Lilienne
Serina hasn't even been accepted into the Royal Court or granted any semblance of dignified status, and yet here she is—parading around like some glittering trophy my husband proudly won. In reality, she's a nobody. A runaway rogue without as much as a last name.
I can't believe Kaelen brought her here without consulting me first. But then again… he doesn't talk to me about anything anymore. Not unless he's venting his frustration—always because of her.
"I can't believe this shit," Melanie suddenly appears at my side, a glass of whiskey in hand. She downs it in one go and taps the bar for another, her gaze fixed firmly on Serina, brows drawn in irritation.
"Look at the way she's dressed," she mutters, seething. "It's like she wants everyone to know she's a slut."
"Melanie." I shoot her a warning look, momentarily startled. As much as I agree with the sentiment, I can't let my Beta lower herself because of Serina.
"What?" she shrugs, nearly spilling her drink in the process. "Regardless of who she thinks she is, that woman has no business being here tonight. It's like she's flaunting it—showing everyone, especially you, that she doesn't care about protocol. She doesn't care about rules. It's a direct slap in your face."
I frown, my eyes flicking back to Serina's bright, cheerful smile—so carefree, so utterly oblivious.
And Melanie's right. Serina's very presence tonight defies everything we stand for in the Moonrise Kingdom. All my life, I've been told to follow the rules, to walk the line, to be proper and poised. And now someone like her shows up—out of nowhere—and turns all my effort, my discipline, my sacrifices into dust.
And the worst part? No one will ever question her actions, but they'll scrutinize mine.
"Alpha's jumping around her like a damn fool, too," Melanie hisses, glaring at the bartender as she signals for another drink. "Fated mate, my ass. Doesn't he realize how pathetic he looks?"
I almost laugh. Because she's right. Serina has him wrapped around her finger—hooked, almost brainwashed—and Kaelen sees nothing but her.
He doesn't care how ridiculous he looks trailing after her like a lovesick pup. He doesn't care how humiliating it is for me to stand here, silent and sidelined, watching them flaunt something that used to be sacred. He's forgotten dignity. Forgotten respect. All for instinct.
All he cares about is her.
"Does it make you jealous?"
Melanie's question slices through my thoughts like ice water down my spine. I blink, struggling to return from the fog of everything I don't say aloud.
Jealous? I don't even know anymore. Maybe I would have felt that way once. But now… it's not jealousy that festers inside me—it's betrayal. It's the sting of being discarded, like something worn out and no longer useful.
"No," I answer at last, shaking my head as a faint, bitter smile tugs at my lips.
"You should do the same to him." Melanie won't relent, slamming back another shot of whiskey like it's water. "Get yourself a lover. No—get ten lovers. Build a damn harem. Make him watch."
"Alright, you're drunk," I snicker, giving Melanie a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Go get some fresh air and come back once you've sobered up."
"Yes, Your Majesty," she pouts, but complies nonetheless. I love her for that. She can be a thorn in my side, but she never truly causes trouble.
As soon as Melanie slips away, I'm alone again. I feel the weight of countless eyes on me—guests casting cautious, flickering glances in my direction. But none are bold enough to approach. Not anymore.
As soon as it became clear who Serina truly is, I ceased to matter.
Not just to my husband—but to everyone else, too.
"So, is it true?"
The hushed voice near me draws my attention. My ears perk up, heart thudding faster.
"Did His Majesty, Alpha King Kaelen, actually time this party to announce that Serina is going to be his first mistress?"
What? My chest tightens, the words hitting me like a blow to the ribs. First mistress? What are they talking about?
"The way he's been clinging to her, it wouldn't surprise me," another guest chimes in, his voice low, perhaps realizing I can hear him. "But to use Lunaris to flaunt it like this? That feels... tasteless."
"You're right," the first guest murmurs with a shake of her head. "It's more than just tasteless. It's humiliating."
"Luna Lilienne!"
I nearly drop my wine glass at the sudden sharpness of a female voice cutting through the room. The first guest—the Luna of the Zenith Pack—waves me over with a bright smile, and I force one of my own, taking a few composed steps in her direction to join the conversation.
"Amanda, Charlie," I greet them with measured politeness, "how is everything tonight?"
"Amazing!" Amanda beams, her eyes glittering like diamonds under the chandeliers. "But is it true? That this evening's party is meant to introduce Alpha Kaelen's new woman?"
"And is it true," Charlie adds without missing a beat, "that you've already accepted her into the court and personally given her a new title?"
I freeze, my heartbeat thudding like war drums in my ears. One ridiculous rumor after another—and yet, I feel as if I've stumbled into a surreal conversation where everyone understands the rules except me.
"A new title?" I echo without thinking, the words falling from my lips like a reflex.
Charlie's mouth curves into a knowing smirk as he continues, "Well, it's obvious she's an omega. But the word going around is that you were so supportive of Alpha Kaelen's choice that you personally elevated her to beta."
"That's a mistake," I cut him off, my voice like ice—so cold that it surprises even me. "Serina has not been accepted into the Royal Court, nor has she been given a new rank. There's clearly been a misunderstanding. She wasn't even invited to this event."
I try to steady myself because I feel that I sound hysterical.
"Oh..." Amanda and Charlie exchange uneasy glances, their expressions flickering with guilt. But before either of them can scramble to lift the mood, the party coordinator announces the start of the evening dance—and I can almost hear their thoughts sighing in relief.
"Excuse me," I say instead of them to save them the trouble. "I think I've had too much wine, I need to sit down."
Both of them nod, and I quickly walk away, desperate to find a refuge. But as always, I am not that lucky.