Page 44 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

Amy's nimble fingers pinned up my hair and fastened the elaborate gown. When she finished, I stood before the mirror. That black birthmark still covered most of my face, hideous and terrifying.

Only I knew it was almost gone. If I hadn't lived through that nightmare, I'd be thrilled...

Didn't matter. I'd be leaving soon. Once the mark faded, my face would look completely different. No one would recognize me.

"Let's go." I headed for the door.

Amy hurried after me, chattering about Prince Adrian rumors. I didn't listen. One thought consumed me—finish this damn contest, then get back to planning my escape.

The hunt grounds lay at the forest's edge outside the palace. A massive viewing platform had been erected. When I arrived, the competition had already started. Beast roars and battle sounds echoed from the trees.

The stands were packed with nobles in fancy clothes, wine glasses in hand, chatting while waiting for competitors to return with their kills.

I found the Queen's seat and sat. Prime position—center stage, best view. I'd barely settled when perfume hit me.

"Alice." Victoria's gentle voice.

I looked up. She wore a moon-white gown. Her face still looked pale, but her spirits had clearly improved. Those green eyes gazed at me tenderly now.

My parents hovered behind her, fussing over her protectively.

"Father. Mother." My tone was ice.

Father didn't even glance at me. Mother gave a cold nod.

Victoria sat beside me. I saw the resentment flash in her eyes. Of course. I was sitting in the position Victoria craved most. Naturally, she'd be bitter.

"Sister," she said softly, voice full of concern, "did you sleep well last night?"

"Thanks to you, wonderfully." My response was arctic.

Jealous hatred flickered in her eyes before melting back into gentleness.

"Alice, I know you're still angry with me," she sighed, "but I really didn't mean to take your room. It was Cedric... he was so concerned about me, I couldn't refuse..."

A shy blush colored her cheeks.

"Cedric has always been especially attentive to me." She dropped her voice like sharing a secret. "But don't worry, we're completely innocent. It's just that he does treat me a bit differently."

My fists clenched beneath my skirt. This damn woman! Was she showing off? Flaunting Cedric's attention right in my face?

"Don't worry," Victoria continued, satisfaction glinting in her eyes. "I'll try not to let Cedric focus on me too much. After all, you're the Luna in name."

In name.

The words stabbed like knives. I slowly turned to face her fake expression, a cold smile pulling at my lips. Then I leaned close, voice low enough only she could hear.

"Victoria," I said each word precisely, "these cheap tricks are all you've got."

Her expression crumbled.

"As long as I'm alive," I continued, voice cutting like frost, "I'll always be Queen. I'll always sit in the position you want most. And you? You'll always be a rat in the shadows. Living in the gutter forever."

Victoria's face went white. Those green eyes immediately welled with tears.

"Alice!" She raised her voice suddenly, tears streaming down. "I know you're Queen, but I was just concerned about you! How can you humiliate me like this?"

Everyone turned to look.