*~Aurora’s POV~*
I walked down the staircase with the Luna clinging tightly to my arm, our fingers intertwined like lovers. Wolves turned to stare—so curious, so confused, so downright shocked. I tried to look calm, but her grip on only tightened, making my skin crawl.
We reached the ballroom—bright lights, music, silk gowns, spinning bodies. The Luna leaned close.
"Tell , Eric... have you ever danced with a lady before?"
"D-d-dance?" I stamred.
She giggled. "Oh yes, Eric. Dance. Have you ever danced at all?" She brushed a hand over my shoulder. "Aren’t you just the cutest little inexperienced man?"
My stomach twisted painfully. I didn’t even know what she ant by half the things she said.
"But don’t worry," she purred, "I’ll teach you. Dancing isn’t sothing you learn—it cos from your heart."
Her fingers trailed down my chest.
Straight over my breastplate.
Her hand paused.
She pressed harder. "Why is your chest so hard? It feels like iron."
I forced a laugh. "Isn’t every man’s chest like that?"
"Oh?" She rubbed the tal again slowly. "Strange. Very strange..."
Panic stabbed through . I needed to get away. I needed distance before she ripped the plates off and exposed .
"M-mom," I blurted, "are you sure the Alpha won’t be angry about... us being so close?"
"My husband?" She gave an amused snort. "Oh, darling. The Alpha has nothing to do with this. Look—he’s busy with one of his many mistresses."
She pointed toward him.
And there he was—laughing, drinking, two won draped over him.
My eyes drifted—and landed on Leon.
My Leon.
He stood beside the Alpha, arms crossed with the king’s arm slung over his shoulder, talking to several she-wolves who were practically falling over him. My fingers curled into fists.
"See?" the Luna said. "Even your friend is enjoying himself with other won. The Alpha must like him... the sa way I like you."
"The sa way I like you?" I repeated weakly.
She winked. "You can interpret it however you want."
My skin crawled. "I—I need to use the restroom."
"Oh! Did I make you uncomfortable?" She covered her mouth dramatically. "The restroom is outside on the left. Ask the guards."
"I know the way," I muttered before speed-walking away.
The mont I left her line of sight, I stopped and sucked in the deepest breath I’d ever taken.
"Goddess. Why is she so horny?" I whispered to myself. A small tug pulled at my trousers.
I looked down. Damien stood there, Lucien’s older brother.
"Oh—hi," I said. "Are you lost?" I looked around to see if that little monster was not around.
"Lost?" He arched a brow. "In my own ho?" He said staring at like I said the funniest stuff which I actually did by the way.
I forced a laugh. "Right. Funny."
He blinked at , all seriousness. "My brother told you’re a woman pretending to be a man. I just ca here to confirm it."
My heart stopped.
I blinked. He thrust his face into mine.
Oh no. Lucien must have fooled his elder brother after he promised not to.
"You know your brother is quite a joker. He must be lying."
"I don’t think Lucien is lying," Damien said. "Even though I know Lucien can be quite dumb sotis... I think he’s actually telling the truth."
"What do you an? That I’m a woman?" I put my hands around my waist, standing strong like a man. "Look at . I’m a man. My look—"
"Uh, I know," he interrupted, "but you look quite pretty to be a man. And you know..." he put his fingers on his lips, "I have actually been suspecting you for a while. And Lucien just proved my point."
"Ugh. So... no, he must be lying."
"You don’t need to lie, Eric. What’s your na? I an your real na." He ca closer.
I started fighting myself inside. Should I just co out to him? He seed much smarter than his brother. If I could get him to promise he wouldn’t tell anyone, that would be nice, right? And he could also help keep his younger brother on a leash. But still... if I confessed to him, Leon would get mad that I ca out to another person again. And they are kids, which ans our secrecy would be exposed eventually.
I looked at him. "You know what, Damien? I need to ease myself now. By the ti I get back, don’t worry, we’ll talk about it."
"I know you’re lying," he said, "but I will stand here and wait for you. You can take as much ti as you want. I’m not running away." He smiled.
Maybe I should run away.
That’s nice. Leon will co find wherever he is.
I rushed down to where the Queen had directed , and then I saw so guards.
"I’m sorry, I want to ease myself. The Queen told to co here."
"Okay, you’re a man, aren’t you?" one of them asked. "You don’t need the restroom. Just pee at the wall there. Go to the wall over there and ease yourself."
I knew they were right—n could ease themselves anywhere. But I was a woman; I couldn’t expose myself on a wall where anyone could pass by.
I walked toward the wall. Maybe I should just run away.
I almost started climbing it, but I fell back. I might be disguised as a man, but I didn’t have the strength of one.
"Jump, Aurora, jump. You are strong."
I tried lifting myself, angling my body on the wall, but my arms were too weak and I fell again.
"Damn it."
Then I heard a voice behind . "Do you need any help?"
I turned to see the blind girl from earlier.. whose na I’ve almost forgotten her na.
Isabelle? Gabrielle?
She stood behind with her blindfold, I wonder how she knew I was there.
I dusted my hands and turned to her. "No I’m not I said.. I’m just trying to run away."
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