Flaring Gown

Clary's POV

The time passed by in a blur. He just sat quietly on his usual spot and he did not bother to order me around. I would sometimes feel that he is staring behind my back, I did not bother to ask him why. Other embarrasing questions may raise and I may not be able to stop myself from that. All I did was to improve my shooting skills. I focused myself on my archery and it did somehow paid off when I was able to land a hit on the bird's feather in its wings.

I stayed like that for several hours. It was already noon when he called me to eat with him, he grilled some fish that he caught at the river. I sat quietly in front of me. In between us is the fish in a stick that is being grilled. I am sure that their servants in their castle do not serve foods like this to the alpha and other leaders. I kind of feel bad that I did not brought some food today.

I grabbed the stick with the grilled fish. I can still feel his intense gaze directed towards me. I chose not to look at his direction, too afraid that I might get emotional in front of him. I am not entitled to be emotional, especially if its about my sister being our Luna. He will definitely find me ridiculous.

"What's wrong, Clary?" His words immediately sent goosebumps on me. It was tender as if he is calculating the thoughts that I have right now...as if he is being careful that I might explode out of anger.

I bit my lip, still not looking at him, and tried my very best to not burst out of tears. I wanted to give in, I wanted to ask him questions. The only thing that is stopping me is the fact that I am not sure of our relationship. Or probably, I am aware of it, he is just being generous alpha to teach or train a weak woman like me. I just did hope a bit that there's more than that...and now he's asking me what is wrong?

Why would you ask me that? Out of generosity? Out or kindness? I am not even sure if we are friends! I'm just some woman he's trying to help, why would he ask me that question? Why woud he even care? I am just nothing compared to my sister, her mate.

"If it's about yesterday..." His voice sounded like he is trying to plead. "I was just sent to the neighboring wolf pack." He submissively added.

If only I haven't heard my sister telling my mom that they talked yesterday about Luna dinner, I would definitely believe him. He sounded so sincere that its difficult to resist the temptation of believing him. He probably thinks that I am easy to fool and that his lies would make me feel better. He doesn' need to explain, why would he explain to someone like me?

I shook my head and looked at him. I faked a smile, hoping that this would make him believe that nothing is bothering me. "I-I need to go...you should start preparing, too."

I immediately stood and started walking away from him. My tears started rolling out when I turned away from him. I needed to bid him goodbye today to avoid myself crying like some heartbroken puppy in front of his eyes. I needed to get away from him.

Good thing, he did not followed me. Of course, why would he follow me?

I immediately chenged into my wolf form and went home. I found my mom and sister in our living room, they are excitedly preparing for the Luna dinner that will be held later. They are trying to fit several elegant dress that would perfectly suit my sister. It is possible that the event at the stadium is cancelled today in order for the participants to get ready to attend in the Luna dinner. It is required that all the wolves of our pack to attend that event because the luna will be announced.

My mom looked at me when I passed them, "prepare your dress too."

I just nodded and went directly at my room.

I spent several hours laying at my bed, too unmotivated to get up and prepare myself.

'He is your mate, why would you let your sister take your place?' There goes Cordia again, lecturing me about the things that I should have done.

'They are destined together. Why would Alpha set Luna dinner if she's not his mate?' I said, bickering back at Cordia.

'There must have been a mistake.' She said, justifying her own thoughts.

'We did the mistake, he is clearly not our mate.' I said with full conviction to avoid arguing with her.

I don't want to keep my hopes up, it will just crush me again. Hopes brings pain. It is painful for someone like me who is just an ordinary wolf to hope. It will only lead to confusion and frustration.

It was around five in the afternoon when I decided to look for some dress to wear. I found the white dress that I once wore when my parents received an award given by the leaders last year. I hope it still fits my body.

If only I could not attend that once in a lifetime event, I would. I don't think I will be able to handle the sight of them together. That would be excruciating and tormenting. However, since the Luna is a Vertina, which I belong to, my attendance is highly necessary. It is a celebration for my family.

It was around seven in the evening when we left our home. My sister looks gorgeous in her red flaring gown. Her dress seems to be inspired from fire, with the beads of black, red, and orange that are designed to look fiery. The dress reveals my sister's neck, shoulder, and back. Her right thigh is also shown because of the high slit.