Chapter 49 Alex’s Dilemma
Nova’s Perspective
Alex’s hands are slightly damp against mine as we move slowly across the dance floor, trying to follow the rhythm of the music.
“I’ve never been to a ball like this before,” she whispers, her voice full of awe as her wide eyes roam across the room.
I can’t blame her. Maren goes all the way.
The ceiling stretches impossibly high above us, glowing beneath the light of a massive chandelier hanging at the center of the room.
It’s so large it almost feels alive, scattering reflections everywhere, catching on jewels, glasses, and embroidered gowns until the entire room seems to shimmer.
It’s beautiful.
And completely exhausting.
People glide around us dressed in clothing worth more than most homes, smiling polite smiles that never quite reach their eyes.
“At least the food is incredible,” I murmur, trying not to laugh as a server passes carrying a tray of tiny pastries. “That’s the only thing keeping me sane right now.”
Alex smiles faintly, though her attention keeps darting everywhere at once.
Across the room, I spot Jax near one of the pillars, deep in conversation with Rowan. Even from here, I notice how his gaze keeps drifting back to me every few seconds.
I quickly look away before he notices me watching.
“I thought you came from one of the big families,” I say casually as we turn in another slow circle.
She laughs softly. “Rich, yes. Powerful? Not really.” She wrinkles her nose slightly. “My father only came into money recently. Some distant relative died and left everything to him. We didn’t even know the man existed.”
Her rings press lightly into my fingers as she adjusts her grip. “So all of this?” She gestures subtly around the ballroom. “Still feels unreal.”
I nod, understanding more than she probably realizes.
“Honestly,” I say quietly, sweeping my gaze across the crowd again. Most faces look bored or tense, smiles forced into place for appearances. “Everyone here looks miserable,” “Except Alpha Maren.
Alex follows my gaze toward the entrance.
Maren stands near the entrance, greeting guests as they arrive, completely at ease in the chaos she created. Confidence clings to her like perfume.
I hate how striking she is. Tall, poised, her dark hair falling smoothly to her shoulders, her sharp cheekbones giving her an almost dangerous beauty. She looks powerful.
If she and Cassain didn’t despise each other so much, they would probably make a terrifyingly perfect match.
“So,” Alex says, her tone turning playful, “what’s happening with you and Jax? It looks serious.”
Heat creeps into my cheeks. “Maybe. I’m still deciding.” I shift slightly, adjusting the necklace at my throat where it rubs irritably against my skin.
“He wants me to move to his village when everything here settles.”
Her brows lift. “That’s a big step. What’s stopping you?”
I hesitate, my gaze drifting across the dance floor again, landing on Cassain as he moves effortlessly with Lexa.
“Honestly?” I admit quietly. “Cassain.”
Alex exhales slowly, her shoulders rolling back like she’d expected that answer.
“Can I be honest with you, Nova?”
A small knot forms in my stomach. “Of course.”
“I really like you,” she says gently. “I think we could be good friends.
“But,” she continues, her fingers tightening slightly around mine, “if I’m chosen… I don’t know how I’m supposed to be with Cassain when he clearly has feelings for you.”
I blink, stunned.
My eyes widen.
Alex has never spoken so directly before. Her blue gaze holds steady on mine, leaving no room to dodge the statement.
“He doesn’t have feelings for me,” I say quickly, maybe a little too firmly. “We’re just friends.”
I don’t blame her for worrying, though. She came here looking for love, real love. That honesty is something I admire deeply about her.
Alex shakes her head slightly.
“I watch people,” she says quietly. “I notice things. The way he looks at you.”
She leans closer so only I can hear her.
“I want something real,” she admits. “Nova. If Cassain can’t give that to me… I can’t stay.”
“That’s completely fair,” I say softly, watching Cassain guide Lexa through a smooth turn across the floor. “You should talk to Cassain, Just be honest with him. He respects honesty more than anything.”
“What if he sends me home?” she asks, worry tightening her expression.
The truth sits heavily in my chest. Cassain isn’t afraid of rejection, he’s afraid of choosing. And Alex… Alex makes choosing real. She’s kind, intelligent, and strong enough to stand beside him as a true Luna. That alone probably terrifies him.
“If that happens,” I say carefully, “then maybe it was never meant to work out anyway.” I tell her gently, placing my hands on her shoulders.
“But honestly? I told him you’re probably his best option. He seemed interested.”
Alex’s face brightens instantly, hope flickering across her features. “Do you mind if I ask him to dance?”
“Go ahead,” I tell her with a small smile.
She squeezes my hand before walking toward him. I step off the dance floor before she reaches him, choosing not to watch.
Seeing them together should feel simple. Easy.
Instead, something tight pulls in my chest, an ache I thought I’d buried long ago.
Cassain isn’t mine. Never was.
I remind myself of that as I grab a flute of sparkling wine from a passing tray. I rarely drink at these events, but tonight my emotions feel too loud to ignore.
One sip burns softly down my throat.
Maybe one more glass.
Before I can take another, someone rushes past me, slamming into my shoulder.
Cold liquid splashes down the front of my dress.
I gasp, barely catching the glass before it hits the floor.
Wine spreads across the fabric, soaking through my chest instantly.
“Shit,” I mutter.
“I’m so sorry!” a server blurts, looking absolutely horrified. “I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
“No, it’s alright,” I reassure quickly. “Really, accidents happen.”
I grab a handful of napkins from a nearby table and press them against the damp fabric, trying to absorb the sticky spill before it sets.
“Please, come with me,” he says urgently. “I think I have something that can help remove the stain.”
I hesitate only long enough to glance back toward the dance floor. Cassain now dances with Alex, his posture relaxed, his attention fully on her.
Good.
“Thank you,” I say as he leads me into the kitchens.
The atmosphere shifts immediately. Servants hurry between counters, trays clatter, and the air smells of spices and warm bread. No one pays us much attention; everyone is too busy preparing food for the endless stream of guests.
“Don’t thank me yet,” the server says nervously, guiding me toward a sink.
He wets a cloth, pours something sharp-smelling into a bowl, adds water, then dips the fabric inside before turning toward me.
“Would you like me to—”
I take it quickly. “No, I’ve got it. I’ve cleaned enough stains in my life.”
The last thing I need is a stranger putting his hands on my breast.
I dab carefully at the dress, silently begging the fabric to survive this disaster. I made this gown myself, every stitch, every bead. Losing it would feel like losing a piece of myself.
“Again, I’m sorry, Nova,” he says, running a hand through his thick brown curls. “I really wasn’t paying attention.”
I freeze.
Slowly, I look up.
“You know my name?”
He blinks, confused. “Well… yes. Everyone does. You’re the Alpha’s mistress.”
A quiet breath leaves me.
Right. Of course.
Standing beside Cassain has given me a reputation whether I wanted one or not, and not exactly the flattering kind.
“Right,” I murmur, returning to the stain.
The wine’s scent fades beneath whatever mixture he prepared, and relief loosens my shoulders when the dark mark begins to lift from the fabric.
Then, after a moment of silence, he speaks again.
“Do I look familiar to you?”
I pause mid-motion and glance up at him properly this time.