My Alpha's Betrayal: Burning In The Flames Of His Vengeance

12. The Moon Goddess Festival

YILEYNA

The Night of The Moon Goddess’ Festival arrived and, like every year, the skies were clear, the full moon gracing us with its presence, and the sheer ambience of the night was warm and welcoming. The merry music drifted in through the open windows, making you want to get up and join.

I was getting ready with Charlene. She had been adamant that I spend the afternoon getting ready with her, although this was usually a time one spent with their families, and every year before this one, she and her mother got ready together just as I did with mine. “Those curlers look ready to be removed.” Charlene said to the human woman who was helping us. “Yes, princess.” Belinda replied, bowing her head before she came over to me and began to remove the curlers from my hair. I stared in the mirror at my face. My make-up was done, having been told my skin was perfect without a base. She said she’d do subtle touch-ups… but I looked entirely different… I looked older, more mature… My cheeks were accentuated, a shimmer dusting my cheekbones, with a vibrant deep pink lipstick coating my lips. My eyelashes were layered with mascara, making my long lashes stand out even more with a touch of shimmer on my lids.

When she began to open my hair, letting my now curly hair frame my face, Mom came to mind and her promise to curl my hair on my birthday. I felt a little emotional, but before I could delve into those thoughts, the door to Charlene’s room opened and her mother, Luna Soleil, stepped inside.

She was an inch taller than Charlene, with features that were very similar to her daughters. Her red hair was braided and twisted into an updo, woven with sprigs of fresh flowers. Wearing a gorgeous pale blue dress with coloured embroidery along the entire skirt, it fell to

the ground spreading around her stunningly.

I stood up and lowered my head to the Luna.

“I thought I’d come to check how you girls were getting on. My, you look breath-taking Charlene.” Luna Soleil complimented, looking over at Charlene who was wearing an off shoulder ivory dress with a green leafy pattern along the sleeves and bodice. It reached just below her knees and she had accessorised it with a deep green that only enhanced the green in her eyes. 2 “We are almost done, I’m ready.” Charlene replied, smiling over at me. “Perfect, we need to leave.” Luna Soleil reminded her. The royal family would walk down the main street before taking their place in one of the marquees. The Luna wasn’t often seen out. Being the true mate of the Alpha, if she was killed, it would kill the Alpha too, and so she was always kept inside. Even for this festival, she would spend the majority of the time inside and under heavy security, away from the public. Even Charlene would not be able to enjoy the festival as I would. “You look lovely as well, Yileyna.” Luna Soleil remarked, looking me over. I didn’t miss the

way her eyebrow shot up as she looked at the dress that I was wearing. “Interesting choice. Now come along, Charlene.” 2 I smiled politely, although I don’t think it was exactly a compliment. Was it the fabric? “Ah, I got to go! I will see you for the banquet.” Charlene whispered, giving me a tight hug. She smiled, her red-coloured lips only complimenting her snowy skin. I nodded. “See you later.”

I watched her until she disappeared from the room before I looked back in the mirror. The lace dress I was wearing was fitted to the waist, with thin straps and a bow on each shoulder. The skirt was four layers of tulle with a matching belt tied around my waist. The fabric had tiny sparkling stones sewn to it, giving the dress a stunning sparkle every time I moved. 1 Belinda finished doing a braid along the crown of my head, adding a few sprigs of flowers and leaving the rest open. I reached up, tugging a few strands out and letting them frame my face.

“Thank you, Belinda.”

I bent down and pulled my matching heels on, tying the ribbon that went around my ankle in a bow before I put in the drop earrings that I had selected from Mom’s collection.

my reflection, trying to imagine what Mom and Dad would say to me. Dad would compliment me and joke that he needed to hide me away from all the lads. Mom would get emotional and say I’ve grown so much. The first round of fireworks that signalled the Alpha and his family had stepped

chores were

would join in too. Although they didn’t worship the same deity as us, the festival was still a place of fun for all. The food alone was enough to get anyone to step out of the confines of their homes. “Thank you Miss!” She called as I left the room, clutching onto my little pouch that hung from my wrist. I was going to make sure I won some toys so I could donate them to the kids at the city orphanage. I rushed from the castle, my excitement growing with

air as the man behind

done, now

gold coins there! It is not easy to hit three targets when they are moving.” I

have it too easy now can

not.” I smiled, taking the bunny

families, and groups made their way around the vendors or simply enjoyed the treats they held in their hands. Laughing and joking, some newly mated couples were

their mates’ eyes. That, or making out with one another, like they

they say one in five people will find their true mates. It’s rare considering

a lot of

them. I tried to ignore the two

only need a tiara.” The second

were no older than ten and were dressed in stunning organza dresses

to be a princess.” I replied with

them. I turned my gaze to the sky above, glancing at the full glowing moon, enjoying the soft wind whispering past me. They

now?

“Next!”

forward and taking

pepper over the square

“Thank you!”

called, giving me a nod as I moved