Chapter 36
Ophelia stood in front of the grand mirror in her chamber, adjusting her gown with a smug smile. Her plan was falling into place, and she couldn’t wait to execute it. She turned to face Mack, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, deep in thought, his expression distant.
“We leave for the Red Moon pack in two days,” she announced, running her fingers over the delicate fabric of her gown. “I’ll need to visit the hospital there.”
Mack raised his eyebrows, mildly curious. “The hospital? Why?”
Ophelia gave him a side glance, her smile growing wider. “You know it’s one of the best in all the clans combined. I need to check in on a few things. Besides, it’s good to show that we’re staying informed about the state of things outside of our pack.”
Mack shifted, his thoughts still tangled in doubt. He had followed Ophelia into this relationship, thinking it was driven by his desires, but lately, he wasn’t so sure. Her pull on him was undeniable-she was beautiful, seductive, and smart-but something was unsettling in the way she manoeuvred people like chess pieces. And now, with the ball in the Red Moon pack approaching, he knew this wasn’t just about showing up.
Her true target was Azalea.
“And you’ll be coming with me to the hospital,” Ophelia said decisively, interrupting his thoughts.
Mack blinked, frowning slightly. “I’ll be what?”
“You heard me,” Ophelia said, walking toward him. “You’re coming with me to the hospital. I want everyone to see how well we work together, and how perfect we are. Azalea included.”
The mention of Azalea snapped Mack back to attention. He had seen Ophelia’s obsession with Azalea before, but it had only worsened after Federico married her. Now, it seemed as though every step Ophelia took was designed to make Azalea look inferior. He had never understood the deep-rooted rivalry between the two sisters, but he felt caught in the middle of it.
“You think Azalea cares about what you and I do?” Mack asked, his voice low. “She’s with Federico now. She’s not worried about you.”
Ophelia’s eyes narrowed, the playfulness in her expression vanishing. “She’s always cared, even if she pretends not to. Azalea may act like she’s got everything under control, but deep down, she’s terrified of me. She knows I can ruin her.”
Mack sighed. He wasn’t sure if that was entirely true, but he knew better than to argue with Ophelia when she was set on something.
“I’m coming whether you like it or not,” she continued, her voice soft but firm. “And so are you.”
Mack looked away, wrestling with his conflicted feelings. He blamed himself for getting caught up in Ophelia’s web. He had let his heart-his stupid, irrational heart-fall for her charms. Now he wasn’t sure if he was in too deep to get out.
With a resigned sigh, he nodded. “Fine, I’ll come. But don’t expect me to be part of whatever game you’re playing with Azalea.”
Ophelia’s smile returned, victorious and knowing. “Of course, darling. Just be by my side, and everything will fall into place.”
—
Meanwhile, in the Red Moon pack, Azalea and Vick were busy in her bedroom, surrounded by luxurious fabrics and elegant designs. A renowned fashion designer had just left after displaying a collection of stunning gowns for the upcoming ball. Azalea stood in front of a row of dresses, running her fingers over the delicate embroidery and soft silks, her mind buzzing with plans.
“This one,” she said, pointing to a deep red gown with intricate gold detailing. “And this one for the second night.” She gestured toward a sleek black dress with a high slit, its simplicity emphasising her graceful form.
Vick, standing by with a notebook, nodded and took notes. “That makes five dresses in total, Azalea. Do you want me to have them altered, or do they fit well as they are?”
“They’re perfect,” Azalea said, her lips curving into a smile. “I want to make a statement this year. I want Ophelia to feel the weight of her mistakes. I want her to know she can’t trample over me anymore.”
Vick smiled, sensing the determination in Azalea’s words. “You’re going to outshine everyone at this ball, including her.”
Azalea’s eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity. “She won’t even know what hit her.”
For years, Azalea had endured Ophelia’s attempts to undermine her, to belittle her in front of others, but now the tables were turning. She was no longer the naive girl who was constantly outwitted by her cunning sister. Now, she had power, respect, and a position that even Ophelia couldn’t touch. But it wasn’t enough to simply hold her own-Azalea wanted Ophelia to feel small, insignificant, and powerless.
“I want her to be scared of me,” Azalea continued, her voice low but full of purpose. “I want her to realize that I’m not the same person she once knew.”
“And she will,” Vick assured her. “She’s going to see it the moment you step into that ballroom.”
Azalea turned toward the mirror, admiring one of the gowns she had chosen. It was a regal shade of purple, with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt that would make her look every bit the queen she was becoming. “Ophelia will know her place when she sees me. She’s spent years trying to humiliate me, I wonder how I was so stupid that I couldn’t notice her act but now I’m the one who’s in control.”
Vick set the notebook down and stepped closer, her tone growing serious.
Azalea arched an eyebrow. “What is it?”
“Ophelia and Mack are coming to the ball,” Vick said, her voice cautious. “And I’m sure Ophelia will have plans to flaunt her relationship with Mack in front of you.”
Azalea’s smile didn’t falter. Instead, she let out a soft, knowing laugh. “Of course she is. Ophelia thinks she can make me jealous, but I don’t care about Mack. If anything, it just proves how desperate she is.”
“She’ll try to use every trick in the book to get under your skin,” Vick warned. “You’ll need to be ready for whatever she throws at you.”
“I’m always ready,” Azalea replied confidently. “Let her play her little games. By the end of this ball, she’ll know who the real queen is.”
Vick admired Azalea’s resolve, knowing full well that she had transformed over the years from a quiet, reserved woman into someone who commanded respect wherever she went. Ophelia, for all her manipulations, was walking into a battle she wasn’t prepared for.
Azalea stood up, smoothing her hands over the fabric of her dress. “The next few days will be busy, Vick. I want you to run some errands for me-there are a few final details that need to be handled before the ball.”
Vick nodded, understanding the importance of the task. “Of course. Just let me know what you need.”
Azalea listed a series of instructions, her mind already moving ahead to the preparations for the ball. This event wasn’t just a social gathering for her-it was a chance to establish herself as a force to be reckoned with, not only in her pack but across the clans. She was determined to use this opportunity to solidify her position and make sure that everyone, including Ophelia, knew exactly who they were dealing with.
After Vick had written down the errands and left to attend to them, Azalea remained in the room, gazing out the window at the sprawling landscape of the Red Moon pack. The palace grounds were beautiful, with lush gardens and towering trees that lined the pathways leading to the grand hall where the ball would be held.
In three days, the most powerful and influential figures from all the clans would gather here. And by the end of those three days, Azalea intended to have secured her place as not just Federico’s wife, but as a leader in her own right.
She turned back to the mirror, her reflection staring back at her with a confidence she had never felt before. The time had come for her to stop being afraid of Ophelia-and for Ophelia to start being afraid of her.
“I’ll be ready,” Azalea whispered to herself. “And when the ball ends, Ophelia will never forget who she’s dealing with.”