Sway of hearts

Atasha’s Point of View

It was already seven-thirty in the evening, so it was time for us to hop into the vehicle that would take us to the Coliseum. While Zach and Veronica made their way to the vehicle, I was still outside with Elijah. Just before we got into the car, we had a conversation about those things I needed to do at the party.

"Please stay out of any serious trouble.” He took a deep breath as he stared at me. “Allow me to tell you that this time we should no longer be separated anymore. If something bad happened tonight, I’d be able to protect you easily.”

I nodded and smiled in response to what he said. "I promise I won’t cause any trouble. No matter what happens, I’ll stay by your side, El.”

Elijah sighed then a smirk constituting on his face. He then assisted me in getting into the vehicle, and now I had to say that we were all ready to go to the masquerade party.

The foreign excitement began to flow through me while we were all heading in the Coliseum. On this particular night, the Montreals, the Silver Moon pack, and the locals living here in the East land would be able to get along.

“I can’t wait to see some hot werewolves out there. The ones who came to the banquet before weren’t that good looking!” Veronica, who was sitting beside me, commented. Her gaze was fixated on the window, looking at the streets we passed by.

Zach cleared his throat, which caught my attention.

“I attended the banquet, Veronica. I shouldn’t, in any way, be included with those males you are referring to. My face is exquisite,” he defended.

Veronica turned his head around and looked at his brother with a confused look. “Of course you are included with them. You’re not that good looking, Zach. You’re just talented enough to lure many of our female werewolves and bed them without even begging.”

Zach laughed and I could feel the sarcasm dripping off it. It made me smile. Now, there was a little entertainment inside this vehicle.

“The Alpha’s daughter seems to have an eyesight defect! Do you want me to escort you to the mountain where the greatest witch lives so that you can be cured?”

Veronica rolled her eyes and shook her head. “You gotta go there for yourself so that the greatest witch, Eve, can repair your face.” Then she stuck her tongue out to tease her brother a little more.

“Well, say it all you want. I realized I must be kind to my sister who hasn't experienced getting laid because some betas keep rejecting her aggressiveness.”

“Oh, do you have a death wish?!”

“Enough, both of you!” Elijah interfered as he massaged the side of his head. “I beg you two to shut your mouths for a bit.”

I chuckled. Seeing them three arguing gave me such comfort and peace. I didn’t know why but I guess it served as a contact reminder that everything would turn out alright, that I could be at ease for a moment since I had them by my side.

As we reached our destination, I was able to recognize some of the attendees as they weren’t wearing their masquerade masks just yet. They were all dolled up in expensive gowns and suits. Some of them have already put their masks on, some which had some amusing designs and were embellished with pearls, precious stones, silver, and gold. I even recognized my colleagues at work, they were all lovely and stunning.

A red carpet greeted the visitors at the Coliseum's grand entrance which led them to the grand staircase. The barricades of the stairs were also decorated with beautiful lighting, flowers, and a huge-sized flag of the Crimson Moon pack, as well as the flag of the East land, which welcomed attendees at the entrance.

I’ve been using the rear entrance of the building whenever I went to work, and I had to say that this was the very first time I walked to the main entrance filled with all the decorations. The place screamed elegance. I was ecstatic to see that all of our efforts had been fruitful. I was aware that the Alpha was oblivious about this, knowing that all he cared about was to cease a war which didn’t exist from the beginning. But nevertheless, I was pleased that he would be able to witness the work and efforts of all the people who prepared for this occasion.

This event would mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life, which I considered to be a blissful accomplishment. I had high hopes that everything would be different afterwards.

Fear gripped me as I thought about what the future may hold. But regardless of what was bound to happen, I would hold onto my hope for the greater good among many people with all my heart and soul.

I forgot to reserve invitations for the Montreals, but since I was the one in charge of the invitations, I talked to the security guard, which was my pack mate, and he allowed them to enter the venue even though they did not have invitation cards, taking my advantages and perks of being a part of the pack.

“Whoa! What was that, Atasha? You and your connections! We’ve made it into the building!” Veronica bursted out laughing.

I laughed a bit at her remarks. “Thank goodness that my pack mate was the one who volunteered to secure the event.”

Veronica clung her arms to mine. Wiggling her eyebrows, she said, “He’s quite a hottie.”

