Chapter 145

Violet’s POV

I couldn’t help but stare as I entered the ostentatiously decorated mansion in the Dawnbreak territory with Kincaid just a couple steps behind me. Our hosts had clearly spared no expense when preparing for the Annual Moon Goddess Ball.

It was our country’s most sacred gathering, intended to bring everyone together to celebrate the unity of our borders despite the territories that divided us within. It was a time when everyone put aside their differences and made an effort to get along. To remember we all served under the same king.

I wondered how his recent wrongdoings would impact the mood tonight.

In the spirit of unity, the ball was hosted by a different territory every year. Each territory was expected to prepare as they saw fit with an understanding that not every territory had the same resources. The intention was to show grace and humility, but it inevitably turned into a competition.

Based on how our hosts had decorated the Dawnbreak Mansion, they believed we were competing for who could appear the gaudiest. Based on that criteria, they were certainly in the lead.

I walked down a hallway whose floors, walls, and ceiling were all made of white marble. It was lined with a lush, red carpet that muted the sound of my black heels. They weren’t as high or pretty as the heels most women wore to this ball – or any ball, really – but I only ever wore shoes I could fight in. Just in case.

“How you feeling?” Kincaid stayed a step behind me but kept his question quiet enough for only me to hear. I had tasked him with helping keep my “rejection” symptoms discreet. I couldn’t afford for anyone to think I was weak.

Today had been a mild day for symptoms. I had hoped I would be lucky enough not to have any at all, but the Moon Goddess didn’t agree apparently. Still, the symptoms hadn’t bed-ridden me, and I’d only vomited once.

“I haven’t been dizzy since we left the house. Let’s hope it stays that way.”

As we made our way into the grand ballroom, I didn’t look around for Theo. Not because I had the will to ignore his impending presence but because, thanks to checking in with him through our magical bond, I knew he hadn’t yet arrived.

It took three pairs of wandering eyes before I realized that people were staring at the fractured band along my forehead.

“Alpha Donovan!”

I turned to find our hosts, Corine and Angelo Diamante, approaching me with wide grins.

I wasn’t as close to them as I was the Vainthotts, mostly because we didn’t have quite the same political visions. Still, we had always been cordial, friendly even. Even if we didn’t see eye-to-eye, their perspectives always felt logical and level-headed, which made it easy to respect their opinions even when I disagreed with them.

After some heartfelt embraces and a few pleasantries, I dug right in. “I’ve been informed of a rash of attacks on noble people. How is your territory faring?”

“We’re still hunting for the rogues responsible,” Angelo answered gravely. “How kind of you to ask.”

I cocked my head in masked disappointment. He thought I was referring to the bogus report of rogues attacking the territories – and he clearly believed them to be true if he was expending resources to hunt for those responsible. I wondered if he even knew about the attacks on nobles.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were impacted by that attack.” Even if I knew it hadn’t been rogues responsible for it, Owen had certainly used real people and homes to fake the attacks. The crime was a sham, but the devastation was true.

“But,” I clarified, “I was actually referring to the recent increase in attacks on nobles now that such an attack won’t result in being expelled as a rogue.”

Corine looked to her husband, who clearly knew as little as she did. “I haven’t heard of this. May I ask how you know about it?”

“I’d rather not reveal my sources,” I said. I certainly didn’t want to give the other Betas reason to stop looping in Kincaid.

“Something that important would have been all over the news,” Angelo said confidently. “Besides, even if there are more nobles getting attacked, I’m sure it’s not because of the recent law change. Sounds like coincidence to me.”

I needed to navigate carefully if I was going to maintain this alliance – and hopefully sway them later. “Well, regardless of what I may have heard, I’m glad to hear your noble class is doing well then.”

Corine inclined her head to the side as if that weren’t quite true. “Well, except the recent land restructuring and increased taxes the king recently applied specifically to the nobles.”

“Now, Corine,” Angelo patted her hand affectionately where it was wrapped around his arm. “I’m sure the king has his reasons.”

These were not bad people. They were simply over-trusting and loyal. I noted them down in a category in my mind of Alphas who might stand with us if given enough evidence against Owen – but not without it.

As the hosts, they politely excused themselves to make themselves available to other guests, too.

It only took an hour of mingling and catching up to realize there were three categories of Alphas: those who already hated Owen and were practically looking for an opportunity to challenge his rule, those like the Diamantes who would need hard evidence against the king, and those like the late Rylan Blackwell and Lucas who would follow Owen blindly to their last breath.

There were more in that third category than I preferred.

Still, I spoke with them all, turned on my charm, left each one with a dazzling smile, and thanked the Moon Goddess for easing up on the dizziness.

My heart swelled when the Haywards caught my attention. Friendship with them felt like a link to Theo since we had befriended them together. “Tyron, Helene!”

They welcomed me fondly, with maybe even a gleam of knowing in their eyes. With a hint of mischief, Helene promised to come visit me soon, then someone else swept them up in conversation.

An inkling of suspicion tugged at me. How much do Helene and Tyron know? I asked down the bond.

Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you about that…

I chuckled to myself at Theo’s response. By the Goddess, Theo, how many people have you told our secret to? Tyron, Helene, Dahlia, Sophia knows enough… anyone else I should know about?

I didn’t tell him, Theo responded, but I’m pretty sure Master Remy knows, too.

Of course he did. Master Remy didn’t miss anything.

By the way, Theo added in my mind, you look beautiful in that dress.

I looked up to find my mate across the room, having just entered. He was so deliciously handsome, and I didn’t care if anyone noticed me staring. Mostly because lusting after him played into our scheme.

He, on the other hand, didn’t have the same luxury and was smart enough to quickly look away. His date however, who was clinging to his arm, pinned me with a clear and blatant glare.

Thanks, I thought to him, but I think you’d much prefer what I’m wearing underneath.

I smiled smugly as Theo choked on air and swallowed to regain his composure. I hope you wear it tomorrow, so I have a chance to see it.

Eva tugged on Theo’s arm to get his attention. I watched intently as they exchanged a few words. Theo looked hesitant, but Eva was determined.

Once their conversation was over, she stepped forward, pulling Theo farther into the room.

Well, his voice filled my head, prepare yourself. Apparently, we’re coming over to say hi.