Chapter 5 The Banquet

Atasha’s POV

MY mind was completely haywire as I couldn't seem to grasp what was happening. The soon-to-be Alpha, Elijah, wanted me to join the banquet for an unknown reason. One thing's for sure; this will be my very first time attending a banquet; for a moment, it felt like I'm a normal werewolf.

Another thing that bothered me the most was that he saw my naked body earlier . . . when I think about it, I can't help but feel the heat engulfing my face. I can't erase that scene from my head; I wonder if he finds me attractive? I grabbed the pillow and shoved it in my face.

What the hell was I thinking? By his reaction earlier, it looks like he doesn't even see me as desirable like other were-women. But since he will be an alpha, I wonder what will happen to me if he already found his Luna?

Someone knocked on the door. Joaquin entered the room while holding a beautiful dress, and he is with the pack doctor.

After the pack doctor treated my wounds, Joaquin gave me the dress, and he waited for me outside. I was still hesitating with the idea of intruding in that party, but Joaquin said it was Elijah's command, and I had no right to defy him. I believe that Moon Goddess has a plan for me; no matter what happens, I will protect my family.

I wore a champagne-colored long off-shoulder dress. My curly hair was braided perfectly, and my face became livelier because of the makeup that the housemaid put on it. As I glanced at my reflection in front of the mirror, different emotions started to whirl inside my chest. Is this really me?

For someone like me who was held captive, and with the fact that family is still in danger out there, I am not certain if it's right for me to go to a party and act like nothing really happened. I fisted my hand and gasped . . . I wish Astrid is safe wherever they are right now.

"It's time," stated Joaquin in his cold tone.

I breathed heavily, nodded, and turned to him. We went out of Elijah's room and headed to the hallway that would bring us to where the banquet would be held.

"Just follow the other guests going to the banquet. I have to go check the gates to make sure no intruders will come. Please wait for me at the entrance once you're there. "

Before I could speak, Joaquin had already made his way somewhere else. I shook my head and embraced myself. What should I do now?

I continued walking and tried to blend in with the crowd who were walking in a wide hallway. They were all dressed formally like royals. My eyes roamed around the interiors and paintings on each wall. As I walked together with other guests, the echoes in the hallway would be heard because of the chats from different packs.

What I noticed with them is that they have this aura of peacefulness and calmness, which I found bizarre as I always think of them as destructive and ferocious beasts. Their demeanor was pleasing to my eyes, and it's hard to comprehend as someone from a poor family, and I have never seen the world like this before. Their territory was completely different from ours, as we're like commoners living in rural rustic land.

While I was walking, I accidentally collided with someone. It was a beautiful were-women, and she just simply nodded and smiled; I was not able to apologize right away because it left me speechless of how stunning she was. While I was looking at them, I then realized that even if I tried to blend in, even if I dress like them, there's really a huge difference between rich packs and me. Despite the fact that I'm invited here to the banquet, the truth is... I don't truly belong here.

I was about to head to what seemed to be a huge garden when I saw a passage on the far left side from where I was standing. The thought of escaping made me feel stiff. I stopped moving, contemplating while looking at that dark passage . . . what if there was a way out there?

I gazed back at the entrance of the vast garden where the banquet was being held. Joaquin hasn't come back yet, and with the heavy crowd in here, I assume no one would notice that I left.

The face of the soon-to-be Alpha crossed my mind. I inhaled heavily as I couldn't seem to understand why it felt as if I would lose my breath if he heard that I had escaped . . . as a matter of fact, he's not an important werewolf to me. He's still . . . an enemy. Trust should not be given to him, especially to his family. I must know if they're telling the truth; I need to see my family.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. I stepped back and ran into the dark passage with my heart thumping so loud. I kept looking back as I ran, afraid that someone might have seen and chased me.

Your family is more important, Atasha . . .

I reached the end of the passage. My disappointment arose when I realized that I had entered a greenhouse filled with exotic plants and flowers. I slowly walked into the place, hoping that there might be a door but to no avail. I looked up at the ceiling and watched how different butterflies glided as if they were dancing without any worry.

How could I even escape from this place? I sighed in defeat and sat on the wooden chair. I embraced my knees as I lowered my head. Silence engulfed the whole place and somehow brought peace in me. I stayed there for a moment, seizing the peacefulness as if I won't be able to do it after this day.

I couldn't help but feel worried about my twin sister and my father. At the end of the day, they're all that I have. I'm also hoping Astrid will be fine as I'm unsure if I will be given another chance to see her. I hoped they really fulfilled their promise that they would not hurt them. As I watched the butterflies, memories flashed before my eyes, walking in the mountains with a lovely warm feeling, the shade of autumn that felt like home.

As I came back to my senses, I looked at my wrist and caressed the bracelet Astrid gave to me.

“Guests aren’t allowed here, were-woman,” a raspy voice suddenly spoke that startled me.

I turned to the man who had gray eyes, a perfectly sculpted nose, lips and jaw, and long blonde hair tied up half. Fear started to creep into my system as he glared at me.

“I . . . I got lost. I-I’m sorry!” I said with my quavering voice.

