The Dead Luna

Phoenix

"Would you like to dance with me?" Sebastian offered me his hand as the music started. Most of the people had already begun drinking.

"Maybe after a while?" However, I placed my hand in his palm with a smile. He pulled me up and almost dragged me with him. Just like Jai used to do.

Jai.

The thought hit me hard with a little ache in my chest.

I needed to meet him. He must be hell worried for me.

He wasn’t here, but I was sure Beta Brian must have already sent him a mindlink.

Sebastian didn’t stop walking until we reached a group, all sipping wine and laughing.

"I want you to meet a few people," he whispered near my ear before flashing a charming smile at the circle.

I stood beside him quietly, with that stiff body. One of the Alphas raised his glass slightly and nodded at me.

One of the Lunas tilted her head and offered me a polite smile, "Who are you?" There was no meanness in her manner, just a friendly smile.

I opened my mouth to answer, but before that, Luna Tamia swooped in out of nowhere, her voice dripping with fake warmth.

"Oh. She is one of the warriors. A very skilled one indeed," She then placed her hand delicately on another Luna’s arm, "I know warriors are not allowed here," she scrunched her nose, "But she is here as the King’s guest."

Her eyes met mine, and I didn’t miss that smug little glint. However, none of us was ready when Sebastian’s voice cut in, "She isn’t a guest, Granma," he turned his head to look at me, and was loud enough for everyone to hear, "She’s someone special."

I didn’t look at anyone. How could I when this golden-eyed God wasn’t moving away his gaze from me?

Let Luna Tamia squirm.

"Hey everyone," I wasn’t aware when Kiara joined us, and she wasn’t alone. Luna Raya was also with her.

They were closing in like I’d snatched the crown jewel right out of their hands.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Luna Raya getting tense. Kiara touched my elbow with a faltered smile, "Phoenix. It’s good to see you. No one informed us that you are back."

Her eyes kept darting between Sebastian and me, and I didn’t give any reaction to her.

Their nervousness was written all over their faces.

She must have poked Luna Raya because Luna Raya offered me a shaky grin and raised her right shoulder, "I’m... I’m so happy to see you here, Phoenix."

I bit my lower lip and narrowed my eyes, "Really? But you don’t look happy to me." I curved my lips into a fake smile.

Poor her. She wasn’t expecting this comeback from me.

Letting out a breathy laugh, she was clearly trying to recover, "N...No... I mean it. Y-you surprised us... We weren’t expecting..."

"Weren’t expecting what? Me to survive?" I finished it for her and found it amusing when she quickly looked around to check if people heard us.

Kiara stepped in, trying to help her friend, "Just enjoy this party, Phoenix, and then we all can have a group celebration later where you can tell us all about it."

She was giving the impression to everyone as if we all were buddies and shared a very close relationship.

"But I am celebrating," I raised my glass to them, "This is the celebration, Kiara, and I’m enjoying it already."

"That’s great!" Luna Tamia decided to intervene with a smile, "That’s what I was saying to Tina, what a party Blake and Raya planned. I’m enjoying it too."

I wanted to laugh at their faces. How good they were at defending each other, having each other’s backs.

One thing I needed to remember was, this would be one hell of a fight. One against four.

But wait. I had Jai with me.

Just then, Sebastian decided to reach for my hand, his fingers weaving through mine. A lump formed in my throat as I met his gaze.

Was it a message from the Moon Goddess? Was King Sebastian also with me?

What did he have to do with my revenge? As the ruler of Velmora Kingdom, he must have more pressing duties to do.

His voice interfered with my thoughts, "I’m not letting you off the hook," he murmured near my ear, "May I finally have that dance you owe me?"

I let my lips curve slowly, keeping my eyes locked with his.

"Yes, please," I whispered back.

Without glancing at the mean bunch of ladies standing in front of me, he gently guided me away to the dance floor.

They all thought that I was a ghost whom they had buried. But here I was. Back into their world, to take what was mine.

"Did you see that?"

"The king asked her to dance!"

"Who is she?"

I could hear murmurs from the crowd, and I was sure Tamia and her minions heard it too. That was even better.

It was super helpful to add salt to their wounds. By now, their eyes were burning holes in the back of my dress.

Sebastian pulled me closer and began to sway with me effortlessly. Placing my hands on his shoulders, I leaned my cheek against his chest.

I wish I could thank him for the way he helped me tonight. He didn’t even know it.

I let my eyes fall shut, feeling his closeness. Tonight I was planning to go to my bedroom in the warrior’s quarter.

King Sebastian’s job was done for tonight.

Well. That was what I thought.

Because in between the dance, his voice broke the quiet spell that surrounded us.

"Tell me about you, Phoenix," he said softly, "Who are you? I mean, who are you really? I want to know you more," Then I felt his lips on my head, "Because I really think I know you."

My eyes flew open. I inhaled sharply, caught off guard by what he just said.