His Abandoned Luna Chapter 78

|| Lilac’s POV ||

The grand hall was alive with music and laughter, the air thick with the scent of flowers and the clinking of glasses. The announcement of Alexander and Madeline’s mate bond had electrified the room, and now they stood at the center of the dance floor, their eyes locked as they moved gracefully to the rhythm of the music. The chandelier above cast a soft, golden glow over them, their silhouettes shimmering like something out of a dream. I watched them with a bittersweet ache in my chest. That was how it was supposed to feel— the undeniable pull of a mate bond, the magic of two souls recognizing each other. But why did Alaric’s face keep popping into my head? Why did the thought of him make my heart race and my stomach twist in knots?

I sighed, tearing my gaze away from the dancing couple. This wasn’t the time to dwell on Alaric or the confusing mess of emotions he stirred in me. I had a role to play tonight, and I couldn’t afford to let my guard down.

As the celebration grew livelier, more couples joined the dance floor, their laughter and joy filling the room. But my moment of peace was short-lived. A hand landed on my shoulder, its touch familiar and unwelcome. I turned to see Kael standing there, his tall frame looming over me, his dark eyes filled with a calculated charm.

“May I have a dance with you?” he asked, his voice smooth and confident, as if he hadn’t just been publicly humiliated moments ago.

I forced a polite smile, though my stomach churned at the thought of being near him.

“Kael, I don’t think this is appropriate,” I said, my tone light but firm.

But Kael wasn’t one to take no for an answer. He bent down on one knee, his movements dramatic and deliberate, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. My jaw tightened as I realized what he was doing. He was putting on a show, and I was the unwilling star.

“Lilac,” he began, his voice trembling with feigned emotion. “I know I’ve hurt you in the past. Maybe in ways I can never mend your heart. I also admit I was wrong to show Ezra’s photo at the council meeting. Trust me, it came in an anonymous packet. I was scared, Lilac. Scared that Ezra might walk in the wrong direction. And…” He trailed off, his voice breaking as if he were on the verge of tears.

I clenched my fists at my sides, my nails digging into my palms. Liar. Every word out of his mouth was a carefully crafted lie, designed to manipulate and deceive. He wasn’t scared for Ezra or for me. He was scared for himself, for his crumbling reputation and his fading chances at the throne. All I wanted was skap him hard and make him cry for real.

“I was scared for you, Lilac,” he continued, his eyes pleading. “I know I found my mate, but the truth is, I could never forget you. You’re always in my heart, Lilac. I can’t even think about having someone else as my mate. That's the reason I never marked her.”

My blood boiled, but I kept my expression calm, my smile steady. Inside, I was raging. How dare he? How dare he stand here and pretend to care about me after everything he’s done? I wanted to scream, to rip his throat out for the pain he’d caused me and my family. But I couldn’t. Not here, not now.

“Kael, please stand up,” I said, my voice soft but firm. I reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder as if to comfort him, though every fiber of my being wanted to push him away.

He rose to his feet, his eyes searching mine for any sign of weakness.

“I can't give up on the dreams we have woven together. I just can't stop imagining the future without you. I can only be the king if you are by my side. Otherwise even the throne is meaningless." He chose his words carefully.

Your confessions on my ass! Bastard. I should have just slapped him. I worked hard to keep my anger in check.

"I know I have no right to walk into your life again,” he said, his voice trembling with false sincerity. “So I won’t ask for another chance. Instead, I only ask for your forgiveness, Lilac. And for your heart, I will redeem myself. I will win you again. And then we will revisit our dreams together, once again.”

The room was silent, every eye on us. I could feel the weight of their gazes, their curiosity and judgment pressing down on me. Kael had made a spectacle of himself, and now I was trapped in his performance. But I wouldn’t let him win. If he wanted to act, I would give him a show he’d never forget.

I looked at him, my eyes glistening with tears— not of sadness, but of rage.

“Oh, Kael,” I whispered, my hands clasped together at my stomach. “Of course, I forgive you.”

His eyes widened in surprise, but I didn’t give him a chance to respond.

“Thank you, Princess,” he said, reaching for my hand to pull me onto the dance floor. But I stopped him, my smile never wavering.

Many eyes were on me now, including my father’s and Alexander’s. I could feel Alaric’s gaze too, though I didn’t dare look in his direction. I raised my voice, loud enough for everyone to hear. “But Kael, I want to look for my fated mate.”

His face fell, his mask of charm slipping for just a moment.

“What?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. He never had anticipated this, even in his dream.