Chapter 110
Chapter 110
Valencia’s POV
1875%
+23
I walked briskly down the hallway, my heels clicking against the polished marble floor as I made my way to the kitchen elevator. The route I had started using after my rebirth.
Before I could reach the elevator, a voice called from behind. “Hey, wait up.”
I sighed, not bothering to turn around. “What now, Aiden?”
He caught up easily, falling into step beside me with his usual effortless grace. “Sorry about August,” he said, his voice laced with something that sounded suspiciously like guilt. “He’s just a
“A kid?” I cut in, rolling my eyes as I pressed the elevator button. “How old am I, Aiden?”
He blinked, slightly taken aback. “Twenty.”
“Exactly,” I said, leveling him with a pointed look. “And so is he. Don’t excuse his behavior by calling him a kid. Misogyny isn’t some innocent character flaw. I’m not angry, I just-” I sighed, shaking my head. “I actually kinda feel bad for him, you know? He’s been coddled and surrounded by people who think like that his whole life. How would he even know right from wrong?”
Aiden pressed his lips together, his jaw working in thought.
“I just hope he learns before it’s too late,” I added quietly. Before he makes a mistake he can’t undo. Like in my past life.
I couldn’t help but recount the memory of Ash’s death. Which was caused by August and his stupidity.
The elevator dinged, and we stepped inside, the doors sliding shut with a soft whoosh. Aiden leaned against the wooden wall, his reflection watching me with quiet contemplation. The elevator wasn’t big. It was just enough for maybe three people to stand comfortably.
“I get
what you mean,” he admitted finally. “But it’s easier said than done.”
I shrugged, adjusting the delicate strap of my gown. Speaking any further on the topic was useless.
His lips pressed into a thin line at that, but he said nothing, and we rode the rest of the way in silence.
The moment I stepped into the main garden, the scent of freshly bloomed roses mixed with the crisp evening air. String lights were woven through the trees, casting a soft, dreamy glow over the gathering crowd. The distant hum of conversation filled the space, and despite the grandeur of it all, I felt a knot tightening in my chest.
Dante stood near the entrance, dressed in his impeccably tailored black suit with gold embroidery that matched the intricate detailing on my gown.
The way his sharp features softened when he saw me made my heart flutter despite my earlier irritation.
He wasted no time, pulling me into his side with a firm but gentle grip around my waist. His warmth seeped into me, grounding me instantly. “What happened?” he asked, his voice low enough that only I could hear.
I offered him a smile, not quite reaching my eyes. “Nothing worth mentioning,” I said, not wanting to ruin his mood by telling him that Lethia nearly slapped me. Though I knew he could already sense my unease through our bond.
10:56 Tue, Feb 4 Gu
Chapter 110
1.75%鐘
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He studied me for a moment longer, his teal eyes flickering with something akin to suspicion before he nodded and pressed a kiss to my temple.
I forced another polite smile as we approached the Vampire Queen, Maya. She looked as regal as ever, her sleek midnight blue gown clinging to her tall frame effortlessly.
But the person who actually caught my eye was Lupin Blanc, standing beside her. He looked over at Dante and shook his hand, then turned to smile at me.
Reminding me of everything that had transpired at Norsor Isle. felt fear trickle my nerves and I gripped Dante’s hand.
“No hard feelings, I hope,” he drawled, his voice rich with amusement. “We all have our jobs.”
I swallowed the discomfort curling in my stomach and nodded with a tight–lipped smile. “Of course.”
As the engagement ceremony began, Jaxon finally made his appearance, and I was stunned by the change in him. His normally ruffled blonde hair was slicked back, and for once, he actually looked… put together. The suit he wore fit perfectly, his posture straighter, his smile composed.
His usual playboy appearance was completely hidden by his current facade.
And yes, I say ‘facade‘, because I refuse to believe that a person like him could ever change so easily, in such little time.
. He moved through the crowd with an ease I didn’t recognize, greeting guests and exchanging pleasantries with the cockiness he always had dimmed down a little. But what surprised me the most was that he didn’t even glance in our direction. Not
once.
Good. I preferred it that way.
Celeste soon followed, her golden hair styled in loose waves that framed her delicate features. But it wasn’t her hair or makeup that caught my attention–it was her dress. A deep wine–red gown with a high slit running up her thigh.
I tilted my head, something about it stirring a strange feeling in my gut. She never wore colors like that. Celeste had always been drawn to pastels and soft hues, not bold, striking shades.
I couldn’t help but compare it to the dress that I had worn on my birthday.
Was she… copying me?
I brushed the thought aside. No, I was overthinking it. Fashion trends were common. It was probably just a coincidence. Still, when I turned my head, I caught Dante watching me with a small, knowing smile.
“What?” I asked, raising a brow.
He shook his head, but there was something amused in his eyes.
I didn’t have time to dwell on it before I noticed Aiden staring at me too, from across the room where he stood near Drogo. His gaze lingered for a second too long before he turned away.
Where they…..thinking the same thing I was? No, right? I mean why and how would they even notice?
I didn’t have much time to think about it before the ceremony moved forward. Jaxon slipped a glittering diamond ring onto Celeste’s finger, and the room erupted into polite applause.
10:56 Tue, Feb 4 Gu.
Chapter 110
Fit 10%
(+23)
I clapped along with everyone else, my eyes scanning the crowd. Something about this whole engagement felt… off. Too grand, too extravagant. My engagement had been announced over dinner. Why was this such a spectacle?
I mean yes, engagement ceremonies were common in wolf packs. Especially in traditional ones. But this really felt like too much. Why were the members of the SNC also invited along with so many other packs?
I didn’t have to wonder for long though.
As Celeste stepped off the stage, Jaxon stepped forward again, his voice amplifying over the speakers. “Tonight is special,” he announced, his Alpha voice filling the space. “Not only because I now have a fiance, but because I have another announcement to make:”
I stiffened, my fingers curling instinctively into Dante’s.
“It brings me great honor to announce that my sister, Anastasia, will also be getting engaged tonight… to my dear friend, Aiden Kallistar.”
My eyes snapped to Aiden, who looked just as shocked as I felt. His entire posture went rigid, his silver eyes locking onto Jaxon with something flickering and dangerously close to fury.
Had… had he not known?
I knew Aiden. Maybe in my past life, I wouldn’t have recognized it, but now? After everything we’d been through? I saw the . flicker of pure anger beneath his carefully crafted expression.
Still, he masked the fury and walked onto the stage, moving with a measured calmness that I knew was forced. As he approached Jaxon, he leaned in, whispering something I couldn’t hear.
I strained to catch it, my curiosity burning, but the exchange was brief.
Aiden straightened, taking the mic from Jaxon with a polite smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Thank you, Jaxon,” he said smoothly, his voice even. “I’m honored.”
And then, without hesitation, he turned to Anastasia, who beamed up at him, and slipped a ring onto her finger.
I watched in stunned silence, my stomach twisting.