“I can introduce him to you if you want to.” Then we both laughed out loud.

"Veronica, please don't include Atasha in your fuss!" Elijah, who was just behind us, shared his thoughts as he saw us laughing like kids.

"Let them do what they want, brother, and while we're here, it’s our chance to check out some hot female werewolves here. East land is indeed a home to a large number of hidden treasures,” Zach mumbled something and nudged his brother’s elbow, but Elijah merely shook his head.

After a few walks, we were then welcomed by a receptionist who asked if we were interested in having a closer look at the ballroom.

Without further ado, Veronica and I agreed to the receptionist as we knew that the main program would commence at nice o’clock in the evening. With that being said, we still had an hour to roam around before the main event began. I was intrigued and wanted to see the ballroom since I had heard that it had some exquisite decorations, including magnificent ornaments, furnishings, and an overall pleasing aesthetic.

Elijah and Zach had no choice but to join us because Veronica had been extremely persistent and no one had been able to derail her wishes. Eventually, we made our way into the ballroom. We headed toward a group of people who were conversing with one another, and the melody was being played by a set of people on a platform.

I could hear the solemn sounds of piano and cello, as well as the sound of violin and all the other instruments that my mind cannot fathom because I was not familiar with those other things. It definitely sounded like a full symphony. I glanced at Veronica and noticed that her eyes were sparkling, and I couldn't help but be delighted as I watched her.

While my gaze was roving across the room, the soft lights emanating from the ceiling took my breath away. The soft and warm light in this space created an amiable, cozy and sophisticated look which made it more elegant and was giving me a romantic feeling.

Immediately, a waiter approached us and extended an offer of a drink to all of us. Veronica went and got a shot glass, and she urged me to go and get a sip as well. I refused, but Veronica insisted, and when I went to pick up my shot glass, Elijah took it away from me and drank it instead.

"Hey, look, that's my drink!" I said eagerly as I stared at him.

"What's yours is mine," he declared emphatically.

With such a shrug and pout, I rolled my eyes. As soon as we are finished with this event, I should inform Elijah that we would need to include rules in our contract.

Veronica then took my arm in hers as we strolled toward the table where more drinks were served.

"Come on, Atasha! Let's get a little wasted here! Take that grumpy-ass in stride and let's have some fun!" she exclaimed.

Some gentlemen were stationed at the table where the drinks were served, and they were also assisting us in getting some finger food. Several pastries, skewers of a little portion of steaks, cheeses, pretzels, berries, and wines were included in the offer. All around the room, the deep woody aroma with a tinge of fresh floral scents were smelled through most of the time. Several other couples and partners started to sway and dance to the mellow music played live by the orchestra.

Then there was a male werewolf who somehow walked right up to Veronica and asked her to dance. She smiled at him but before she moved, she turned to me.

"Get ready. Those two are on their way to get you!" she said, grinning wide as she waved her fingertips at me. She then followed the guy to the dance floor and they danced.

I was curious who these two people she was referring to. As I turned around to mind my drink, I saw Elijah and Zach standing just behind me. I sighed. At the back of my mind, I realized that Veronica was referring to them.

"Do you mind if I have this dance with you, Atasha?" Zach asked me as he offered his hand.

"Hey, I was the first here!" Elijah let out a yell.

"Well, brother, may I remind you that she's no longer your slave. She's now mine," Zach responded.

"Is that important? We have an agreement. She's my contracted Luna!" Elijah snorted.

"Alright, you two need to stop arguing because I don't dance at all, so quit it!” I told them as I noticed that they got the attention of some people in the room.

Zach then asked Elijah to go to another table that served hard drinks. I overheard them arguing, but their voices have become a little calmer as seconds passed by. I grinned and shook my head. Those two were like cats and dogs who never got along but still chose to be together.

My eyes wandered around to see if Leo had already arrived. I hadn’t seen his presence everywhere so I presumed he wasn’t here yet. As I roamed around and observed the people out here in the area, I thought about his plan of assassinating the Alpha. I wished he would no longer push his plan through. Even though Elijah had already discussed what he and Leo talked about while we were on our way here, I still couldn’t stop myself from worrying too much that something bad might happen.