Without further ado, I walked past him, but my heart almost jumped in fear when he stopped me, holding my arm in an instance. His hands, though, were warm and gentle; my skin felt his soft fingertips as they slipped through my hands.

“A beautiful were-woman like you shouldn’t wander here all alone. No one can be trusted in this place,” he said as his piercing eyes glanced at me. He then smiled, “Let me escort you to the banquet–”

“N-No, please . . .” I panicked. “I-I’m completely fine alone,” I said and removed his hand from me.

“I haven’t seen such beauty before. I assume you’re not part of the Crimson Moon . . .” he stated playfully.

“No, and I am only here to protect my family.” After that, I ran away from him and went back to where I was supposed to go.

“Where did you go?” Joaquin walked towards me as soon as he saw me. His brows furrowed. “You look so pale. What happened?”

I shook my head. “I-I got lost and had to find my way back here.”

Based on how he looked at me, I knew that he wasn’t that convinced with my reason, which made me feel agitated.

“I suggest you not do anything that will make your situation even worse. The banquet has started for a while. Let’s go,” he said coldly and made his way to the party.

I bit my lips and sighed. I followed him, and I started to blend into the crowd of royals.

***

The sight of the soon-to-be Alpha and a beautiful were-woman by his side made my chest feel so heavy. I was just around the corner, trying to observe how Elijah looked at his partner. She might be his Luna . . .

Almost an hour passed and I remained low profile. I didn’t know how to interact. That's why even though there were werewolves trying to exchange conversations with me, I ended up avoiding them.

I saw Alpha Gregory entering the stage and making his speeches. Just by looking at his face that screams of greediness, I couldn’t help but feel the disgust for him . . . no, I despise him because he’s the main reason why I am here . . . My hands were literally shaking out of anger by only watching him. I had to hold my wrist and make a fist.

I gasped when I noticed that my bracelet wasn’t on my wrist anymore.

“Where did it go? Oh, no,” I mumbled. My gaze landed on the floor, trying to find my precious bracelet. It was Astrid’s gift for me . . . that’s the only remembrance I had from her! I can’t lose it, too!

I walked to the other corner where I’ve been too but was interrupted when someone grabbed my hand.

I turned to the owner of that hand and my eyes widened upon meeting Elijah’s soulful gaze. A ghost of a smile and hope lingered on his lips that made me breathe heavily. Despite the unfamiliar emotion he’s making me feel, it bothered me that a lot of eyes were on us . . .

What is he trying to do?

“W-Wait, E-Elijah!” I whispered when he dragged me onto the stage suddenly.

Being on a stage was like a dreadful experience for me. I looked at Elijah who caught everyone’s attention. I felt how he held my hand tighter and then the next thing I knew, he announced to everyone here that he had found his Luna.

My mouth was half open when he turned to me.

“Mate . . .” he uttered and pulled me closer to him.

I was about to protest, but then in a flash, I already felt his soft lips claiming mine. My heart pounded more aggressively, and my knees went jelly because of what he did.

That was my first kiss!

His persistent mouth parted my shaking lips and sent wild shivers down my spine. He tilted his head, and his other hand caressed my cheek. A rushing wave of warmth left me stunned. It's as if everything went blurred, and I was drowning into wide oblivion. I was about to withdraw from him, but the way he snaked his arm around my waist, it was as if he was telling me that I had to cooperate.

I was completely out of breath after that unexpected kiss! I tried to compose myself as his gaze was still at me. Shocked by what had just happened, I blinked several times and eyed him in confusion.

"I-I am your new slave, not your fiancee or L-Luna . . ." I whispered enough for him to hear.

"You don't feel it yet, but my wolf does." He licked his lips which sent another sensation deep within me. I looked away and saw how the crowd was still in shock because of what they had witnessed a few seconds ago. I stepped back and cleared my throat. My eyes darted on his father, who was eyeing me accusingly; he was throwing a dagger as if I ruined the night when in fact, his son dragged me into this . . .

"May I know who the hell she is?" A beautiful were-woman then suddenly grabbed Elijah's arm and pointed her finger at me as if I was a criminal at this point. In my mind, as I respond, I'm not here to steal him from you.

I was about to run away with them when I heard someone whistling. The crowd turned to the familiar werewolf who was walking charismatically on the stage. My brows furrowed as he was the same werewolf who talked to me in the greenhouse.

What caught my attention was the thing he was holding in his hand . . . my bracelet!

"Zach, you're here?" the beautiful were-woman said.

He walked past her and went straight to me.

"I think this is yours," he said.

A smile of relief escaped my lips, and I walked towards him. He stopped in front of me and took my hand. I gasped and looked back at Elijah.

"This bracelet symbolizes your inclusivity to the Silver Moon Pack." He put the bracelet on my wrist. "Take care of it. I know it's important," he stated and kissed the back of my hand, which made me stunned.

He then stood proudly and leaned forward enough for him to whisper something into my ears, "If you want to save your family, please remember that you can count on me . . ."

I slowly turned to him. He smirked and then walked away, leaving me completely dumbfounded.