Chapter 5

However, the next day, Eduardo suddenly said he would pick me up in the evening.

I waited at my doorstep for a long time, so long that my legs felt numb in the cold wind.

In the chill, my breath turned into mist, blurring my vision.

The party had already started, yet he still hadn't come.

I bundled up in my coat and drove myself there.

I could have skipped going altogether. After all, no one would care about my presence.

But... I just wanted to see for myself.

The presence of Dark Moon Pack in Yareth City was well-known, and Bryan's birthday banquet was a grand affair.

When I arrived, clinging to a last shred of hope, the place was already filled with guests.

The blessing ceremony for Bryan's birthday was about to begin.

I immediately spotted Eduardo standing next to Bryan.

He wore a sharp black suit, his posture upright.

His profile appeared particularly stern under the crystal lights.

And standing beside him was Paulina.

Despite her meticulous makeup, it couldn't hide her pale face. She had been frail since childhood, requiring monthly rare herbs for her health.

It was said that if she received the favor of the Moon Goddess at the blessing ceremony, it could dispel the coldness within her.

This was crucial for her recovery.

Paulina leaned gracefully against Eduardo, smiling softly, as if they were meant to be together.

I silently cursed myself for being foolish. I should have anticipated this, yet I needed to see it to let go.

My heart felt like it was weighed down by a stone.

I was never the important one in his heart.

I let out a bitter laugh.

Even the wolf within me was whimpering.

Trying to stop the heartache, I gripped the birthday gift tightly in my hand and turned to leave quietly.

But I hadn't taken many steps when Paulina noticed me.

She smiled with crescent-like eyes and waved at me. "Pattie."

Everyone turned to look at me.

Bryan who had been all smiles suddenly wore a cold expression, as if I had tainted this grand celebration.

Eduardo subconsciously frowned, showing his annoyance.

Helplessly, I walked over.

At that moment, the lights in the banquet hall dimmed, and a melodious chime echoed.

"Next, we invite the Moon Goddess to bless former Alpha, Mr. Bryan Clark!"

The crowd looked up as the dome above the stage slowly opened.

A beam of moonlight descended, and the Moon Goddess, holding her staff, slowly came down.

Her gaze gently swept across the crowd, and with a light wave of her staff, a pale blue light fell upon Bryan. "May you be forever healthy, forever carefree."

Bryan bowed devoutly, and the room erupted in applause.

Paulina's eyes were full of anticipation, her hands clasped at her chest, waiting for the blessing.

But the gaze of the Moon Goddess bypassed her and fell upon me.

In the next moment, another pale blue light floated towards me and landed on my shoulder.

"May the light of truth always protect you."

Having said that, she vanished from the venue.

The room fell silent, and Paulina's smile froze.

She clutched her dress, her fingertips tightening, her eyes reddening quickly, and her body trembling slightly.

This was the blessing she had longed for, the only hope to relieve her illness.

Yet now, it had fallen upon me.

Eduardo immediately supported Paulina, his gaze turning cold and piercing.

He strode towards me and, before I could react, slapped me hard across the face.

The stinging pain spread instantly, causing me to stagger back, a trace of blood seeping from the corner of my mouth.

"Who let you come here?"

Eduardo's voice was filled with intense anger, his eyes full of contempt and hatred.

"How long has Paulina been waiting for this blessing? Didn't you know? Why did you take away what she wanted the most? You spiteful bitch, did you do it on purpose?"

I covered my burning cheek, watching him accuse and hurt me for Paulina.

In Eduardo's eyes, I was always the unscrupulous woman, even though I had done nothing.

My heart felt as if it were being squeezed mercilessly, so painful I could hardly breathe.

The whispers and stares of the guests around me, their sympathetic or disdainful glances, overwhelmed me like a tide.

I didn't know why the Moon Goddess had blessed me.

When others received the Moon Goddess's blessing, they were often met with envy and admiration.

But after receiving the Moon Goddess's blessing, I was beaten by Eduardo.

Yet for a werewolf like me, no one would mourn my death.

Though my body gradually warmed under the Moon Goddess's blessing, my heart felt like it was frozen solid.

I had received a blessing that seemed to have turned into a curse.