Chapter 0260
As I sipped the bubbly liquid, I scanned the room, taking in the fruits of my labor. The decorations sparkled under the chandeliers. Guests mingled happily, their laughter and chatter filling the air. The scent of expensive perfumes and aftershaves mingled with the aroma of gourmet hors d’oeuvres and alcohol. By all accounts, the gala was a resounding success.
But then, my eyes landed on Leonard, standing across the room. He was watching me intently, a smug expression on his face. Anger bubbled up inside me. How dare he mess with my seating arrangements? How dare he put Zoe next to Noah? How dare he meddle with my night? I decided I would hold my tongue no longer. I set my glass down, prepared to march over and give him a piece of my mind. But before I could take a step, a familiar voice stopped me. “Luna Hannah. It has been far too long.”
I turned to find myself face to face with the Luna Queen herself. She was just as regal as I remembered, her presence immediately commanding the respect of not only myself but also my wolf. Her silver hair was styled in an elegant updo, and her dark gown practically sparkled under the lights.
“Luna Alanna,” I said, curtsying. “It’s a pleasure to see you. I’m so glad you came.”
She nodded slightly, a tiny smile tugging at her lips. “I wouldn’t have missed it.” She paused, looking around as she swirled her wine. “I must say, your charity gala appears to have been a tremendous success already.” Then, leaning in and dropping her voice, she added, “I left a sizable donation in the booth earlier.”
I blinked in surprise. “Wow… Thank you, Your Majesty. That means so much to me. The funds raised tonight will make a huge difference in our community.”
“I have no doubt they will,” she replied with a curt nod. “Rather, I have no doubt that you will make a huge difference, Luna Hannah.”
My cheeks flushed, but before I could respond, she said, “In fact, I’m so impressed by your work that I’d like to extend an invitation. I want you to visit my council for a day, to be evaluated by the other women before you join.”
Her words left me so taken aback that I nearly stumbled. My fingers tightened around the stem of my glass. Was she really…? Keep it together, I told myself. I didn’t want to give Luna Alanna the impression that I was timid, so I kept my voice even as I said, “That would be an honor, Luna Alanna. I’m looking forward to attending.”
The Luna Queen nodded, clearly pleased by my cool demeanor. Her eyes scanned the room like daggers seeking a target. “Now, where is your husband? I’d like to congratulate him on the event as well.”
My stomach dropped. I looked around, realizing that Noah hadn’t stayed consistently by my side all night, not since Zoe had taken her seat next to him at the opera. The realization stung, a sharp reminder of the distance between us.
Across the room, I spotted him chatting with a group of people. Zoe was among them, of course, standing closer to Noah than was strictly necessary. Her hand rested lightly on his arm as she laughed at something he said. The sight made my wolf growl with jealousy.
I swallowed hard, forcing a smile back onto my face as I turned to the Luna Queen. “Oh, Noah is mingling tonight,” I said, my voice steady despite the lump in my throat. “Greeting our guests and making connections. You know how men can be.”
The Luna Queen raised an eyebrow, her gaze following mine across the room. “I see,” she said, her tone neutral. “Well, perhaps we can catch up with him later. Tell me more about your plans for the charity, Luna Hannah. I’m quite interested in hearing about the impact you hope to make.”
Grateful for the change of subject, I launched into an explanation of our goals and initiatives. I pushed Noah and Zoe from my mind, reaching deep into myself to dredge out that perfect, practiced smile I’d become so good at. I wouldn’t let them get to me. Not anymore. Not tonight.