The Luna Queen's Rebirth (Ellie and Dominic) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23 
“Ellie, I-” he started, his voice softer than before. 
But Marcus opened his mouth, clearly about to say something on Dominic’s behalf. Probably something about how Dominic was just looking out for me, how as future Alpha he had responsibilities, how I should be grateful for his protection. 
Before Marcus could peak, though, a soft voice interrupted the tense scene. 
“Ellie? What are you doing here?” 
I turned to see Vivian approaching timidly, her eyes wide with perfectly practiced concern. She looked beautiful and fragile in the afternoon sunlight, every inch the delicate flower that would make the perfect Luna. 
She moved directly to Dominic’s side, standing close enough that their shoulders touched. The gesture was subtle but unmistakable – a claim, a reminder of where Dominic’s loyalties really lay. 
Seeing them together like that – him tall and imposing, her delicate and protective – was like a bucket of cold water thrown over my anger. 
This was what I’d been fighting for? This was what I’d been so desperate to win back? 
Looking at them standing together, I suddenly remembered why I’d made the choice to step back in the first place. They belonged together. They always had. I’d just been too blind to see it before. 
I suddenly felt foolish for making such a public scene. I didn’t want Vivian to witness me in such a vulnerable, broken state. I didn’t want her to see how much Dominic could still hurt me, how much power he still held over my emotions. 
“Nothing,” I said quietly, wiping away the tears that had finally escaped despite my best efforts. “This has nothing to do with you.” 
Vivian’s expression was perfectly sympathetic, but I could see the satisfaction in her eyes. She was getting exactly what she wanted – Dominic by her side, and me humiliated and alone. 
Looking directly at Dominic, meeting his gaze one last time, I added, “Stop getting involved in my life.” 
Then I turned and ran, not caring how it looked or what people would say. Behind me, I could hear the buzz of excited conversation as students began dissecting what they’d just witnessed. 
*** 
The registration deadline for the mating ceremony was approaching fast, and the dean was growing increasingly impatient with my lack of a partner. 
“Miss Ellie,” he said during our third meeting that week, his tone strained with barely contained frustration. “I really must insist that you submit the name of your partner or turn in an invitation. The ceremony is only days away.” 
I sat across from his desk, feeling trapped and exhausted. The bags under my eyes spoke to the sleepless nights I’d been having since my public confrontation with Dominic. 

“I’ll go alone,” I said stubbornly, though we both knew it wasn’t really an option. 
The dean’s face reddened slightly, his patience finally wearing thin. “As I’ve explained repeatedly, that’s not an option. The new regulations clearly state that all students must attend with a partner. No exceptions.” 
“I know what the regulations state,” I interrupted, unable to keep the bitterness out of my voice. “And I think we both know who’s really behind them.” 
The dean had the grade to look embarrassed, but he pressed on anyway. His position at the school depended on keeping influential families happy, and Dominic’s family was one of the most powerful. 
“Regardless of the circumstances, you must comply with the requirements or face academic consequences,” he said, shuffling papers on his desk nervously. “Suspension, possible expulsion… these are serious matters, Miss Ellie.” 
The threat hung in the air between us. Dominic hadn’t just trapped me socially – he’d backed me into a corner academically as well. 
Just as I was about to tell the dean exactly what I thought of his “requirements” and the corrupt system that allowed them to exist, the office door opened without a knock. 
Dominic walked in like he owned the place, which in many ways, he did. His family’s donations and influence gave him access that other students could only dream of. 
He looked confident, almost smug, as if he’d finally cornered me into submission. This was his endgame – force me into a position where I had no choice but to accept his offer and return to his orbit. 
“Her partner is—” he began, his voice carrying the authority of someone who expected to be obeyed without question. 
“Lucas,” I interrupted quickly, the name tumbling out of my mouth before I could second–guess myself.