CHAPTER 4

Alpha Prince Kael Thorne.

The cursed Alpha.

The one who had to choose a Luna before his father died or risk losing everything.

And maybe… the one whose bloodline had destroyed mine.

He strolled into the hall quietly and gingerly in his full regalia—tall, sharp, and powerful. Obviously different from what he looked like in the hidden room. How did I not suspect he was the Alpha Prince? How did I not notice the resemblance between him and the Beta Prince?

I mean, they weren't identical, but there was this similarity between them. They had the same golden brown eyes—stern and angry like the world failed them.

As he headed to his seat, I tried not to make him notice me. Thankfully, he was only focused on getting to his seat.

Once he took his seat at the center of the table in the midst of the criminals—I mean, one of them caused the death of my parents. One of them got threatened by our bloodline and decided to wipe off our clan. Thankfully, I was the only survivor and now, I had to make them pay.

Every other guest took their seats and I let out a sigh. How did I even make such a stupid mistake in the hidden room? I just hope he doesn't hold grudges. I hope it doesn't become a hindrance from the beginning.

His eyes went around the hall. Actually, it seemed like he was studying the contestants, like he was going to choose his Luna that night. I avoided his gaze as much as I could.

My fingers curled under the tablecloth. I could feel his gaze on me. Hot and judgmental, but I only fixed my eyes on the Luna Queen who was currently reading out the rules for the selection. I hadn't really paid attention earlier, but I could grasp that we were to remain pure until the end of the selection.

“Sabotage is forbidden. Anyone caught trying to tamper with another contestant’s task, clothing, meals, or well-being will result in severe punishment, including death,” she read, and gasps filled the air. Of course, we were all shocked by the punishment. It just tells me that I need to be extra careful.

The Luna Queen continued, “No meeting of the Alpha Prince, royal family, or council members privately unless summoned. Any secret contact will be punished.”

Groans filled the hall this time. It wasn't going to be convenient for me too, since I needed every clue or lead I could get. I needed everything to push my investigation forward.

“And lastly, candidates will be eliminated each week according to the result of the trials or scandals,” she completed, and noise took over.

My eyes widened in disbelief. I had no idea we would be eliminated each week. It was clear no one had an idea. I actually thought we would remain until the end of the competition until the Luna got selected. Now, I'm running with time.

I have to avoid getting caught, getting exposed, and eliminated! I had to get the killer or whoever ordered the death of my parents and possibly Lady Selene before I get eliminated. At that moment, I knew I was in for a bumpy ride. I had to work smartly. This was my only chance, and I shouldn't let it slip out of my grip.

I had to get that killer or the one who ordered the death of my parents before leaving.

“Let the first dance begin,” a voice announced, breaking into my thoughts, and I raised my head to see the first contestant rise to her feet and bow before the Alpha Prince, who was now standing at the center of the room.

“Are we all taking turns?” I asked the lady beside me. She had been quiet all along, fully focused on the event. It was apparent she was also looking to become the future Luna, just like everyone—except me.

She turned to me.

“Yes, every contestant has to dance with the Prince. I'm Elara, by the way. What's your name?” she asked with a bright smile, her hazel eyes shining brightly under the light. The light danced within her eyes, creating an irresistible allure, just like Lady Selene. I always admired her beautiful eyes whenever they shone under the sunlight.

And this Lady Elara was definitely a beautiful one, and her smile just brightened up her face. Earlier, my first impression was that she was one of those obnoxious noble ladies, but with her response, I guess I judged her too soon.

“I'm Selene,” I replied. Selene? It tasted like poison on my tongue. It reminded me that I was taking the poisonous path, but my resolve would always remain strong. I would never leave until I've achieved my aim, and I guess it was starting that night.

Because it soon reached my turn to dance. As I approached the Alpha Prince, all I could think about was that he deserved to be cursed. To me, I see it as the Moon Goddess punishing the family that wiped off mine. Maybe I would end up being favored by the Moon Goddess.

His gaze locked onto me, and for the first time that night, his blank expression shifted. He obviously recognized me from earlier. He certainly wasn't pleased.

He should know the feeling is mutual. I would rather be planning my next steps instead of dancing with a cocky prince.

I curtsied low. “My Prince.”

He hesitated. Only for a second. Then took my hand.

But the moment our hands touched, his body stiffened. I raised my brows, wondering if he suddenly got attracted to me or something. I mean, I had good looks too, so it was possible.

His sharp and pained gasp brought me out of my little reverie, and I raised my head to see his face contorting. His body jerked, like he’d been burned, and I scrunched my brows in confusion.

“What… is this?” he whispered, his grip on my hand tightened, then he pulled away so quick that one would think I burned him or something.

He looked at me again, eyes wild now. Not cold. But rather confused. And is that fear I see?

Before I could be sure, he staggered back, and in the blink of an eye, he fell to the floor.

A loud thud and everyone went still. I stared down at him in confusion, wondering what was wrong with him.

Everyone screamed. The music stopped. The Alpha Prince lay on the floor with his eyes closed, motionless.

Did he just pass out?

“What happened?” someone screamed, probably the Luna Queen. I couldn't tell since I was only staring at the unconscious Alpha Prince. I only stood there, frozen.

Guards ran forward.

The Beta Prince rose slowly, his eyes fixated on me.

“Did she do something to him?" a voice asked, and panic took over my body that instant.

“Did she poison him?” another one voiced out.

I didn’t move. Couldn’t.

Because the Alpha Prince wasn’t breathing.

And every eye in that hall was on me like I was his curse.