CHAPTER 12

Analise's POV

Once the meeting was over, I wanted to talk to Alexander but he was out of the room before I even knew it. I decided to wait till the party to talk to him. I went to my room and the usual empty hallways near my room were now crowded with the other people now residing in the castles as they occupied the other rooms.

As soon as I got in my room, I fell on my bed, happy to get a break from all those people and scrutinizing eyes. I did not even know when I fell asleep.

I was woken up when I felt a strange vibration. My ears picked up the noise of music drifting through the walls of the castle and muffled noise. I shot out of bed as I realised about the party. Scrambling around I took my phone that was lying on the bed and checked the time. I was late. 30 minutes late.

30 minutes is not that bad.

'Unless you want to make that thirty minute into an hour, I suggest you start getting ready' Crescent said and I realised I was still in my outfit from earlier. I groaned as I went into the closet, rummaging through my stash of clothes. I had no idea there would be a party tonight. So, I did not buy any dress and the beige dress that was still on the floor from earlier was a bit too formal. Besides, I think I liked my new style. Not only did it look pretty, but I also felt pretty in it

'Hot is the word you are looking for'

Letting out a small laugh, I looked for something with similar style to the suit I was wearing. I really need to get some new clothes. I was about to get up and not attend the party when a bag sitting in the corner caught my eye. Evelyne had forced me to buy this dress only last year when we had our usual prom at school but I did not wear it because it was an unusual style for me. In fact, I did not even go to the prom. The dress has been sitting in my closet since that day, still in its bag. I guess today would be a good day to wear it since I am trying on new things.

I took the bag and went back into the room. Taking it out of the back, the lavender silk felt soft to the touch and a small smile played at my lips as I remembered how much Evelyne and I bickered that day before I finally bought this dress. I quickly undressed and put on the new outfit.

Thankfully it still fitted me. If not, it looks even better than when I first tried it on in the fitting room. It is a long, lavender dress, with the top being in a corset style with a crystal trim and a slit on my right leg. Since it was a light color, my purple eyes stood out which was the main reason Evelyne made me buy this dress. I should thank her for this. I decided to leave my makeup and accessories untouched but switched my heels for white ones. I took my phone and left my room.

The muffled voices were now clearer as a soft melody played in the hall. The guards bowed to me and opened the door, allowing me in. I was glad I decided to wear this dress because everybody else was dressed in elegant dresses. I spotted my family in the corner, talking among themselves and I made my way towards them. They had all changed out of their previous attires.

When they saw me, Rayna was the first to speak. "You are late."

"1 hour to be precise." I smiled at her to which she scowled.

"Not only are you late but you also disrespect us."

"Come up with something new Rayna. These insults- if they can even be called one- are getting lame and boring" I rolled my eyes.

"Can you stop being a brat right now, Analise? We are in a room full of people." My mother looked ready to kill me as she grabbed my arm and nearly squeezed the life out of it. Though she applied a lot of pressure, it would take a lot more than that to hurt me now.

I glared at her and grabbed her hand that was around my arm. "In a room full of people who can hear everything you are saying." I reminded her as I squeezed her hand. For a split second, her angry facade slipped as she winced at the pressure on her hand. I removed her hand from mine. "And don't touch me." I said through gritted teeth, my eyes narrowing on her, no hiding my inner feelings.

"The music is there to reduce their enhanced hearing Analise." Grandmother informed me. "It distracts them and since there are so many sounds to pick up, they can't really hear clearly except if they focus a lot."

Well, their music did not work on everybody because I could hear clearly what was happening around me, even on the other side of the room. "And Isabella, she is your daughter. Treat her like one." She glared at her.

"I would rather not have a daughter than have to call her that." She muttered as if it was nothing. There was no sign of regret as those words left her mouth. The only emotion was hatred.

In her eyes, in her words, in her soul and in her heart.

Was their ever a part of her that loved me? The first few seconds when I was just born- did she love me then? Or was it always hatred?

"It would actually be better if I was not born." I replied. She looked at me, shocked that I was able to hear her despite their stupid music. "Because that would have been better than having you as parents." My voice was hard and full of hatred now as I addressed them all.

