The Masquerade

Clary's POV

It was around eight in the evening when Alpha Xylo and Andrea went out of the castle. Alpha is wearing a black coat with a red long sleeves underneath, his clothes matched perfectly the elegant dress that my sister wear. Her hand is holding his arm as they walked outside and all I could think is that they looked perfect for each other.

Behind them, I saw both my parents and Alpha’s mother smiling in the crowd. They looked really happy with the mate of their offspring. I cannot help but wonder if my parents will be happy if ever I found my mate.

I bit my lip when I saw Alpha Xylo’s hand at my sister’s waist. I shouldn’t be here.

“The long wait is finally over! Let us all welcome Alpha and Luna!” said by the emcee as both of them walked on the red carpet that was made for them.

“In front of us, our Luna, Ms. Andrea Vertina…and of course, his mate, Alpha…Mr. Xylo Crosswind!” The crowd clapped and cheered for the two of them.

I bit my lip, feeling so pathetic for being here and watching them together without the capability to do something. I know, I have been helpless and pathetic since the day that I was born…but today, I felt more helpless than ever. I wanted to be that one person to be on his side but the world, being so cruel, decided that it will be my sister that will be on that place.

I never envied my sister before, ever. I know our differences and I know that she excels at the things that I am lacking of…but I never envied her for it. I never wished to be her, not until this moment. I wanted to hold those hands and I wanted to be held by his hands…and I have never wanted someone like this. It is too difficult to neglect these feelings; it is too strong to ignore…

Luigi pinched my hand. “You okay?”

I just nodded and drank the remaining champagne in my glass. Hoping that this heaviness in my chest would subside even just a bit.

‘He is our mate; I am sure of it.’ There goes Cordia again, giving me some hope for something that we have no control of.

‘You should forget him.’ I answered at her with no intention of arguing.

‘Can you?’ She asked as if she already knows the answer.

‘We could try.’ I answered with no energy at all, getting tired of these all things.

‘And if we fail?’

‘At least, we tried.’ It is the only thing that we can do. Other than that, the hoping, the watching from afar, the begging, should not be considered. It will make myself more pitiful and desperate.

“Clary?” I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Luigi calling my name.

“Huh?” I said momentarily, unable to gasped the things that are going on.

“Let me introduce you to my mother,” he said which made me confused. My mouth slightly opened with the idea that he will be introducing me.

He guided me as I held his arm with his hand holding my hand on his arm. Too tired and consumed in this event, I was not able to refuse Luigi with his offer. This made us closer with Alpha and my sister. I saw him from distance, they were talking with probably a member of the family of leaders. I was not sure as I cannot think right.

When we passed by at them, I saw his cold gaze landed at me and his brother’s hand. I bit my lip out of nervousness. He should stop doing that, acting like he cares or something. He is just complicating things and bothering my fragile heart. It is making me hope and it is no good.

We also passed by at my parents, Luigi greeted them out of respect. My mother did not even turn her gaze at me, she just looked at Luigi. She is probably curious why I am with someone as mighty as him. My dad, on the other hand, stared at me seriously. Again, I cannot understand those stare of him. I wish he could speak out his thoughts so I could understand him more.

Luigi called for the attention it was mother. She looks intimidating like his other son. I gulped when she stares at me, too uncomfortable when she scanned me. “Mother, this is Clary Vertina…my date for today.”

I almost panicked when he said that last sentence. I froze out of shock with his words.

His mother nodded and smiled but I could still feel intimidated with her presence. “Nice to meet you, hija.” She said with full elegance as she extended her hands.

I immediately shake her hands. Too afraid that if I will be late even just for a second for not shaking her hands, she will be disappointed and angry.

“My pleasure, ma’am.” I softly said.

I felt relieved when Luigi excused us. I can never withstand their family’s intensity. We joined the crowd again and did go for a dance when a music went on. He would casually throw some jokes when I look so out of place. The rest of the night went okay, not until when Alpha kissed Andrea in front of everyone. He looks intimately at her as he kisses her red lips. Andrea obviously liked the intimate kiss between them and I can only watch them from afar.

Just as I thought that I am starting to adjust with them being together, an unseen dagger pierced through my heart with the sight of them kissing. The crowd roared out of happiness for the two of them. I cannot do the same, though. I wish I could, but this traitor heart wouldn’t allow me.

I only noticed that my tears are rolling out of my eyes when Luigi removed his half face masquerade and placed it in my eyes…and that’s when my tears poured even more.