The Unwanted.

Selene~

Her raven-like hair flowed from her shoulders to her waist. Her emerald eyes carried a sense of pride. Her tanned skin complemented her features. Her frame almost towered over me. 

She had gold ink printed all over her body as if they were some mantras. She wore two pieces of clothing which I could not recall.

Her attire was simple yet regal—a black, gold-embroidered dress with a crimson sash draped around her waist, the flowing fabric hinting at power and grace.

While I observed her from head to toe, she spared me only a fleeting glance. Her lips curved into a smile that was anything but welcoming. "It's a pleasure meeting you..."

"Selene," I completed as she nodded with a faint hum. "Ah, if you don't mind," she added, her voice smooth but edged, "I have matters to discuss with Damien."

Unintentionally, her taking Damien's name stirred something in me. A not-so-pleasant feeling.

The way his name rolled off her tongue made me stare at her for more seconds before I jerked my head in the other direction. "Excuse me," I made my way as she entered the room. 

The moment I turned, the door had already been closed. 

My breaths were uneven. I almost bore a hole in that door, my hands clenched in painful fists.

***

"So, what happened with Damien?" Lyla's voice echoed breaking the chain of my thoughts. I blinked at her as her sharp eyes scrutinized me from top to bottom.

Kira and Mira who stood behind her watched me as if they were also trying to decipher my feelings. 

"I...." I took a pause, as I arranged the words in my mind, "It was just a simple examination."

"Was it?" Suspicion is evident in her voice. 

"Miss Lyla, did you suspect that Luna is lying?" Mira added as she also assessed my expressions while Kira palmed her mouth. 

I fisted the fabric in my hand. I turned in another direction keeping my face lower. I tried to calm my nerves by looking at the scenery in front of me. The lawn stretched out before me, lush and green, with a variety of flowers scattered here and there, their colors adding a gentle vibrance to the serene landscape.

Lyla's voice fell in my ear, "Her face was flushed, and her pace was sharper than usual."

She paused for a brief moment before adding, "Which only means she was either embarrassed... or angry about something." 

Kira chimed in with a playful smile and tugged at her lips. "Or maybe someone." 

I huffed in annoyance. "You're implying she's angry at the Alpha?"

I scoffed at Mira's suggestion, though my chest tightened at her words. 

Had they noticed? 

My hand instinctively brushed against my cheek as heat crept up. Memories of Damien standing close, his commanding and overwhelming presence, flashed through my mind. My breath hitched as I recalled how his proximity had left me shaken to my core. 

Kira didn't miss the way my actions were. Her eyes lit up with mischief as she leaned closer and spoke louder than expected, "Oh, someone's flustered. Tell me, did our Alpha and Luna have a good time?" Her voice teased. 

"No," I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended, "Nothing happened."

"If she claims nothing transpired, then something most certainly did." this time it was Lyla.

I quickly turned away, hoping they wouldn't catch the trembling of my hands or the way my heart raced at the mere mention of him. 

Mira exchanged a knowing glance with Kira as she did with Lyla. Her lips curled into a faint smile. "You're not very convincing, you know," Mira said softly, but there was no malice in her tone, only curiosity. 

"I said it's nothing," I insisted, my voice more controlled this time. 

Kira sighed dramatically, throwing her hands in the air. "Fine, fine. But if you keep looking like that every time his name comes up, don't blame us for being curious." 

I didn't reply. Instead, I busied myself with the wildflowers, pretending their words hadn't struck a nerve. But deep down, I knew they were right.

Damien's presence had unsettled me in ways I couldn't fully understand—or admit to it.

As we walked, I found ourselves around the boundaries of the manor. The stone boundary wall, covered in creeping ivy, is a barrier between the manor and the world beyond.

I turned to the entrance when my eyes fell on Max who walked in another direction. 

"Max," I called him out but he did not seem to hear me as he kept walking. I walked in his direction, pulling the gown. 

The ground was not plain enough to walk comfortably to get to him. And the belles did not help me either. "Max!" This time, I raised my pitch to get his attention and finally, he stopped in his track. 

He turned to find me just behind him. "Selene," as he noticed my presence, he too walked in my direction. An unintentional smile tugged at my lips when my steps falter. 

I stumbled on the uneven ground as my foot caught on a hidden root. I closed my eyes bracing myself for the fall.

A few moments passed when I felt a strong grip on my arms, steadying me.

"Careful," Max's voice was low, a mix of concern and amusement. His grip was firm but gentle, and he held me until I opened my eyes and found my balance.

I looked up at him, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. "Thanks," I muttered, brushing off my gown as if that would erase the awkward moment.

Max didn't let go immediately. I could still feel his grip as if he still contemplated about me being steady. His eyes searched mine unknown of the fact that many gazes were upon us.