"But I am here and you can't do anything about it. Continue treating me like shit and I will give you an actual reason to hate me."

My father started saying something but I tuned him out, letting his words fall on deaf ears. A waiter passed at the same time and I took one of the champagne flutes. I brought it to my lips and downed its content at once, the liquid feeling cold as I swallowed it. If I was going to get through this night without murdering someone, I needed some alcohol in my system.

"Sorry, I did not hear what you said. Do you mind repeating it?" I addresses my dad as I placed the flute back on the tray only to take another one. Anger was evident on my father's face as he realised I did not listen to whatever he just ranted.

I let out a sigh as I heard someone approaching us. "King Gabriel." He greeted and I turned around, coming face to face with the leader of dark angels.

"King Tarsal." Father greeted them as they shook hands. King Tarsal introduced his family and my father did the same, introducing us to him, though I am pretty sure King Tarsal already knew.

"Analise." My father introduced me as King Tarsal extended his hand. "Nice to meet you Princess." I smiled at him. "You were wonderful earlier, Princess. You must be proud to have her as your daughter, King Gabriel." My father did not say anything other than nodding.

"Thank you, King Tarsal." I said politely.

"How come we never met before at any event?" He asked curiously.

"She just came back to the palace, King Tarsal." My father said. "She was always a bright child. We decided to send her to the best school out there to learn more about her powers and about our kingdoms. After so many years, she finally completed her studies and you saw the results in the meeting." He smiled and if I did not know any better, I would have actually believed it.

"Indeed, she is brilliant. She has a bright future in front of her." He said. The conversation quickly changed direction as my father changed the subject. They all engaged in some boring conversation and I quietly left their group, downing another flute of champagne before taking another one.

Many others came to talk about me and they all had the same question. Where was I all these years? I recited the same thing my father told King Tarsal to everyone. As I downed my fourth champagne flute, I caught sight of someone familiar. The dirty blonde hair reminded me of someone.

Evelyne?

I shook my head at the absurdity I just thought. Why would she be here? I was starting to think it was the effect of the champagne but my werewolf metabolism was strong and it would take more than just a few glasses of champagne to get me drunk. I walked towards her and as I got closer, my suspicion was confirmed.

"Evelyne?" She turned around and it was actually her. She was dressed in a champagne dress of a similar style to mine. Her hair fell over her shoulders in curls and her makeup was light. She looked different from the last time I saw her.

"Luna Evelyne please." She said, her face cold as she looked at me. I scowled at her tone and expression. What's gotten into her? Seeing my confused expression, she continued. "You ought to address me with respect now. Things have changed."

"What?"

"I will not tolerate any disrespect. We are no longer teenagers in school." Something was definitely wrong with her

I was about to question her again when she started laughing. I looked at her weirdly and then I realised that she was just teasing me. I instantly felt relieved. "I am joking Ana. Should I call you Princess Analise now? How about Princess Ana?"

I pulled her into a hug, relieved to have someone I knew around. "How about you drop the Princess and just call me Ana?" We pulled away, grinning. "I missed you so much Evie."

"I missed you too. Look at you though." She exclaimed, eyeing me up and down. "You changed so much. Wait, is that the dress you bought last year?"

"It sure is."

"Damn, you look hot in it." I laughed at her. "You look great Evie. Now tell me what's with the whole Luna thing."

"I have so much to tell you, Ana." She pulled to a corner of the room, away from everyone. "We need to sit down and talk about this in detail but long story short, I met my mate and he is the alpha of my pack." I nearly squealed at the news.

"How did your pack react to it? I am sure they were not expecting this."

"Well, it's a long story. Even if it has been only a few days, I went through hell at the pack. At first, there were a few bumps but then Axel was just really nice and supported me." She blushed at the last part.

"Axel huh?" I raised an eyebrow playfully at her and she blushed even more. "You are so whipped. Tell me more about him."

"I told you, I will tell you everything in detail another time." She said. "You tell me, what is going on with you and your family? You sat on the king's left side Ana!"

