Chapter 3

Sophia POV:

Three days later.

The Grand Hall of the Aurelis Pack was glittering with lights. This was the Alpha Summit-the most prestigious gathering of wolf leaders in the country. Every Alpha, Luna, and dignitary was here to discuss territories and laws.

And, of course, to meet the Supreme Alpha.

I stood at the entrance.

I had shed the grey rags. Tonight, I wore the dress Ryder had commissioned for me. It was midnight blue, made of a fabric that shimmered like liquid starlight. Silver threads were woven into the bodice, forming subtle protective runes. The back was open, revealing my skin, but the long sleeves covered the healing scratches on my arm.

I wore no scent blocker tonight. But Ryder had placed a high-level masking spell on me. To the others, I would smell like a high-ranking wolf, but my true identity as the White Wolf would remain hidden until the moment was right.

"Invitation?" the door guard grunted. He was a large warrior, eyeing me suspiciously because I arrived alone.

I reached into my clutch, but before I could pull out my Royal Seal, a hand slammed onto the guard's shoulder.

"Let her in, Gary. She's with us."

I froze. August.

He was wearing a tuxedo, looking every bit the pompous leader. Hailey was beside him in a gaudy pink dress that looked like a cupcake exploded.

"August?" The guard looked confused. "She's on the guest list?"

"No," August smirked, looking me up and down. His eyes lingered on my dress with confusion. He clearly couldn't understand how I afforded it. "She's... staff. I hired her as extra help for the event. She cleaned up nicely, didn't she?"

He leaned in close to me, whispering, "I see you spent that five hundred dollars on a rental dress. Trying to snag a rich Beta tonight, Sophia?"

I didn't answer. I just stared ahead.

"Come on," Hailey giggled, grabbing my arm-the uninjured one. "We'll take her inside. The toilets need an attendant."

The guard shrugged and stepped aside.

We walked into the ballroom. The atmosphere was thick with pheromones. Power radiated from every corner. Alphas from fifty different packs were drinking champagne, their voices booming.

August steered me toward the back, near the kitchen doors.

"Stay here," he ordered. "Hold this tray. If anyone asks, you work for me."

He shoved a tray of empty glasses into my hands.

I looked at the tray. Then I looked at the center of the room.

There, on a raised dais, sat the Lymerian Throne. It was empty. Beside it was a smaller, but equally majestic chair for the Luna.

And beside that... a small, cushioned stool for the Heir.

"I don't think so," I said softly.

I dropped the tray.

*Crash.*

The sound of shattering glass silenced the nearby conversations.

August spun around, furious. "What are you doing, you clumsy idiot?"

"I'm going to my seat," I said.

I stepped over the broken glass and began walking. Not toward the kitchens. Not toward the exit.

I walked straight down the center aisle, toward the Throne.

"Sophia!" August hissed, chasing after me. "Stop! You're going to get us all killed! That area is for Royals only!"

I ignored him. My heels clicked rhythmically on the marble floor. With every step, I felt the connection to Ryder growing stronger. He was close.

"Stop her!" Hailey shrieked, pointing a manicured finger at me. "Security! That Rogue is trying to attack the Throne!"

The entire hall fell silent. All eyes turned to me.

I didn't stop. I kept walking, my head held high, my blue dress trailing behind me like a river of night.

I was done hiding.

*