The celestial melody of the orchestra encircled the ball. The ball dance commenced shortly. The intense music of the violin captivated everyone's soul.
The pairs gathered in the middle of the ball for the Viennese Waltz. The guests began to mumble about how I ended up in my debut ball without a partner.
The mockery in the faces of the guests was apparent. The pairs began to dance, rotating, through the entire ball in fast-paced steps.
"Isn't this a first for the White Wolves' that an inheritor appeared without their mate? Is this how the pack's downfall starts?"
"What a shame!"
"The pack deserves someone better."
"It's comprehensible if she's mateless. But isn't she an alpha? She should be able to mark anyone as her mate. Or perhaps she's not an alpha?"
Even the wolves began to converse openly to humiliate my pack members. The noble betas of the packs, holding significant positions in my grandpa's company, stared at each other awkwardly.
"Bailey, where's your partner?" My grandpa turned to me, getting concerned. "Where's Athereld?" My grandpa turned to the guards and questioned coldly. The guards trembled slightly at his aura, staring at each other's faces.
My grandpa's eyes glowed up slightly as he closed his eyes shortly. I had seen the other wolves do this to connect through their pack links. However, it appeared as if my grandpa had sent an alpha order.
I was aware of the calamities that would befall if the other packs discovered my wolf hadn't awakened.
I thought Caspian would get on the dance floor with Aphrodite as the harmonious melody enchanted the guests with the beautiful Waltz dance, creating a surreal atmosphere.
However, Caspian put the glass on the bar calmly. Aphrodite smiled at him gently. Caspian walked past Aphrodite, heading toward me, surprising everyone.
Caspian held up his palm forward, asking me for my first dance. I couldn't believe my eyes for a moment. The narcissistic man despising my existence had given up on his pride to have the first dance with me.
"Why?" I asked, mumbling. I could see Aphrodite's astounded face behind. The guests turned to us, unable to comprehend the drama unveiled before them.
Caspian smiled as the dimples appeared on his cheeks. I couldn't take my eyes off him. No wonder I fell for this man's beauty. For a moment, the smile on his ethereal face made me weak to my desires, wanting me to give up and take his hand.
Caspian's smile widened as he got close to me. He leaned down, whispering seductively into my ears.
"How can I let them talk ill about my pack? Besides, I must say you look quite appetizing tonight. Is it because of what I stated earlier today?" Caspian asked, smirking.
"You already have a partner. So do I. Stop humiliating your fiance in front of everyone. How can I always act like a damsel in distress when I have already decided to lead my pack in the future," I answered calmly, staring at Caspian.
Caspian's face hardened as his eyes began to change their colors.
"Did you say, partner?" Caspian grabbed me by my shoulders. "Athereld is not here. Then who is it?" Caspian almost yelled. I stared into Caspian's eyes, hoping to see through his soul. However, his arctic blue eyes had the depth of an ocean.
The guests were too captivated by the ball dance. The musicians increased the intensity of the melody. Hence, the guests didn't bother to pay attention to us.
My grandpa had raised Caspian. However, it was the first time he observed Caspian losing his temper. I noticed Athereld entering the ball.
I assumed my grandpa had summoned Athereld into the ball to save my reputation.
"Bailey!" Athereld called my name. Caspian's eyes flared up even more.
"Why are you here?" Caspian asked Athereld coldly.
"Are you going to pretend you don't know?" Athereld answered calmly.
Caspian appeared on the verge of losing his sanity to his wolf. I recalled the night Caspian had lost his senses to his wolf in the car. I took a step back, staring at him cautiously.
Athereld held his palm before me for the first dance. The cameras turned to us rapidly. It was an unexpected event.
The guests couldn't fathom why the doctor was in a ball dance in his formal apron, and the two were fighting among themselves to dance with me. Both of them spread their palms for me.
However, I smiled brightly as my partner entered the hall. The guests turned to my partner as the gorgeous royal blue gown gleamed.
The off-shoulder gown exposed her exquisite dark skin with the butterflies encasing her cleavage.
Cassidy got agitated as the cameras turned to her. Cassidy was a commoner. Apart from the members of my shooting club, no one recognized Cassidy.
"She's so pretty. But who is she? I have never seen her in an assembly before."
"Is this a Cinderella? Is she gonna disappear after twelve?"
"What the hell are you even talking about?"
People couldn't stop talking about Cassidy. No one noticed that Aphrodite had left the ball.
A smirk appeared on the corner of my mouth as I had never felt this proud before. It took a lot of effort to convince Cassidy. Catherine had taken an oath not to let that gown go in vain.
The guests stared at me awkwardly as I went to Cassidy, placing my arms around her shoulders.
"This is my partner," I declared boldly as the entire hall was in awe.
Caspian stared at me flatly. Athereld had lost words. I took Cassidy's hands into mine as the music began to play again.
I gently placed my hands on Cassidy's back as we began to rotate with the music. Cassidy was an excellent musician. However, I didn't assume she would be good at dancing.
Though I had never danced at a ball before, Cassidy led me perfectly as the beautiful gown floated happily with our every move, mesmerizing the guests.
The banquet finally ended. The guests left gradually. I had never felt this drained before. My grandpa couldn't thank Cassidy enough for helping me out.
My uncle and grandpa continued to discuss in the hall as I came upstairs exhaustedly.
It was already midnight. The giant corridor was showered in moonlight, creating a surreal ambiance. The fragrance of the flowers encircling it was intoxicating.
A conversation caught my attention as I hesitantly moved forward. I was startled by the unexpected scenario.
Caspian had Athereld pinned against the massive pillar as his eyes had turned amber while gasping for air.
Athereld, on the contrary, appeared calm.
"Do you think I am not aware of my mate? My wolf recognized its mate the very first day. But there's no way I will ever accept a rogue as my mate," Caspian said as his face muscle hardened.
"I can understand your hatred for the rogues since your parents were killed by them. However, that doesn't mean you possess the right to hurt your mate. In the end, you will only end up hurting yourself," Athereld said calmly.
My heart pounded inside my ribcage so hard that I felt like it would break. The twisted knot returned to my stomach.
"Who is this rogue mate that Athereld is talking about? It can't be Aphrodite. She is the alpha of the Black snakes," I wondered.
"This way, you are betraying yourself more than you are betraying Aphrodite and your mate," Athereld said.
Caspian suddenly broke into laughter as his grip tightened on Athereld's body.
"Aphrodite wanted you as her mate. Since you left the alpha's throne, she needs me. Do you think I am stupid? Aphrodite never once loved me. You snatched her from me, and now you are taking that rogue's side! You are the biggest imposter here. What do you really want?" Caspian coldly asked, grabbing Athereld's chin violently.
"You."