Ariel POV

I pretended to be unaffected even though I was honestly quite disturbed by the scene before me. I had to accept the fact that Nadine was married to a man who didn't want her. To be honest, Nadine didn't wish Lucien either, but she dared to decide to go through with it.

Lucien looked at me indifferently without any hesitation or guilt at all. Damn this mate bond made something inside my chest hurt. I felt like I was being stabbed.

"What's wrong with you?” Lucien looked at me.

"None of your business," I reply as I walk away.

Damn it. Why do I have to have a mate bond with Lucien? This makes me feel annoyed, especially since I won't be here forever. Nadine said I could get a divorce once she thought there was no need for a marriage. I'm leaving Lucien and Crystal. They're so annoying. Must they show me their affection?

I didn't go back to the party. That would be so annoying. I didn't know any of them anyway. They're from circles that don't match mine. I was just an Omega that no one ever wanted, and now I'm a Luna, but this is a trick. If my true identity is discovered, then I must be prepared for punishment.

There was a calm and beautiful swimming pool decorated with twinkling lights that made the night atmosphere even more romantic. I smiled to myself. This is ridiculous. Who would have thought a woman like me could have the opportunity to be in a luxurious place like this? A swimming pool is a luxury for me. I sat on a bench near the pool and stared at the water.

"You're so foolish, Ariel. You should just shut up and follow the rules," I muttered.

"Rules? What rules?" Someone startled me. When I turned my head, I saw a man with blond curls. His eyes were brown, and he had stern facial features, but his smile was so friendly.

"W-who are you?" I was almost speechless because of his smile.

"Oh, I apologize, Luna. I am Martin, Lucien's cousin."

I raised an eyebrow, astonished by this introduction. Lucien had a cousin? I didn't know about this.

"Oh, really. He didn't say anything to me."

"Sure. He wouldn't have told me anything about me. Lucien doesn't like me… "

"Martin Ludwig! What are you doing here?" Suddenly, I heard Lucien's voice. And sure enough, he approached me with his firm steps and a sharp look in his eyes. So, I stood up instantly.

Martin patted Lucien's shoulder while grinning, but Lucien's expression suggested that he didn't like Martin's treatment.

"Who let you come here?" Lucien got straight to the point. I think those are sadistic words.

"Chill, Bro. I came because I heard you got married and found your Luna. I wanted to congratulate you."

From how Marin spoke, it seemed like he was warm compared to Lucien, not to mention handsome. Nadine was really unlucky to be married to a horrible man like Lucien.

"I don't need any congratulations from you, Taitor. Leave this place, or I'll ask the guards to kick you out." Lucien was furious.

What's wrong? They are family, right? Why are they acting like this? And Lucien said that Martin was a traitor. What did he mean?

"When will you stop blaming me, Lucien? You should realize that you also have a mistake. Do you think I didn't know you were married to Nadine because you wanted to cover up your shortcomings? You can't have offspring. You don't deserve to be an Alpha. You are a cursed Alpha."

"You are fucking bastard, Martin!"

Julien's eyes flashed blue. His wolf controlled him. Martin prepares to parry his attack. No! No! He can't. There are many guests here. Lucien can't start the fight. I immediately pulled Lucien's hand away. Unfortunately, he tried to rebel. His hand swung to the left. This is crazy. His strength was so great that my body just slammed down. Unfortunately, I can't swim at all, not on the floor but in a fall into the swimming pool. This is the first time I've been in a swimming pool. I wasn't prepared.

PLUNK!!!

Instantly, I plunged into the water. I couldn't see anything but darkness and the faintest hint of light. Water came in from every direction. I couldn't breathe. What is this? Will I die now? It's fine. I don't have to cheat anymore, do I? Sooner or later, I'm going to die, and if it happens now, I feel so ready. There's nothing meaningful in my life to hold on to.

Just as I was thinking of giving up, someone lifted my body up. I was able to breathe again, but because too much water had entered and I couldn't swim at all, I was out of breath. I felt claustrophobic, and after that, I didn't know what happened anymore because everything became so dark.

***

I opened my eyes, and it caused a coughing reaction. My chest felt tight and my nose was running. The sun rose. That means I went through last night, but what happened? For a moment, I lost the memory of last night. Puzzles started to appear, and I remembered what happened. I was thrown by Lucien because of his overwhelming strength. I thought I was dead.

Odeth entered the room while carrying a pot filled with a thick yellow liquid. She glared at me as she placed the pot on Dash near the bed.

"Miss, how could you drown?" Odeth was so curious.

"Oh, why?" I replied while clutching my throat.

"You're so good at swimming. You participated in the swimming championship when you were in school. How could you drown?"

What the hell! Nadine can swim well, and she didn't tell me about this. Well, maybe she thought I couldn't possibly get into the pool because of Lucien, but she should have at least told me about this to keep me away from the pool.

Odeth poured the yellow-colored liquid into a cup, then offered it to me.

"You have to chug it down. Alpha Lucien asked me to do so."

"Lucien?" I was a little surprised.

“He was running like crazy with you in his arms, Miss. It seems like he was so freaked out over you."

I doubted Odeth was telling the truth. Lucien couldn't possibly be worried about me, but it could be that he was just feeling guilty.

Suddenly, the door to the room opened. Lucien entered with his usual stern expression. He approached me, stood up and looked at me sharply.

"How are you holding up?" he asked.