraphina."
She wasn''t wrong.
I was wearing a deep blue starlight gown, its skirt dusted with crushed Moon-crystals that shimmered like a captured galaxy, making my skin look as pale as snow. My silver hair, usually pulled back in a practical braid, now fell down my back like a moonlit waterfall.
My features were naturally striking, with a sharp, warrior''s edge. Now, that fierceness was softened by the gown''s elegance, creating a contradictory yet lethal allure.
"Gods, I think I''m falling for you," Liana said, clutching her cheeks dramatically. "If you were a man, I''d marry you in a heartbeat."
Her antics made me laugh. "Alright, let''s go."
Our Magi-tech vehicle pulled up to the Starlight Castle. As I stepped out, I froze.
Not far away, getting out of another vehicle, were Kaelen and Seraphina.
Holding matching invitations, they were clearly here for the same event.
Kaelen spotted me at the same time.
His eyes landed on me, and he just… stopped. Seeing me in this gown, my face artfully made up, his amber eyes filled with a dazed wonder. It was as if he were seeing me for the first time, unable to believe that his quiet, unassuming mate could be this beautiful.
The undisguised awe in his gaze made Seraphina, standing beside him, stiffen with displeasure.
"Kaelen!" she said, her voice a sharp reminder.
He snapped back to reality. He strode toward me, his face twisting into that familiar, arrogant anger.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice low and laced with accusation. "Did you follow me?"
I was speechless. "Kaelen, I have no interest in following you."
"Then why are you here?" he demanded, his eyes narrowed with suspicion. He clearly thought I had dressed up and come here out of spite, to humiliate him for bringing Seraphina.
"Elara is the Chief Strategist of the Azure Fang. She''s here with me," Liana stepped forward, shooting Kaelen a look of pure disdain. "Are you really that self-absorbed? You think the only reason anyone would come here is to follow you?"
Kaelen''s expression soured. He lowered his voice, his words a low warning. "You had better just be here for the party. If you pull any stunts, don''t blame me for what happens."
Tonight was important to him. He desperately needed to find new business opportunities, new investors for his failing defense project.
He turned, taking Seraphina''s arm and leading her toward the castle entrance.
Just then, a Pack messenger in Blackwood livery rushed up to me, respectfully handing me a letter.
"Miss Elara, a letter from the former Luna."
I raised an eyebrow and broke the seal.
"Room 1205, castle annex. Now. We''re discussing the dissolution agreement. Don''t show, and you can forget about your thousand Moon-crystals."
The handwriting was Adelina''s.
What a coincidence. They had chosen the same castle.