"Oh my gosh! You look incredible!" remarked by someone as she patted my shoulders, causing me to come to my senses. "Atasha! How are you doing? Are you feeling better now?"

Clarence then wrapped her arms around me. A little pang of anxiety went through me because Elijah and Zach were just a few steps away from me and she might see them. I swallowed hard and still tried to compose myself.

"Yes, I’m feeling better now. I appreciate your assistance earlier!” I responded to her, and she smiled as she released me from her hug.

"Have you seen Leo?" I asked.

She lifted one brow and narrowed her eyes as she stared at me.

"Tell me. You’re starting to like Leo already, don’t you?" she questioned with a smirk painted on her lips.

“I-I only wanted to check on him!”

But it seemed that she didn’t buy it based on how she eyed me maliciously. “I'm glad that you already made up your mind, Atasha! You two can be a great couple!"

I didn't respond and only smiled at her awkwardly. Then, from behind me, I felt an arm wrap itself around my shoulders. My pulse pounded wildly. I instantly turned around and looked at Zach who seemed to be a bit tipsy already.

"Let's go, Atasha, let's get this party started!" he beamed with a carefree smile on his lips.

I gasped and glanced back at Clarence. She looked astounded as she gazed at Zach intently. Now, I felt a lodge in my throat. What should I do?

I felt Zach’s arm was lifted away from my shoulder. I bit my lower lip when I saw Elijah who went to us, eyes smoldering as he glared at his brother.

“Stop it, Zach,” said Elijah as he pulled his typsy brother away from me.

Clarence's jaw dropped when she recognized his voice. She must have identified him even though he was wearing his masquerade mask right now.

"Elijah, is that you?" Clarence asked, holding back her tears and then she took off her mask. "It's me, Clarence!" she said with her shaking voice.

“Clarence,” Elijah called her name.

I didn’t know why but when Clarence looked at me with tears in her eyes, I felt a sharp pain in my chest. She looked confused and betrayed . . . I felt the heaviness of my chest so I had to look away.

“We need to talk, Elijah,” Clarence uttered softly and immediately shoved me away so she could hold Elijah’s hand. “Excuse me, Atasha.”

A sudden burst of heat radiated from my head down my neck. Clarence held Elijah’s hand tightly and he didn’t even complain. I was looking at them and suddenly felt enraged for no apparent reason.

"How about we dance while we talk? she said to Elijah.

They appear to be a good match for each other at the moment. Clarence was absolutely stunning, and her red dress was a perfect fit for her slender frame. She had it all: a beautiful face, a beautiful body, and an overall aura of a sophisticated lady. While Elijah was a tall, handsome and ravishing guy that every girl was dreaming of.

Leo’s presence brought me back to my feet. "Atasha, you’re here!” He stood in front of me, looking so manly with his sleek hair and tux. “You look fantastic tonight! The fact that you're here has surprised me greatly!”

“B-But of course. I-I wanted to witness this event too . . .” I sighed.

He then offered his hand to me. “Would you allow me to dance with you?”

I swallowed hard. After a quick glance at Elijah, who seemed to be enjoying his dance with Clarence, I returned my attention to Leo.

"Alright! Let's go for a dance, Leo. I'd be happy to dance with you," I told him.

I then realized that this was my last chance to speak with Leo— might be our farewell conversation because after this party, we’d be leaving the East land for good. As I accepted Leo’s hand, my gaze landed on Elijah, who was now looking at me. I only nodded at him, as if indicating to him that he should accompany Clarence and that he had no reason to object.

Leo and I went our way to the center of the ballroom. My eyes couldn’t look away from Elijah who was just a few steps away from me. I noticed him taking a deep breath before he faced Clarence.

I turned to the other corner, gaze fell on Zach who waved and smiled at my sight.

"I'll be right here, waiting for my turn," he mouthed emphatically. His smile, on the other hand, slowly slipped away as he took a sip of his drink.

Leo then wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him which made my breath hitched.

"Atasha, you're very stunning.” His words were genuine. He held both my arms and put it around his neck.

My body and his body were only an inch closer to one other, and I could feel his chest pressing against mine. I wasn't comfortable staring at him, so I turned my face to the side, and from that point on, my heart was shattered into pieces when I saw Clarence kissing Elijah in the distance.