Sapphire pov
The training hall was filled with the sound of heavy breathing and feet striking the mats. Bright lights hung overhead, reflecting against the glass walls and revealing the sparkling capital city beyond.
This was where I spent most of my days—pushing the kingdom's elite young warriors to their limits.
"Guard up!" I called, my voice steady and firm. "If you hesitate for even a second in a real fight, you won't get another chance."
They moved again at once, fists and kicks cutting through the air. I walked between them, correcting their stances, adjusting their balance, making sure every movement was sharp and precise. At twenty-two, I had earned my place as the strongest female warrior in the kingdom. People respected me. When I spoke, they listened.
I carried myself with a calm confidence, the kind that only came from years of discipline and hard work.
After the final drill, the warriors began to pack up. Sweat glistened on their skin under the bright lights. One of the younger ones paused as he passed me and gave a respectful nod.
"Good session, Miss Everhart."
I allowed a small smile. "Rest well. Tomorrow, we add speed work."
A few groans followed, and I almost laughed.
When the hall finally emptied, silence settled around me. I picked up a towel and wiped my face before walking toward the large window. The city stretched out below—tall glass buildings catching the evening sun, sleek cars gliding along wide streets, and in the distance, the royal palace sitting on the hill like a crown made of steel and light.
My phone buzzed on the bench behind me. I turned, picked it up, and saw a message from my mom.
Sweetheart, the gala starts at eight. I'll be there early. Come find me if you need company tonight.
A soft warmth spread through my chest. That was just like her—gentle, thoughtful, always looking out for me. After my father, Roman, passed away when I was young, it had been just the two of us. She raised me with love and strength, never once complaining about how difficult things must have been.
I was grateful for her every single day.
I typed back quickly.
I'll be there, Mom. See you soon.
Another message came in almost immediately—this one from Maya.
Hey, warrior queen. Don't forget the gala tonight. Save me a seat or I'll drag you onto the dance floor myself. You've been training too hard lately. Time to breathe a little.
A small smile touched my lips. Maya Fleurnoir was my best friend and Beta Kieran's younger sister. She was one of the few people who could make me laugh, even on my heaviest days. We had trained side by side for years, always pushing each other to be better.
She was bright, loyal, and somehow always knew when I needed space—yet never allowed me to disappear completely.
I replied.
I'll try. See you there.
I set the phone down and let out a slow breath.
The gala.
Another elegant evening at the palace, filled with ministers, nobles, and high-ranking warriors.
And him.
Ares Reign, the Crown Prince.
I had loved him long before I even understood what love meant.
I could still remember the day he saved me as if it had just happened. I had been shoved into a freezing pond by some older kids who thought it was funny. The water closed over my head—cold, dark, and suffocating. I couldn't swim. Panic filled my chest, stealing the air from my lungs.
Then strong arms pulled me out.
Ares—just a boy at the time—had jumped in without hesitation. He carried me to safety, water dripping from his dark hair, his expression serious and focused.
To him, it was nothing more than a small act of kindness. He probably forgot about it the very next day.
But for me… it became everything.
Years later, on my eighteenth birthday, the mate bond awakened. All it took was one look at him, and I knew.
He was my fated mate.
But he felt nothing.
Because Selena was already by his side. His true Luna. The woman blessed by the moon goddess to stand with him. He was completely devoted to her—I could see it in the way he looked at her, in the way he held her hand, as though she was the most precious thing in his world.
So I kept my feelings locked away.
I stayed silent. Loyal to the pack. I trained harder, became stronger, became someone everyone could rely on. And I never let anyone see the quiet ache I carried inside.
I picked up my gym bag and headed to the locker room. After a quick shower, I would go home and change into something simple but elegant. A black dress—nothing too eye-catching.
I didn't want attention tonight.
I just wanted to get through the evening without my chest tightening too much.
Hot water ran down my shoulders as I stood beneath the shower. My muscles slowly relaxed, but my thoughts refused to quiet. The palace would be full of music and laughter. Ares would be there—with Selena. They would smile at each other, maybe share a quiet dance.
And I would stand tall, smile when spoken to, and pretend like everything was fine.
Like always.
I turned off the water and dried myself. When I looked into the mirror, my reflection stared back at me—dark hair damp against my skin, eyes calm and steady.
No tears.
Never where anyone could see.
I changed into my casual clothes and made my way out to the parking lot. My black SUV waited under the dim lights. I climbed in, started the engine, and drove toward my apartment in one of the quieter luxury districts.
City lights passed by in a blur. Soft music played through the speakers, but I barely heard it. My thoughts kept drifting back to the night ahead.
Another gala.
Another night of smiling while my heart stayed silent.
My grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel as the palace lights grew brighter on the hill ahead.
I could do this.
I had done it for years.
But tonight felt heavier.
Maybe it was the way the bond still pulled at my chest, reminding me of something I could never have.
Or maybe it was the simple truth that I would once again watch the man I loved hold someone else.
Either way, I would walk into that ballroom with my head held high and my feelings hidden.
The palace lights drew closer.
Tonight, I would find out just how long I could keep pretending.