Chapter 3
Lina's pov
The evening arrived fast, even after I so much wished for time to slow down. The memory of how everything had played out previously still haunted me, even knowing that I had the upper hand this time.
I looked over to my bed, staring blankly at the blue gown adorned with gold patterns and shining gem stones that rested on it. To think that I had previously lost all access to these kinds of luxury in the blink of an eye made me scoff at how fast situations changed.
My mom had specially sent the blue gown over, wanting me to look my best. It was extremely gorgeous and extravagant,but this time…I had no intention of wearing it.
Rolling my eyes, I turned away from the dress and walked towards my wardrobe. My eyes scanned the dresses, all different shades of blue with different designs. Damn, talk about being obsessed with a particular color, I was a perfect example.
My sight fell on one odd dress that I was extremely sure wasn't mine. A red dress, I've never owned a red dress, so how did this get here?
I picked it up, observing the patterns and design. It was a slender red gown with a slit at the back, off shoulder…adorned with black pearl beads. The dress was dazzling, and as much as I tried hard to remember…i just couldn't recall ever owning something like this.
"Carla, should I wear this?" I whispered to my wolf, curious of her opinion.
"Red is a color that you're not known for. It'll be fun to watch their reaction when they see you turn up with a different look." She replied in a teasing tone, making me chuckle softly.
"Then it's decided." I agreed, ripping the dress off the hanger to put it on. Usually, I've always had the maids to dress me up, but I specifically asked them all to let me be this time.
I was soon done, and then I called Ana in to do my makeup.
Ana's hands trembled slightly as she worked on my face, her eyes darting to my reflection every now and then like she was seeing a stranger.
"You… you look different, Miss Lina," she murmured, adjusting the final touch of red lipstick on my lips, which I've never worn until now. She has known me the longest among my maids, so I don't blame her for panicking over my new look.
"What? Am I not allowed to try something different? I asked in a teasing tone.
I rose from the chair and turned to the mirror. The woman staring back at me barely resembled the timid, obedient girl I used to be. The red gown clung to my figure perfectly, the dark pearls catching the light with every slight movement. My shoulders were bare, my back exposed just enough to draw attention without begging for it. My hair cascaded down my back in loose waves, no longer styled in the neat, modest way my mother preferred. I know she'll panic upon seeing me like this.
"This is wrong, Miss Lina," Ana whispered nervously. "Your mother specifically sent the blue gown. If she sees you like this—"
"She will survive," I replied calmly. "Help me with the necklace."
Ana hesitated, then obeyed, fastening the black gemstone around my neck. The moment it settled against my skin, Carla stirred.
"They will look at you tonight," she said, satisfied. "And the sight of you will be etched into their memories."
A knock came at the door. Sharp and impatient.
"Miss Lina," a servant called, "the Alpha family have gathered in the palace, including other guests . Your mother sent me to ask why you're still not there."
My pulse quickened from excitement. It was finally time. Being that we were part of the royal family, although distant relatives, we were allowed to live in the palace, our family were given our own special quarters.
"Tell her I'll be down shortly," I said.
When the door closed, I took one last look at myself. Even I couldn't believe the person looking back at me in the mirror was myself. I looked so different, more intimidating, more…evil.
With a soft breath, I stepped out into the hallway, the sound of my heels echoing softly against the marble floor. Servants paused mid-step, eyes widening as they took me in. Whispers followed behind me.
"That's Lina…" "Is that really her?" "She's wearing red…" "Tonight is the mating ceremony, she must have wanted to look different."
I ignored all the whispers, walking ahead.
As I descended the stairs, the distant hum of voices from the grand hall reached my ears, laughter, conversation, anticipation. Chandeliers glittered overhead, the entire pack gathered for what they believed would be a celebration. Ohh it would be fun to ruin it.
The doors to the hall slowly opened, and silence rippled through the crowd like a wave the moment I stepped inside.
Heads turned, breaths hitched.
I felt it then, the familiar pull, sharp and sudden, tugging at my chest.
My mate was in here, Kain Warlock, the man I once loved so dearly.
At the far end, I could see him standing beside his parents, dressed in ceremonial black and gold. His confident smile faltered the instant our eyes met. Shock flashed across his face, quickly followed by confusion… and something darker which I'd never seen in him before.
I lifted my chin, trying to act like my heart wasn't about to burst out of my chest as I walked forward, my heels echoing with each deliberate step. This was it, my turn for revenge. But why, why wouldn't this stupid heart stop racing at the sight of him.
Kain took an unconscious step toward me.
"Lina…" he called in a very familiar cold tone, making me stop in my tracks.
The hall was so quiet I could hear my own heartbeat.
And then, from behind him, a familiar face stepped out. Fucking Brielle.