The Alpha's Borrowed Luna (Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 171

The Alpha’s Borrowed Luna

Chapter 171

I walked with Frost to the party, Kaius having left earlier to greet the arriving guests. My ankle still ached despite Frost’s expert care, but I refused to let it show in my stride. Tonight was about projecting strength, not vulnerability.

The grand hall was transformed, glittering with hundreds of candles and adorned with the Ravenhollow crest. Pack members from across the territory mingled, creating a buzz of conversation punctuated by occasional laughter.

I spotted Kaius immediately, his commanding presence drawing the eye even amid the crowded room. He stood conversing with a group of visiting Alphas, his posture relaxed yet regal. As I approached, I expected him to acknowledge me, to introduce me as his Queen.

Instead, he merely glanced in my direction before returning his attention to his guests.

The slight was so unexpected, so at odds with his behavior earlier, that I almost stumbled. Frost’s hand at my elbow steadied me.

“Are you alright?” he asked quietly.

“Fine,” I replied automatically, though I was anything but.

I made my way to Kaius’s side, smiling politely at the assembled Alphas. “Kaius, are you alright?” I asked when there was a break in the conversation.

He nodded, his expression neutral, but made no move to include me in the discussion. After several uncomfortable minutes, the group dispersed, leaving us briefly alone.

“Kaius, would you like to dance with me?” I asked, gesturing to the center of the hall where couples had begun to move to the music.

“No, not really.”

The casual rejection hit like a physical blow. “What?”

“I just don’t feel in the mood right now, but you are free to go mingle,” he said, already looking past me to another approaching guest.

“I don’t want to go mingle; I wanted to dance with you.” Frustration colored my voice. “What is wrong with you? Why do you always have to be so freaking bipolar? Today you love me and tomorrow you can’t even spare a dance even after I asked.

Something flickered in his eyes–regret, perhaps, or annoyance at my outburst. “You know what? Come on, let’s go dance, he relented, extending his hand.

But the gesture came too late, his reluctance too evident. “Kaius…” I began, ready to tell him I no longer wanted to dance if he had to force himself.

Before I could finish, he took my hand, pulling me toward the dance floor with more force than necessary. His grip was tight, almost painful.

“Let go of me,” I said, trying to pull away.

You wanted a dance, didn’t you?” His voice had taken on a mocking edge I’d never heard directed at me before.

“Let me go,” I repeated, louder this time, causing nearby dancers to glance our way.

He released me so suddenly 1 almost lost my balance, my injured ankle protesting the sudden movement. “What the hell is your

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Chapter 171

problem?‘ I demanded, beyond caring who might overhear.

“Did I annoy you, princess?” he asked, his lips curving in a cold smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

‘Don’t call me that.”

“Queen perhaps?‘ The title sounded like an insult in his mouth.

Something had broken between us, some essential trust shattered beyond repair. “I’m done,” I said, turning away from him. ‘Enjoy your stupid party.”

“Oh, you are not going anywhere, not before I make the announcement, he said, catching my arm again.

“Make me, I challenged, jerking away from his grip.

For a moment, I thought he might actually drag me back. Then his posture shifted, and he gestured to a nearby servant. The music ceased abruptly, and a hush fell over the gathering as Kaius stepped onto the raised dais at the end of the hall.

*Esteemed guests, thank you for joining us tonight,” he began, his voice carrying effortlessly through the hall. There had been so many rumors out there about the Queen’s position, and today I intend on clearing that out.”

I froze, a sense of dread washing over me as all eyes in the room turned to where I stood, alone and suddenly vulnerable.