Chapter 17
809words
Kael hugged me back tightly, his arms tightening for a moment as if to reassure himself of my presence. Then, he released me, gave me one last deep look with his brown eyes, and turned toward the boarding gate.
Black Moon Pack, the main estate.
The one in control now was not Aiden, but his cousin, the pack's new Alpha.
The entire estate had been redecorated with fresh flowers and ribbons for the new Alpha's mating ceremony with a Luna from a powerful northern pack.
Meanwhile, in a remote and dilapidated auxiliary building...
Cassia stood behind a dusty window, her eyes burning with greed and jealousy as she gazed at the lively scene outside.
Since the scandal broke, her and Aiden's status had plummeted. Aiden was stripped of his Alpha title, and she had become the laughingstock of the entire werewolf world.
The former Luna, bedridden with rage over the affair, now despised her, treating her as nothing more than a vessel for the bloodline.
Aiden, consumed by guilt and shame over the exposed chat logs, drank himself into a stupor night after night and refused to even see her.
If it weren't for the so-called "pure-blood heir" in her womb, she would have likely been cast out into the Rogue territories to fend for herself.
Cassia caressed her swollen belly, a bitter smile on her lips.
She had once fantasized about a grand ceremony where she would become Luna, worshipped by thousands of wolves.
Now, she could only hide behind a curtain like a sewer rat, secretly watching someone else's wedding.
Even on a day like today, the former Luna had strictly forbidden her from appearing before the guests, fearing she would bring shame to the family.
Some gossiping guests even deliberately walked past the auxiliary building, pointing at her window and loudly mocking her as the pack's "cheap little plaything."
Every taunt was like a vicious slap across her face.
As night fell, the banquet began.
Holding a glass of champagne, Kael observed his surroundings with a cool demeanor.
After presenting his gift to the new Alpha, he didn't rush to leave. He was waiting for something.
Just then, a loud commotion erupted from the direction of the auxiliary building.
"Get out of my way! Let me in!"
"You can't go in, sir. The elders have forbidden you from coming near here!"
Many guests were drawn by the noise, turning to look.
A disheveled man, reeking of alcohol, was forcing his way into the auxiliary building's garden. It was Aiden.
But he was not alone.
In his arms, he was protectively cradling a woman in a white dress.
Kael raised an eyebrow, set down his glass, and walked over.
When he got a clear look at the woman's face, his pupils contracted. He froze on the spot.
That face... it was a near-perfect replica of Elara's.
Not far away, Cassia rushed out at the sound of the commotion.
She had thought Aiden had finally come back to see her. Even if he was drunk, it was at least a sign that he cared.
But when she saw the woman in Aiden's arms, she felt like she'd been struck by lightning.
The woman was wearing the Luna gown Cassia had once dreamed of, cowering behind Aiden with a timid look. It was a pitiful act, a perfect imitation of the Elara of the past.
Cassia dug her nails into her palms, nearly mad with jealousy.
She had become a joke to the entire wolf race, barely surviving in this dump, and Aiden had the audacity to find a substitute to humiliate her!
"Aiden! Are you insane?"
Cassia screamed, her voice shrill and piercing. "That bitch Elara is dead and gone! Stone-cold dead! Are you trying to make me sick? Parading this imposter around, playing the devoted mate?"
"Shut up!"
Aiden snapped his head up, his eyes as fierce as a predator's.
"Who gave you permission to say her name! Elara isn't dead! She's alive!"
He held the substitute even tighter, his voice eerily gentle.
"It took me so long to coax her back, to convince her to accept me again. If you dare spout any more nonsense, I'll cut out your tongue!"
Cassia trembled with rage.
The "substitute" hiding behind Aiden seemed frightened by the outburst, her eyes red as she timidly tugged on Aiden's sleeve.
"Aiden, I don't think this lady likes me very much. Maybe I should just go..."
This innocent act was a carbon copy of the tactics Cassia herself had once used on Elara.
Seeing this, Cassia could no longer contain her fury.
"You bitch! Stop pretending!"
She shrieked and lunged forward, her sharp nails aiming straight for the substitute's face.
"You think you're worthy of that face? Go to hell!"