"These past days have been an eye-opener for me Evie." I sighed. "I realised how stupid it was of me to think they changed but you know what? It was all for the best. I kind of had a change of personality and now I am doing better. Great actually."

"Did they hurt you or anything?"

"They can try but they no longer affect me Evie." I changed the subject. "When do I get to meet the lucky guy then? I want to see who was able to make you blush just by thinking of him."

"Wait till you meet your mate Ana." She hit me playfully and I felt my body tense up.

Alexander.

I have not seen him at all since the meeting earlier. Should I tell Evelyne about him? She is my best friend and knows everything about me. But I have not even talked to him yet. I decided not telling her would be better for the time.

"Over there." She motioned to someone in the crowd but his back was facing us so I could not actually see him. "I'll introduce you two properly in a while." She said. I let my eyes wander around the crowd, searching for Alexander and I finally spotted him on the other side talking with King Tarsal. As if feeling my eyes on him, he looked in my direction and locked eyes with me. Before we could continue the eye contact, Evelyne spoke up

"Right now answer my question." I looked at her. "Are those your sisters?" She pointed towards my family.

"Sister." I said as I leaned against the pillar behind me. "The one in the red dress is Rayna, my sister. The one in blue is Ivory, Rayan's mate." I informed her and I could still feel Alexander's eye on me.

"Our kingdom is going to perish under her rule." She glared at Ivory.

"What did she do to you?" I laughed.

"Just because we are not Royals, she treated us as if we were omegas." She scoffed. "And don't get started on Rayna. She flirted with Axel in front of me. When she found out I was an omega before, she insulted me in front of my pack members. You know what was more surprising?" She looked at me. "Axel did nothing. He just stood there, listening to her."

"Evie, I am sure he wanted to do something." I reassured her. "Maybe because Rayna is part of the Royal family made him hold back."

"Still. He could have at least said something." She said under her breath.

"Evie, are you serious right now?" I asked her and she looked at me in confusion. "You are one the strongest people I know. You always encouraged me and pushed me to strive. Are you really waiting for someone else to defend you?" She looked down. "I know he is your mate but you are more than capable enough to defend yourself against her."

"Like you said, she is part of the royal family."

"So am I." I said. "Next time she tries anything, don't be shy and just give her everything she deserves. Put all those training and lectures into practice Evie." She smiled at me.

"How the roles have been reversed." She said, laughing. "I really need to speak with Axel about this because I need to know why he did not say anything." Determination was clear on her face.

"Hey angel." Someone said as he stood behind Evelyne. I saw Evelyne blush and I immediately knew who it was. Evelyne did not turn around though. "We need to talk." His voice was kind of pleading and it looked kind of funny to have someone tall and muscular like him pleading.

"I am busy." Evelyne said firmly, motioning towards me. "Princess Analise." Axel said, his voice turning from pleading to one with authority as he bowed his head

"Please call me Analise, alpha Axel right?" I asked as I extended my hand.

"Axel please." He said as we shook hands. It was weird how he could just change his entire personality when he talked to Evelyne and when he talked to me.

"We are in the middle of something here Axel." Evelyne reminded him. I smiled as Axel wrapped his hand around her, resting his face on her shoulder. "My best friend is right here."

"Don't mind me." I joked. "We were done anyway." I threw a wink at Evelyne who glared at me. Axel just nodded at me. I turned around before Evelyne could say anything.

I stopped in my tracks as I felt Rayna and Ivory behind me. "What do you want?" I turned around.

"I just wanted to let you know that just because all these people are talking to you does not mean you are great or anything." Ivory said.

"Why am I not surprised that you are just like the others." I scoffed.

"Look Analise, just because you are back does not change anything. You are still what you were. Weak and pathetic."

"So original." I rolled my eyes. "I don't want to waste my time arguing with people who have a negative IQ." started walking away.

"You know, you do everything in your abilities to prove mom and dad's words. You should not have been born."

"Too bad we can't control everything." I responded and beelined towards the exit, pissed off.