chapter 7

Ella pov.

I took a step back when he attempted to move forward towards me. My heart was pounding rapidly in my chest, and an overwhelming sense of fear washed over me. The intensity of the moment was so overwhelming that I could almost feel the urge to relieve myself.

What should I do? I had just lied about being a princess, and now I found myself standing in front of the genuine prince. The weight of my deception weighed heavily on my conscience.

Our eyes locked, and I gazed into his captivating gaze. Should I confess that I was the same girl he had encountered by the river side the other day? Uncertainty clouded my thoughts.

Placing my trembling hands over my chest, I could feel the rapid thumping of my heart. Closing my eyes, the world seemed to spin around me, as if I was losing my grip on reality.

"Are you okay?" he inquired, his voice breaking through my daze.

I looked at him, utterly lost for words. My mouth felt as though it had been sealed shut, leaving me struggling to find a way to speak.

I clasped my hands together, nervously fidgeting with them. I was not of royal lineage, nor was I even remotely deserving of such a prestigious position. Shame coursed through me, threatening to break my spirit.

"Sorry, I was just lost in thought," I whispered to him, my nerves getting the better of me, while I remained rooted in place.

As I attempted to walk away, he grasped me by the waist, pulling me closer to him.

"Would you like to dance with me?" he asked, his voice filled with a gentle sincerity.

I stared at him, the thought of pulling away fading from my mind. Was he really asking me to dance? Was any of this even real?

I glanced down, feeling a bashful smile curling upon my lips.

"Sure," I blurted out without a second thought, the words escaping my lips faster and louder than intended. I mentally scolded myself for my lack of composure. His chuckle echoed in the air as he took hold of my hands, leading me back onto the dance floor.

All eyes were on us—Edward and me. Elina's gaze burned into me, her eyes filled with an intense rage, as if she could strike me down in an instant.

Embarrassment consumed me, and the desire to escape overwhelmed my senses. Yet, as he held my hands and wrapped his arm around my waist, he drew me closer to him. I timidly looked up into his eyes, captivated by his presence.

I have never seen anyone with such beauty before, even with the mask on. I smile just hearing him say that. I know it wasn't the first time I have heard something like that, but today this one sounds different.

As we both kept dancing and dancing, I could not help but notice that everyone was whispering to themselves, asking about my identity. I felt so lucky that no one knew me with the mask on, and I pray it just stays that way.

Edward and I dance, and the more he talks, the more I just don't feel like pulling away. I feel somehow safe just being close to him, and I don't know why.

Just then, when the song stops and we have to rest for a while before dancing to our second song, Elina and Lia walk over to us as we both stand talking.

"Greetings, Your Highness," Elina says as she bows. "My name is Elina, the wife of the late beta of your father, the Alpha. It is an honor to finally meet you. And here beside me is my daughter, Lia."

I look at Elina as she speaks with respect, even when I know she is nothing but a bitch.

Edward turns towards her, smiling and shaking hands with her.

"It is an honor to have you here. I know your husband very well. He was a great beta to my father, and he always tells me about his daughter. And just by seeing her now, I feel happier, and I can see how beautiful she is."

I stand there, hurt, looking at them. I know I am the one he is talking about, but I can't blame him. He doesn't know I am the beta's daughter as well.

"If you don't mind, dear Alpha's son, my daughter would like to have a dance with you."

I cannot help but feel like hitting her when she says that. She sounds so good, but within her, she is just a beast.

Edward turns to me, and I just smile and walk away, not wanting to listen to any of their conversation. I cannot believe Elina didn't even mention me, and only Lia.

I take a deep breath as I try not to think about it too much.

I look at the time, and I see it is already 11, and soon Mr. James will come to take me home.

I walk back to where I was before I saw Edward and sit on the desk there, looking at the sky.

I close my eyes as I just wish I could be different from every werewolf and be myself.

After a while of staying in that way, I felt lost, as if I didn't know when a single tear dropped out of my face and slipped past the mask.

Just then, I felt a gentle hand on my cheek, wiping away the tears, and when I looked up, it was Edward standing before me.

"Are you crying because I had to dance with someone else, not you?" he asked softly.

I wanted to laugh, but instead, I averted my gaze, feeling a tinge of shyness.

"So, my lady in the mask, would you like to have a second dance with me?" he proposed.

A smile graced my lips as I rose from my seat and took his hand in mine.

We continued to dance, even as a song played in the background. But as he spun me around, my eyes caught sight of the clock striking 11 PM.

I pulled away from him, and he looked at me, confused.

"I have to go," I said, my voice filled with sadness. However, just as I turned to walk away, he held onto my hands and pulled me back.

"Can I at least know your name?" he pleaded.

I gently freed my hands from his grasp and turned to face him.

"I'm sorry, and I hope we can meet again," I replied, my heart heavy with longing.

And with that, I ran away from the castle, spotting Mr. James and his carriage. I hurriedly climbed inside, only to see Edward following closely behind.

"Let's go, Mr. James," I urged.

And with that, the carriage raced away from the castle, while I stole a final glance at Edward, who stood there with a sorrowful expression.