Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Above me hung a glistening chandelier, its rays shining through my lashes and casting a spray of light as I ventured into the ballroom.

The view was splendid, the decorations caught beneath the beams. Glitter sparkled from every ornament like scattered gold. The paintings were as light and elegant as the atmosphere itself. Everything felt fluffy and welcoming, inviting me deeper into its beguiling aura.

I might not agree with Leo on many things, but when it came to events, he’d always had an eye for what was good, and truly, this was good.

That much, I could agree with.

As we ventured in, one of the waiters paused to bow, his back bent enough to show deep respect right before he passed by with a tray balanced high on his palm. Kai shuffled over to take two glasses for us.

"Thanks." Kai muttered, receiving a broad smile from the waiter before his departure.

We had arrived only a short while ago, and the aura in the room had immediately shifted. Yes, I might have been engrossed by the view, but reality sat heavily in my stomach.

People turned their heads as we passed, even the music seemed to have faded into a blissful silence as though threatened by our presences.

And it reminded me of Kai’s repeated lessons. I should get used to this feeling, to this reality. I’m truly not the sort who enjoys being the centre of attention, especially among crowds or strangers, but as the Luna, I had to come to terms with the fact that these people were never strangers to me. Definitely not any more.

They were all my children, and I was their mother.

Indeed, the truth was unavoidable.

Holding my wine glass by the stem, my eyes wandered. Before long, Kai was summoned away, though not before pressing a kiss to my cheek. He’d mouthed to me that he needed to attend some people in his inner court.

"Important guests," he had identified them as.

My lips pressed into a fine line as the heels of my shoes carried me onward, and funnily enough, I found myself focusing on the clicks they made, even with the music echoing through the ballroom.

Instrumentals played from the southern corner. A few people stood there, simply watching and soaking in the melody, while others admired the portraits hung along the walls.

It really did look like an exhibition. Dazzling in all honesty.

Then, my gaze landed on someone.

Marcellan.

There, leaning against the railing, his hands gripped the stone as he scanned the room. His attention seemed distracted, and I hurried up the staircase toward him.

Instinctively, my dominant hand settled beneath my stomach, as though holding the baby in place.

"You look like you’re hiding," I said as I came to his side, pointing out the obvious.

Marcellan held his breath. The moment he saw me, he sucked in air through his teeth, releasing a sound that closely resembled a hiss.

I added, "So, who are you hiding from?"

"I’m most definitely not."

"Tell the truth. Did you offend someone here?" I asked, raising a brow.

"You’re very nosy tonight. Where’s your husband?" He looked around in a hurry. "Shoo. Go bother him instead."

He waved me off, stole my drink, finished it, and placed the empty glass back into my hand.

My lips pursed as I pointed at him, my nose flaring while I shot him a death glare. "You’re a menace."

I paused mid sentence.

"Luna." An unfamiliar, deep voice acknowledged me as its owner bowed while passing by. Thankfully, it was only another waiter.

Phew.

I very much agree with the fact that there was still plenty of training for me to do when it came to all of this.

"Oh, wait. Take this."

I handed him the empty glass.

"Thanks." I ended.

After the man left, Marcellan chuckled. "You’ll probably be the nicest Luna they’ve ever had."

"Well, children tend to grow properly when they have a kinder mother." I said, playing with a strand of my hair.

"Or they become rascals." He retorted and choked on a laugh. "Insolent little rascals." He was comically insulting tonight.

I watched him again. His fingers tapped against the stone railing. One foot rested ahead of the other, tapping the floor in a restless rhythm.

Oh, I get it, my inner voice clarified.

"You’re nervous. That’s why you’ve come up here." I stepped closer, my hips swayed to the side. "Who did you see? What has you so stirred up?"

Marcellan shot me a side glance.

"Alex..." He groaned, clearly preparing another complaint, before suddenly stepping backward.

The movement was too quick, and I was smart enough to look for the cause.

A woman. It turned out to be a fiercely-looking woman who held herself with sharp grace and elegance.

"Who’s that woman?"

Marcellan slapped a hand over his face. When he finally looked at me, his palm dragged slowly down his pale features.

"Oh, fuck me." He paused. "I didn’t know she was going to be here. She could find me at any moment."

"So, you’re avoiding her. Why?"

He leaned closer to whisper, though I doubted anyone could hear us over the music.

"I was in a relationship with her, and I messed it up." He sounded as though he’d been forced to swallow shards of glass. "So, we dated for seven years. Everything was sweet until her half-brother came home after their father’s death. You know, for the funeral rites."

I nodded, already piecing together how this story would probably end, while mentally preparing my insults.

"It turned out I was attracted to him. I don’t even like ass that much, but then this dude. I mean, at one point, I was convinced her half-brother was my fated mate. The guy was incredible in bed. Man, I regretted it." He began sounding as though he was trying to convince me, as if somehow that would convince her.

"I swear, it was a mistake, and I’ve learned my lesson. I love her so much, but fuck..." He groaned.

"So, you’re an idiot who can’t control his dick." The words escaped before I could stop them.

"Oh, good. Now you’re insulting me." His eagerness was reverted, eyes averted from me.

"Yes, because you don’t even sound truly sorry. You’re a slave to pleasure, and honestly, you deserve to be alone with it."

"Ouch. Now that’s harsh."

Marcellan awkwardly brushed a hand through his hair.

"I do believe that’s the truth." A voice answered him.

But it wasn’t mine. We both turned.

Neither of us had paid much attention to our surroundings during the essence of the conversation.

A woman had stepped into our little corner.

She had beautiful blue eyes, like the depths of an ocean after a colossal storm, where the waters were as cold as winter. Yet her face carried a gentle warmth, softened by a delicate blush and light makeup that accentuated her already sharp features.

She stood a few inches taller than me, her heels matching the colour of her eyes. A beautiful light grey gown settled elegantly against her body, the fabric flowing like silk with every subtle movement.

She was a beauty to behold at such a close distance. Oh, indeed, now I understand why Marcellan was still in love with her.