ANNUAL BALL

I sat undeniably mute, eating my food unenthusiastically as I listened to Alexander and Liam's interactions. Alexander's unwavering attention on me did little to pique my interest that got lost the moment Liam addressed me as his Luna.

The word 'Luna' wasn't what I had hoped to hear, considering the fact that I wanted to earnestly get away from Alexander as quickly as possible.

I couldn't deny that there were certain perks to being his Luna, but living with a man I knew was this dangerous was no better than staying in that dungeon where I was tortured.

I hated the fact that I was at his mercy, and a slight change of mind could make me go through a hundred folds of what Damian did to me, given Alexander's ruthlessness.

I picked at my food, trying to control the emotions that swirled within me when Alexander's hands held mine momentarily, breaking me out of my little world. "What are you thinking about, Princess?"

I stared at his lean fingers and images of his protruded claws came into view, forcing me to break the contact. "N nothing," I shook my head, forcing a weak smile as I looked at his face.

He noticed my discomfort, and pulled away with a dark gaze. "If it's nothing like you really claim, why are you so distracted?" His tone was flat, with no emotion.

The two pairs of eyes that looked at me made my throat suddenly go dry, like I'd been caught doing something terrible. "Just... Memories," I said, hoping he'd let it go.

Alexander's cold gaze softened. "You shouldn't get distracted when you're with me, Princess," he reached for my hand again. This time, I tried not to stare at his hand as he held mine, "The moon will be full in five days, hence the annual ball is coming up."

"What annual ball?" I blurted out my thoughts without thinking.

"The one held every year to commemorate the unity of the 65 clans of the kingdom, and also the Alpha's victory from centuries ago," Liam answered, diverting my attention to his face, "It's a little bit weird that our Luna is oblivious to events like-" He swallowed his words at Alexander's frosty gaze.

The annual ball. Of course.

"I've heard of it," I said, a little embarrassed that I'd forgotten some events that took place in the kingdom, "Even if I haven't had the chance to attend it." There was a little sadness in my tone.

I'd been told stories of it by my nanny from when I was little even if my father had made sure I didn't attend. When I got married to Damian, being his Luna didn't change this.

His mother made sure I didn't accompany them to any of the events they did, since Damian was never around. His sister, Lady Grace Cedar, had also made it clear many times that it was bothering, and a step on their pride for them to be seen with the daughter of a murderer in events like that, so I haven't attended any of these events.

"This year will be different, Princess," Alexander said softly, "The ball takes place on the full moon, and your presence is very important."