The Luna Queen's Rebirth (Ellie and Dominic) novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19 
Ellie’s POV 
Dominic’s voice cut through the air like a whip, stopping us just before we could exit. 
“Ellie.” 
We turned back. He was standing rigid, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. The mask of indifference he usually wore had slipped, revealing something raw and desperate underneath. 
“If you walk off with someone I hate, then I’ll hate you too,” he said, his voice carrying clearly down the hallway. “That’s my bottom line.” 
The words landed heavy in my chest, stealing my breath. After everything we’d been through, after all the years I’d spent loving him, this was his response? A threat? 
I felt Lucas tense beside me, ready to respond with some cutting remark. But I spoke first, my voice steady despite the hurt blooming in my chest. 
“You already have a dance partner,” I said with practiced indifference. “So stay out of my business.” 
Dominic’s face went through several emotions at once – surprise, anger, and something that might have been hurt. For a moment, he looked like he wanted to say something else, something real. 
Instead, he turned sharply and stormed off, his followers scrambling to keep up. 
Lucas struck a dramatic pose, placing his hand over his heart in mock romance. “So, does that mean you’ve agreed to go with me now?” 
I knew perfectly well what Lucas was doing. He was only asking me to provoke–Dominic. He thought Dominic liked me, and this was just another move in their endless rivalry. 
The whole situation felt exhausting. I didn’t want to be a pawn in their games anymore. I didn’t want to be a prize to be fought over. 
“Dominic likes Vivian,” I said, forcing myself to stay composed. “If you want to make him mad, you should go after her instead.” 
Lucas didn’t push further, but he gave me a long, measuring look that made me uncomfortable. 
“I don’t see it that way,” he said finally. “Let’s just see how things play out.” 
There was something in his tone that suggested he knew more than he was letting on. But before I could question him about it, he was already walking away, leaving me standing alone in the empty hallway. 
*** 
Back home, the atmosphere was tense from the moment I walked through the door. My mother noticed immediately that something was wrong. 
“Sweetheart, you look exhausted,” she said, coming over to feel my forehead for a fever. “Did something happen at school?” 
Before I could answer, Vivian swept into the room with her usual theatrical flair. She was practically glowing with false concern. 
“Ellie’s probably stressed about not having a date for the mating ceremony,” she announced, settling herself gracefully into the armchair across from us. “I mean, I’ll likely be dancing with Dominic. After all, he hasn’t accepted anyone else’s invitation but mine.” 
The words were carefully chosen to sound sympathetic while actually being cruel. It was classic Vivian – appearing kind on the surface while delivering little cuts designed to hurt. 
But this time, I didn’t react the way she expected. 
“Good thing I don’t want to dance with Dominic anyway,” I replied coldly. 
Vivian’s eyes widened in shock. She’d clearly been expecting tears, begging, or at least some sign of distress. My indifference completely threw off her script. 
My mother looked between us with growing concern. “Ellie, are you sure you’re alright? You’ve been acting so differently lately.” 
“I’m fine, Mom.” I squeezed her hand gently. “You don’t need to worry about me finding a dance partner. I’ll figure something out.” 
But even as I said the words, I could see the doubt in her eyes. She wanted to believe that I was okay, but she could sense that something fundamental had changed. 
Vivian recovered quickly from her surprise, plastering her sweet smile back into place. “Of course Ellie will find someone wonderful. She’s always been so resourceful.” 
The false kindness in her voice made my skin crawl. How had I ever believed she cared about me?