Chapter 4 The Blood Oath Ceremony
674 Words
The venue was buzzing with life. However, as I made my rounds, I realized there wasn't a seat to be found with the Luna's name on it.
Jessica, swirling a glass of red wine with practiced elegance, cornered me in a secluded spot.
"Clara, dear, having trouble finding your place?"
I merely met her gaze with a flat, indifferent stare, offering not a single word in return.
A venomous smirk curled her lips. "That's because no one bothered to arrange a seat for you in the hall at all.
"My apologies for the oversight. I'm afraid you'll have to squeeze in with the kitchen staff. It suits you, anyway—seeing as you're so fond of playing the servant."
I let out a soft, dry chuckle.
"And what exactly does that make you, Jessica? A mistress who can never be marked by the Alpha? A shadow who will never truly be Luna?"
The color drained from her face instantly. For a fleeting second, I saw the urge in her eyes to claw the composure right off my face.
She loathed nothing more than a reminder of her origins.
Her mother had been Ethan's childhood nanny, which was the only reason she had grown up by his side, weaving herself into the fabric of his heart.
If she could be lucky enough to possess the noble blood of the Goldmane Clan as I did, no one would have stood in their way, and no one would have dared to whisper about her behind her back.
Her expression shifted through a kaleidoscope of emotions. Then, suddenly, she lunged toward me, intentionally colliding with my shoulder and upending her wine glass over herself.
The crimson liquid splattered and soaked in, ruining her exquisite gown in an instant.
She clutched her chest, eyes brimming with crocodile tears. "I know you blame me for breaking up your home, but... but Ethan and I share a true love!
"I never wanted to steal your title, I swear! I only ask that you leave me some room to live..."
The room erupted into a localized chaos. Ethan shoved through the gathering crowd, his eyes landing on a disheveled Jessica and the children huddled behind her, looking utterly crestfallen.
"Daddy," Asher sobbed, throwing his arms around Ethan's legs as tears streamed down his cheeks. "We're just bastards, aren't we? We're so sorry. Now I feel we're just an embarrassment to you!"
Elara joined in, her voice thick with sobs as she tore the small floral wreath from her hair. "If the Luna doesn't want us here, then we'll leave with Mommy!"
Ethan shielded the three of them behind his broad back, his gaze cutting through me like a frozen blade.
"Clara, I warned you. Why must you be so relentless?"
"Jessica and I haven't exchanged more than a sentence, and I didn't touch her wine," I replied, my voice chillingly calm.
"There are security cameras everywhere, Ethan. Before you explode in front of the entire pack, perhaps you should verify the truth. Have some regard for the dignity of the Silvermoon Pack and the Goldmane Clan."
"What dignity is left for a clan that raised a daughter as shameless as you?"
Seeing Jessica's helpless state clearly fanned the flames of his fury.
"If anyone is leaving, it's you. You're the interloper who doesn't belong here.
"And before you go, you're leaving that dress for Jessica."
Ethan pointed a finger at me, his voice barking at the lead warrior standing nearby.
"Don't just stand there! Strip that gown off her right now!"
"Jessica's dress is ruined, so you'll provide the replacement!"
I was wearing nothing but a thin slip beneath that gown. With so many nobles and pack members present, I could already feel the heat of phone cameras recording my humiliation.
If he went through with this, I would become a total laughingstock, and my family would be dragged through the mire of an unthinkable scandal.
My blood ran cold, my fingers curling into tight, white-knuckled fists.
"Alpha Ethan, don't you dare!"
- Writer
