LYDIA'S POV

　　He sighed, glancing around before meeting my eyes again. "I've seen how you've handled yourself tonight. You've shown poise, strength, and a genuine interest in building alliances. It's not something we see often, especially from someone so young. I misjudged you."

　　"I appreciate your honesty, Beta Joey," I replied, softening my stance. "It takes a lot to admit when one is wrong. I hope this means we can move forward with mutual respect."

　　He nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I believe we can. I still have my reservations, but I can see that you are determined and capable. That deserves respect."

　　"Thank you," I said, genuinely touched. "I understand that earning everyone's trust won't happen overnight, but I am committed to proving myself."

　　"You've made a good start tonight," he said, glancing at the other Alphas still mingling and chatting. "If you continue on this path, I'm sure you'll achieve great things."

　　I smiled, feeling a sense of relief and accomplishment. "That's the plan. And with allies like Alpha Chloe and the others, I believe we can create a strong future for our kingdom and all the packs."

　　Beta Joey smiled and picked up two glasses of wine from a passing server. "To new beginnings, Princess Lydia."

　　"To new beginnings," I echoed, taking the glass he offered. We clinked our glasses together, and I took a sip. The wine was rich and smooth, but as the warmth spread through me, I began to feel dizzy.

　　I blinked, trying to clear my vision, but the room started to blur. "Beta Joey...I don't feel well," I managed to say, my voice slurring slightly.

　　He smiled, but there was a hint of something cold in his eyes. "Don't worry, Princess, let me help you. Should I take you to your room?"

　　"Um…yeah, yes. I think that would be great. Thank you, Beta Joey," I replied, while everything around me started spinning. The next few seconds were quite blurry, but when I tried to blink, I realized that Beta Joey had dropped me in my room and now I was alone.

　　I wanted to lie down, and when I stepped forward, I almost stumbled but was stopped by someone. When I looked up, I realized that it was Heckim.

　　"Heckim? Wh-what are you doing here?" I questioned in a slow voice, and he also seemed drunk as he looked at me with half-closed eyes.

　　"Lydia…wh-what are you doing here?" he questioned, and I frowned.

　　"What do you mean? This is my room, what are you doing here?" I questioned and tried to step back, but my dress got stuck in the furniture. When I pulled it, it tore slightly, showing a little bit of skin. Heckim noticed it, and I could see lust swirling in his eyes.

　　Suddenly, he hugged me tightly. "Lydia, I really love you so much. Then why can't you love me back?" he pleaded, his voice thick with emotion and intoxication.

　　I tried to push him away, but my limbs felt heavy and uncoordinated. "Heckim, please, you're drunk. We shouldn't be doing this."

　　"Drunk? Maybe, but my feelings are real," he murmured, his hands starting to wander. "I've always loved you, Lydia. You're all I've ever wanted."

　　"Heckim, stop," I managed to say, my voice weak. "You don't understand. This isn't right."

　　"Why not? You're here, I'm here. We can be together," he said, his breath hot against my ear as he pressed closer.

　　"Heckim, no. I don't feel the same way," I protested, but my strength was failing me. The room was spinning, and I felt myself slipping, both physically and mentally.

　　Heckim's grip tightened as he tried to kiss me, but just as his lips brushed mine, the door burst open. Evan and Brandon stormed in, their eyes wide with shock and anger.

　　"Get away from her!" Evan shouted, his voice a thunderous roar.