Chapter 14
Panic flickered in her eyes again, this time more pronounced. For a brief moment, I saw the fear beneath her bravado, the knowledge that her lies could unravel everything she had built. But then, she straightened, her confidence returning. “It doesn’t matter. Mother is dead, and our Alpha of a father never liked you or Caspian. He’ll only side with me. Who’s left to back you up?”
The air was thick with the mingling scents of wolves from different regions, each distinct and telling of their rank, lineage, and power.
Meanwhile, I remained noncommittal, unwilling to engage or acknowledge Ophelia and Caspian’s presence any longer. It was pointless to waste energy on them. Let them fock themselves away in their delusions; I had more pressing matters to attend to.
Tonight was about making connections and forging alliances that would benefit me and my pack. There was no room for distractions.
As the evening unfolded, Caspian’s name was called, and he confidently stepped onto the stage. His. aura commanded attention, as it always had, and the crowd’s murmurs quieted in anticipation. “Thank you all for supporting and aiding the Bloodvenom Pack all this time,” he began, his voice. smooth yet firm. I also have some exciting news to share.“.
His eyes found mine across the room, locking onto me with an intensity that sent a chill down my spine. Was he really planning to arrange the marriage he wanted now? He must have gone insane! ‘Regarding my marriage with my mate…” he trailed off, his words hanging in the air like a dark cloud. ready to burst.
Before I could fully process the implications of his speech, Ophelia‘ s hand squeezed mine. Her eyes sparkled with malice as she leaned in close, her voice dripping with mock concern. “Tell me, Clairé, if you and I were both hurt, who would Caspian choose?”
She didn’t give me a chance to respond. Instead, with a sudden yank, she pulled me forward, straight into the towering champagne glasses that had been artfully arranged at the edge of the stage. The crystal clattered to the ground, shattering around us in a cascade of glass and liquid. I felt the sharp. sting of shards slicing into my skin as we both fell, our bodies hitting the cold marble floor.
Ophelia’s cry of pain pierced the air, and just as expected, Caspian was at her side in an instant. His voice boomed over the crowd as he lifted her gently from the ground. “What happened?!” His tone was frantic, filled with a protectiveness.
Ophelia clung to him, her hand covering the blood seeping from her wounds. “Don’t blame Claire,” she whimpered, casting a pitiful glance in my direction. “She must be upset about losing Kylo.” My heart clenched at the mention of my son. A shard of glass had lodged deep into my leg, but the pain was nothing compared to the anger building inside me. I gritted my teeth and pushed myself ignoring the warmth of blood running down my leg.
up,
Without a second thought, I grabbed a nearby piece of glass and hurled it at Ophelia, my vision blurred with rage. Caspian, always her knight in shining armor, blocked the glass with his arm, shielding her from my attack. His eyes once filled with warmth for me, now glared with fury. “Enough!” He snarled. “I know you‘ re upsef lately, but is that any reason to take it out on Ophelia?”
My anger worsened at his words, so easily swayed by her lies. The man I once loved, the father of my child, stood before me, completely under her spell. In his arms, Ophelia looked up at me, a smirk. playing on her lips. It was a look that said, ‘See? He’ll always choose me.”
But instead of lashing out further, I smiled–a slow, deliberate smile that made Ophelia’s confidence falter. From my dress pocket, I pulled out my phone, holding it up for everyone to see. Caspian‘ s brow furrowed, but I could see the curiosity spark in the eyes
of those around us.
I tapped the screen, turned up the volume, and played the recording I had saved just for this moment. Ophelia’s voice rang out, clear and undeniable.
“Yes, I lied to him.”
The crowd stirred, whispers spreading like wildfire. I watched as Ophelia’s smirk faded, her face draining of color.
“Tell me, if you and I were both hurt, who would Caspian choose?”
