Chapter 9 Winter Moonlight Ball

Selene

"Place them to the right. They'll fit better there," I instructed, watching as the staff arranged the delicate ice sculptures.

"Here, Ms. Bennett?" The man looked confused, holding the crystalline piece uncertainly.

I nodded, allowing a faint smile to touch my lips. "Yes, right here."

He followed my direction, then brightened. "You're right. The reflection is perfect. Thank you."

"No problem. Do the same for the other tables and ensure they're not placed near the ice mirrors." I moved on, surveying the hall with professional satisfaction even as an ache bloomed in my chest.

Every glittering decoration, every carefully placed light reminded me of events I'd attended with Vortend.

The memory of his hand at the small of my back, his low voice in my ear as we navigated similar gatherings, cut deeper than any knife.

I'd suggested adding the masquerade element to this summit precisely because I knew he would attend.

I was lost in thought when I felt it—a disturbance in the air, like fog rolling over a still lake.

"Such a beautiful face in such a stunning environment shouldn't look so down."

Archer Pierce stood behind me, wisps of mist curling around his ankles. I quickly composed myself.

"Oh, I'm fine," I answered, forcing a smile while suppressing the turmoil within. The twins shifted gently in my womb, responding to my unease.

"You've done an incredible job, almost as if you were born for this," he said slowly, his gaze wrapping around me like mountain mist. "I'm truly impressed, Selene."

"Thank you, I simply enjoy planning these events," I replied carefully.

Archer gestured to the decorations around us. "I chose silver-blue crystal ornaments this year because they remind me of something beautiful I've recently come to appreciate." His eyes lingered meaningfully on mine.

"I hope you'll be my partner tonight," he continued, his eyes growing deeper, the air around us subtly distorting like rippling fog.

"I..." I hesitated, uncertain how to tell him I hadn't planned to attend precisely because Vortend would be bringing Adriana.

"Please don't deny me. I hope you will come, even if only as a gesture of goodwill toward a new alliance partner." His words carried an Alpha's subtle influence—not quite a command, but difficult to refuse directly.

Our conversation was interrupted by two men in tailored charcoal suits approaching Archer. My enhanced hearing caught their hushed words:

"The Dark Gold Hunter has approached Pack borders."

My heart skipped a beat. I controlled my breathing, feeling a chill spread down my spine while maintaining my composed exterior.

"Selene, I'll see you tonight. I must go," Archer said, his mist briefly coiling around my wrist like an invisible marker.

"Of course, see you then." I smiled as I watched him leave, though conflicting emotions surged within me.

I returned to my home to find an unzipped garment bag on my bed, an exquisite silver-blue gown shimmering in the light.

"When did this arrive?" I asked, staring at the dress, my senses detecting Archer's subtle claim.

"Not long after you left," my mother answered, shaking her head. "He ordered it from the boutique... I knew Alicia was working on a special order for the Mist Mountain Alpha, but I didn't realize it was for you. No wonder she's been especially friendly to me lately."

I shook my head, fingering the material. "And this color..." I stared at the gown that perfectly matched my eyes, adorned with tiny crystals like ice fragments.

"He, for some unfathomable reason, has set his sights on you."

"Mom, am I really that terrible?" I asked, managing a smile despite the awkward situation.

"You're right," I said quietly, looking at the gown. "But he essentially used his Alpha influence... I can't directly refuse him, the Alpha."

Our eyes met, and Mother buried her face in her hands. "I'm worried, Selene..."

She worried I might move from one ruthless Alpha to another, and worse—feared Vortend might discover the twins were his bloodline and take them away, just as my father Harrison had once done to me.

My eyes flashed silver, my voice firm: "I won't let anyone take my children," I declared with a strength beyond my years that surprised even me.

My confidence seemed to give Mother the courage she needed: "Then, let's get you ready."

Hours later, I was prepared for the ball. The silver-blue gown fit perfectly, cleverly concealing my pregnancy. My platinum white hair was arranged in an elegant updo, the ice-blue highlights shimmering like moonlight.

Earlier, I'd messaged Archer requesting he not publicly called my true name at the ball to prevent word reaching my former husband.

"It should be fine, we won't be that close," I told my reflection as I secured the delicate silver mask, Mother helping with the ribbons. My eyes glowed silver-blue behind the mask.

"Thank you," I said softly, squeezing her hand.

Leaving home, I found a luxury sedan waiting, intricate frost patterns decorating its windows. On the way to the Ice Hall, I received a message from Vivian:

We've arrived at the hall. Jason is on alert. Be careful, he's here.

Stepping inside Ice Hall, the crowd's conversation gradually quieted, all eyes drawn to me. I maintained my elegant pace, avoiding direct eye contact, but my sensitive hearing caught the whispers:

"That's the Mist Mountain Pack Alpha's companion..."

"No wonder he's so captivated... her eyes are like an ice lake under moonlight..."

Uncomfortable with the attention, I quickly blended into the crowd. Then I heard it—a familiar voice like deep thunder in darkness, striking directly at my heart:

"...what a surprise."

"You sent the invitation. Did you think I wouldn't attend? Or did you hope I wouldn't appear?" Vortend's cold voice carried, accompanied by an undeniable Alpha presence.

My breath caught, his voice making it difficult to focus. I slowly turned, my silver-blue eyes scanning the crowd behind my mask, quickly locating him.

Even among handsome Alphas in elaborate attire, his deadly charm and powerful aura dominated everything.

The black mask couldn't hide his identity. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, the silver wolf pin of the Fenrith family at his chest.

Adriana clinging to his other arm. She wore an elaborate pink gown, and I couldn't help staring at her abdomen.

As I slowly backed away, I bumped into someone behind me, the surrounding temperature dropping slightly with my emotional flux:

"Oh!" the elderly man exclaimed.

"I'm so sorry!" I apologized quietly.

The man smiled, shaking his head. "No problem, dear, just be careful." His wise gaze fell to my abdomen, seeming to perceive my secret.

I thanked him, then glanced over my shoulder at the man who had wounded me so deeply, only to find his dark gold eyes staring directly at me.

When our gazes met across the crowded room, time seemed to freeze…