Chapter 19%
Cliffe felt his world tilt the moment her name was announced. Aya Valthorne??
What were the odds??
His breath hitched as she stepped out from behind the curtain, draped in an elegant silver gown that shimmered under the chandeliers. She looked ethereal, like a goddess descended from the moon itself.
It was her. Aya. The woman he had dismissed so carelessly.
Regret slammed into him like a tidal wave. His hand tensed as Evelyn clutched it tighter, her nails digging into his skin. Around them, the room filled with gasps and murmurs of awe
“She’s a wolf? Cliffe muttered under his breath, his voice trembling. “A Luna?
Evelyn’s mocking whisper pulled him from his daze. “How could you not have noticed your sister was a wolf? And a powerful one at that?” Her tone dripped with venom, a twisted smirk tugging at her lips.
His hands balled into fists. He felt the urge to strangle her, but his eyes remained locked on Aya. Pain stabbed through him as he watched the Alpha of Darkcrest, the pack his own was subservient to escort her with careful reverence. The way they moved together was seamless, as though they were meant for each other
They looked perfect. Too perfect.3
The veins on his forehead throbbed with suppressed rage.
Evelyn leaned closer, her voice a dagger to his pride. “I guess there’s no way to get her back now. How could you possibly compete with him?“8
“Shut up,” Cliffe growled, his sone dangerously low. His woll stirred, clawing at him, but there was nothing he could do. The realization hit him like a final blow he had lost her. And this time, it was forever?
Cliffe’s jaw tightened as he painfully watched Aya and Ryan glide effortlessly through the crowd, their movements synchronized as if they were made for each other. Jealousy bubbled in his chest, twisting his thoughts into a dark storm. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her, glowing like the moon in her silver gown.
Beside him, Evelyn seethed silently. Men were so fickle, she thought bitterly, her hate for Cliffe and Aya deepening. Yet, her expression remained composed, her mind calculating if Cliffe was too distracted to notice what he had lost, she’d force his hand. It was time to set her plan into motion.
Evelyn’s eyes narrowed as she noticed Cliffe’s attention drift completely to Aya. Taking advantage of his distraction, she subtly reached into her purse and retrieved a small vial. The aphrodisiac she had purchased from the black market was potent, and it would do exactly what she needed. With a practiced motion, she tipped its contents into his drink and gave it a gentle swid, watching as he absentmindedly lifted the glass to his lips.
She leaned back, feigning disinterest, as he drank it without hesitation. A slow, satisfied smile crept onto her face.
Moments later, Cliffe began to fidget. His body felt unnaturally warm, an uncomfortable heat building in his chest and spreading outward. He tugged at his collar, trying to loosen it for air. His vision blurred slightly, and his breathing grew shallow.
“I’m going to the restroom,” he muttered, his voice tight. He didn’t wait for Evelyn’s response, turning his back and walking away hurriedly
“Okay,” she said sweetly, her tone dripping with false innocence.
Cliffe barely registered her sudden calmness as he fought against the heat overtaking his senses. Something felt wrong, but his mind was too clouded to think clearly. His only focus now was to get to the restroom and steady himself.
Evelyn watched him disappear into the crowd, her lips curling into a wicked grin, Everything was going according to plan.
Evelyn slipped quietly into the restroom, ensuring no one saw her. Inside, she found Cliffe gripping the edge of the sink, his knuckles white as water ran from the faucet. His body was tense, his chest heaving as he struggled against the growing heat consuming him.”
He sensed her presence immediately, his bloodshot eyes snapping up to meet hers in the mirror His gaze was sharp, furious! “What are you doing here?” he growled, his voice strained and low!!
“Here to make you feel better, Evelyn replied smoothly, a wicked smile playing on her lips as she began shedding her clothes. Cliffe’s breathing quickened further, his body betraying his resistance “What did you do?” he demanded, his tone laced with suspicion and anger.
“Nothing you wouldn’t enjoy,” she purred, stepping closer. “We’ve done this before, remember? Don’t worry, this time will be even better.” Her voice was honeyed, dripping with manipulation.
Cliffe sneered, his expression hard despite the fire coursing through him. “You’re a truly scary woman,” he spat, his teeth gritted. “Scary,” Evelyn echoed with a laugh, reaching out to touch him. “And yet, you can’t say no to me. Let’s make this quick, shall we? Her lips curled into a triumphant smirk as she pulled him into a kiss.”
Outside the restroom, a maid was cleaning up when faint, suggestive noises reached her ears. Her eyes widened in shock, and she quickly abandoned her task to report the incident to the hosts of the ball.
Moments later, Aya’s mother arrived at the restroom, followed by Aya, Ryan, Vivian, and a few other curious guests. The muffled sounds behind the door were unmistakable, and the older woman’s brow furrowed in disapproval.
“Hello?” Aya’s mother called out sharply, her voice firm as she knocked on the door. No response came, only the continued noises.
Aya turned red with embarrassment, averting her gaze as Ryan stood beside her, clearly amused. He chuckled softly and whispered, “Wolves really do have no sense of timing.”
2:23 PM
Aya
