The Luna Queen's Rebirth (Ellie and Dominic) novel Chapter 26

26 /34

Ellie's POV

Panic began to set in as I realized the true scope of my situation. I had thought that as long as I didn't dance with Dominic, I'd be safe from forming the mate bond. But my wolf's revelation changed everything.

If I wanted to avoid being bound to Dominic forever, I had to escape the ceremony entirely before midnight struck.

Looking around frantically, I tried to calculate how much time I had left. The ornate clock mounted on the ballroom wall showed it was already eleven-thirty. The first formal dance was about to begin, and midnight couldn't be far behind.

My heart raced as I watched couples positioning themselves on the dance floor, their faces glowing with anticipation. Soon, the Moon Goddess would reveal fated pairs, and bonds would form that could never be broken.

I had to get out of here. Now.

"Lucas," I said, grabbing his arm with more force than I intended. "I need to leave."

He looked surprised, his eyebrows rising as he took in my obvious distress. "What? But we just got here. The dancing hasn't even started yet."

"I can't explain right now, but I have to go. Please understand."

Lucas studied my face, clearly sensing something was wrong. "Ellie, you're pale as a ghost. What's going on?"

But just as I was about to make my escape, Vivian appeared and blocked my path. Her sweet mask was firmly in place, but I could see the steel beneath it.

"Ellie, where are you going?" she asked with perfectly practiced concern. "The ceremony is just beginning. Surely you don't want to miss the most important moment of the night?"

I tried to step around her, but she moved to block me again, her white dress swishing as she positioned herself directly in my way.

"I really love Dominic," she said in a voice pitched just loud enough for nearby couples to hear. "Please, don't fight me for him anymore. Besides, you have Lucas now, don't you? Isn't that enough?"

Her words were calculated to sound reasonable, even noble. To anyone listening, it would seem like she was simply asking me not to interfere with her happiness.

"This has nothing to do with Dominic," I said through gritted teeth, trying to keep my voice low. "I just need to leave."

But Vivian clearly had no intention of letting me go. She kept talking, kept finding reasons to delay me, asking about my dress, commenting on the decorations, anything to keep me trapped in conversation.

I could see the clock on the wall creeping closer and closer to midnight. Eleven-forty now. Twenty minutes left.

"You look a little flushed," Vivian continued sweetly. "Are you feeling alright? Maybe you should sit down for a moment."

I was starting to lose my temper when Lucas finally seemed to understand that something was seriously wrong.

"Vivian," he said coolly, stepping closer to us with an authority that made several people turn to look. "Maybe instead of clinging to my dance partner, you should focus on how to make Dominic like you more – instead of forcing Ellie to step aside."

His voice carried just enough edge to make it clear that he wasn't making a suggestion. Faced with Lucas's social status and obvious disapproval, Vivian had no choice but to back off, though I could see the frustration burning in her eyes.

"Of course," she said with a tight smile. "I was just concerned about Ellie. She seems... unwell."

Lucas turned to me and offered his hand, his expression gentle but determined. "Come on. The dance is about to start."

"No," I said firmly, backing away from his outstretched hand. "I need to leave. Right now."

Lucas's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he sensed something wasn't right. "What's going on, Ellie? You're acting strange. Five minutes ago you were fine, and now you look like you've seen a ghost."