Alpha's Regret: Marked By The Lycan King

Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Familiar Shadows

Third POV

Asher’s eyes locked onto the elegant silhouette across the crowded ballroom. The woman wore an icy blue satin cocktail dress that hugged her curves perfectly. Diamonds sparkled at her throat and ears, catching the chandelier light with every subtle movement. Her dark hair was swept up in a sophisticated bun that exposed the graceful curve of her neck.

Even from this distance, something about her posture and the way she held herself seemed achingly familiar.

“Estelle,” he whispered again, barely audible over the orchestra music.

The woman looked nothing like the simple, modest girl he remembered from Moonveil. This woman radiated wealth and refinement. She moved with the confidence of someone who belonged in these elite circles.

But he was certain it was her.

Asher took a step forward, his heart pounding against his ribs. He needed to get closer. He needed to see her face.

“Asher?” Eloise’s sharp voice cut through his thoughts. Her manicured fingers dug into his arm, pulling him back. “What’s got you so distracted?”

He turned to where he’d spotted the woman in blue, but she had vanished into the sea of elegant guests.

“I thought I saw someone I knew,” he muttered, scanning the crowd desperately.

Eloise followed his gaze with raised eyebrows. She let out a throaty laugh that carried a hint of mockery.

“Look at you, so worked up over the big leagues. How can there be anyone you know here?”

Heat rose in Asher’s cheeks. The insult stung more than he cared to admit. He forced his lips into a tight smile, swallowing his pride.

“Sorry, you were saying?”

Eloise’s red lips curved into a satisfied smirk. She clearly enjoyed having the upper hand. “Come along, darling. I’ll introduce you to more people. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?”

As she guided him deeper into the ballroom, Asher couldn’t resist asking, “Will the Lycan King be here tonight?”

Eloise threw back her head and laughed. “Unfortunately, His Majesty is a little busy today. He sent his Beta to oversee matters instead.”

Asher’s hopes deflated slightly. Meeting the Lycan King would have been the ultimate networking opportunity.

“Don’t look so disappointed,” Eloise continued with amusement. “It would be difficult for someone like you to meet even the Beta directly. You’ll need to work your way up from the other officials and nobility first.”

Another subtle reminder of his place. Asher nodded stiffly.

***

Estelle’s POV

I smoothed down my dress and took a steadying breath. The champagne bubbles were making my head feel light, but I needed to stay sharp.

Cyril arranged for me to attend this convention as the Luna of Blackmoon Pack, not as Zayne’s fiancée. It was a strategic move to establish Blackmoon’s renewed status after the leadership change. But maintaining this professional facade meant endless networking conversations and champagne toasts.

“Luna Estelle,” Alpha Hugo approached with several other pack leaders. His weathered face creased into a warm smile. “I was just telling these gentlemen about our successful partnership.”

The other Alphas gathered around with obvious interest. Word had spread about my background—lost as a child, raised in a small pack, then returning to claim my birthright at Blackmoon. They seemed impressed by the story of rising above humble beginnings.

“Hugo speaks very highly of your management skills,” one Alpha commented. “He says you transformed operations completely.”

“I had excellent guidance,” I replied diplomatically. “And wonderful partners who were willing to give me a chance.”

Hugo nodded approvingly. “The moment I learned Estelle had taken leadership at Blackmoon, I moved forward with expanding our trade agreements immediately. I knew everything would be in capable hands.”

His words quickly gained a round of applause and laughter, and everyone raised their champagne flutes to toast. I did the same. My cheeks hurt from smiling, and even champagne was starting to feel a little too much for me. Nevertheless, I chugged it down.

“To the Luna who proves that true leadership comes from within,” another Alpha raised his glass.

I lift my own glass graciously, though the bubbles were definitely affecting my balance now.

From across the room, I caught sight of Jude’s familiar dirty blond hair. He watched me with concern written across his features. Our eyes met briefly, and he gave an almost imperceptible nod toward the balcony.

“Gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me for just a moment,” I said smoothly. “I need some fresh air.”

Jude immediately stepped forward. “Actually, I wanted to discuss those shipping routes we talked about earlier. Alpha Hugo, would you mind if I borrow Luna Estelle for a few minutes?”

“Of course,” Hugo waved us away genially.

Jude winked at me as he created the perfect excuse for my exit. I mouthed a silent thank you and made my way toward the balcony doors once we were out of the Alphas’ sights.

The cool evening air hit my flushed skin like a blessing. I gripped the marble railing and closed my eyes, letting the breeze clear my head.

This convention was important for Blackmoon’s future, but I couldn’t help but wish Zayne were here. He had just returned from settling the Spirefalls dispute earlier this morning. Mason was representing the lycans tonight alongside Cyril and the council, but Zayne needed to rest after the injuries he had sustained. Or at least, that was what his grandmother had demanded.

I hadn’t spoken to him since we were at the war camp.

The thought of him made my chest tighten with longing. I couldn’t help but wonder what he was up to right now, or if his wounds had properly healed yet. With the poisons out of his system, it should be a quick process, but his absence still made me worry.

Just then, I caught a familiar scent drifting on the evening breeze. My pulse quickened as I turned forward a dark corner. There was a figure standing there, right at the edge of the light. He stepped forward just as I placed a name to the scent.

Moonlight illuminated his features, and my eyes widened with surprise.