The Alpha's Forbidden Vow novel Chapter 12

POV: Selene

The week passed in a blur of escalating panic.

Every tick of the grandfather clock in the hall was a countdown to my doom.

And then, the day arrived.

The entire manor was buzzing with an energy I had not felt before.

The staff polished silver that already gleamed, and Seraphina directed the placement of fresh flowers with a militant precision.

They were preparing for the arrival of their queen.

I was ordered to join the welcoming party in the grand entrance hall.

Seraphina’s command had been clear, her eyes sweeping over my plain dress with a look of distaste.

“All members of this household will show the Lady Isabella the proper respect.”

It was a command and a threat.

I stood in the back, a silent shadow among the senior members of the household staff.

Zane stood at the front with his parents, looking impossibly handsome and regal in a perfectly tailored black suit.

His face was a mask of cool indifference, but I could feel the tension coiling in his powerful frame.

A sleek black car, so shiny it looked like a pool of oil, crunched to a stop on the gravel driveway.

A driver in uniform hurried to open the rear door.

Isabella emerged.

She was even more beautiful in person.

She stepped out of the car with the grace of a queen, her blonde hair styled in a perfect chignon, her cream-colored dress looking like it was spun from moonlight.

But it wasn't just her beauty that commanded attention.

It was her aura.

She radiated a powerful, confident energy—the unmistakable signature of a true Luna.

She was born and bred to rule.

Seraphina embraced her warmly. Roman gave her a respectful nod.

As she passed, she paused, her smile never wavering.

Roman made the introductions. “Lady Isabella, this is Selene, a ward of our family.”

Isabella extended a perfectly manicured hand, not to shake, but as if expecting it to be kissed.

I simply stared at it, frozen.

After an awkward moment, she withdrew it, her smile tightening just a fraction.

“Ah,” she said, her voice dripping with a false, sugary sweetness.

Her eyes met mine, and in their depths, I saw a cold, sharp glint of contempt that belied her polite facade.

“So you are the ‘sister’,” she said, her tone light and conversational, but every word was a carefully aimed dart.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

She leaned in, as if sharing a secret.

“Zane so rarely mentions you.”