*

(A few hours earlier – a little surprise visit that he did not expect)

*

Riana remembered the morning with perfect clarity-the subtle flicker of shock in Beta David's otherwise unreadable eyes. Seated in a convertible car, she smile recalling her short visit that would leave a long term mark.

David was a man of few words and even fewer expressions, Wesley's most trusted aide. While Wesley was. otherwise occupied with his lover, David was the one who truly managed the empire.

That morning, Riana wore her favorite tailored suit, the one that made her feel both powerful and untouchable. She didn't knock when she stepped into the glossy, intimidating office with fancy name plate stating Wesley Winters.

Before that moment, she would float in with carefully painted smiles, perfectly ironed plain dresses, and a mind stuffed full of useless perfect etiquette of an obedient wife like don't slouch in front of the Alpha, he likes his wife poised.

That morning, she strolled in with her chin high, wearing heels sharp enough to strike a man's ego. She walked past those that had mocked her before, talking behind her back while she pretended not to hear. Some pitied her but most wished she never existed in Wesley's life.

Her heels clicked like a countdown to what she had planned to achieve that day. Walking into the office that had the strong scent of her soon-to-be ex-husband, she felt nauseous.

She knew he was not in office as he was most likely busy f*cking his mistress. But his David would be there in his absence.

She met him in his sterile, glass-walled office, placing her resignation letter neatly on his desk. His tie already loose, his sleeves rolled, like he knew chaos was a bout to walk into his life that morning.

"Luna, what –"

"Inform Wesley that the value I've created over the years far exceeds the salary he ever paid me," she said, her voice calm and crisp. "But as of today, I'm done."

David picked up the envelope, his brow furrowing slightly. "Luna, I'm afraid I can't officially accept this without notifying the board. You know the protocol"

"No need for the formality, David" Riana replied with a cool, polished smile. "The board has already been notified. You know better than anyone how efficient I am."

He cleared his throat and slowly stood up, "Luna, let me call Alpha Wesley"

"Don't bother" She adjusted her sleeve, meeting his gaze squarely. "As of today, I am no longer an employee here, nor am I your Luna."

"Why now?"

She smirked with her eyes looking around the room one more time. The place that she knew Delilah had offered her body for her husband's pleasure. A place she had wished she could burn it down to ashes years ago.

When her eyes met his, she gave him a half smile, "You take care, David"

Before David could form another question, Riana slid her sunglasses on and turned, her heels clicking a sharp, final rhythm against the marble floor.

The whispers began before she even reached the elevator-employees peeking from cubicles, speculation swirling in the air.

She heard the murmured bets, the gossip about Delilah soon taking her place. A faint, scornful smile touched her lips. Let them talk.

Outside, the sun glinted off the sleek, obsidian finish of Sasha's convertible. Sasha herself leaned against the door, a smirk playing on her lips, while Carlita gave a

serene wave from the passenger seat.

"Ready to return to your throne, my queen?" Sasha called out.

Riana slid into the car with effortless grace, her chin held high. Letting her hair loose, she smiled and raised her arms in the air, "I'm free!"

Her friends cheered for her as she took her seat in the convertible. And with that, Riana Regalia – once the perfect trophy wife – clicked out of the office tower as though she were walking a runaway.

"Next stop," she said, her voice laced with long-awaited resolve. "The Moon Gala."

"And I know the perfect place to get ready" Carlita sang her words as Sasha drove them out from the city.

*

***

*

(Later that evening at Mystic Town)

*

"Darling, if you tug at the hem of the dress again, I'm putting a spell on your hands to keep it still the whole night" Carlita slapped Riana's fingers away as she gave the last touch of makeup on Riana's face. "There.. you are gorgeous, and bold. I love it"

The feeling was not all mutual. Riana groaned and twirled in front of the mirror. The silk gown hugging every curve of her body was going to make the headline of her comeback in tomorrow's news. "This feels too much"

"Too much?" Sasha snorted while she sat on the boutique sofa like she owned it. Her lips curled forming a smirk, "Your entire life for the past seven years were too much. Too loyal, too obedient. For once, you need to be too hot"

Carlita adjusted the gown's neckline pulling it lower to show some cleavage. "She's right. Tonight is not about being subtle. You need to step into that ball and make every wolf choke on their champagne."

Riana nodded and held her chin up. "Not the kind of support I need tonight but I'll work on it."

"This is our support," Sasha shot back and stood up. "We're supporting your cleavage, your confidence, and your political aspirations. In that order. You have a mission tonight, and you need to have that killer look"

By the time they were done, Riana looked less like a fallen Alpha's wife and more like the Alpha herself. Hair pinned back sleek and sharp, eyes smoky with determination, and a gown that dared anyone laugh at her. "Perfect"

As the girls dropped her to the location where the Moon Gala was held, Riana held her breath trying to control her emotion burning inside her chest. Her eyes scanned the entrance, locating a member of the Wolf council that may be to her advantage.

The ballroom glittered with gold, silver, and wolves who thought they were gods. Riana's heels clicked across marble as conversations dipped. Eyes followed her, whispers trailing of her return.

She's back.

She dares to return.

She thinks she still belongs.

And then, came Amy Brown.

An old acquaintance from her former pack was seen at the entrance. She smelled trouble coming.

"Riana?" Amy's voice cut through the music like nails on glass. She sauntered forward, dripping in diamonds and smugness. Her eyes scanned Riana from head to toe, "Well, well. Look who crawled back into town."

Riana wanted to ignore Amy's presence but was blocked by her and her friends. "Without your husband? How bold of you to come here tonight."

Riana's smile didn't falter. "Boldness is in fashion this season."

Amy gave a sharp laugh, loud enough to turn heads. As always, Amy loved the attention, "Fashion? Sweetheart, no dress can hide the fact your Alpha husband preferred another woman. And now you think you can waltz in here, like you're still relevant? You are no longer accepted here. Did you not get the memo?"

Gasps rippled. Amy's cruelty was like a sport, and tonight she was aiming for gold medal. She gestured to the guards, waving her hand like a Queen. "Guards, remove her. We don't allow ghosts of failed wives at our council gatherings. Besides, she left town for a man who does not love her."

Riana's hand tightened around her clutch, but her chin stayed high. She would not break. Not for Amy. Not for anyone.

"A failure like Riana Regalia being allowed to attend is a disgrace to the Moon Gala."

The crowd buzzed. For the first time that night, Riana felt her pulse race for reasons entirely unrelated to vengeance.

And then-

"Touch her, and you'll answer to me."

The voice came smooth, deep, and familiar enough to make Riana's heart stumble. She turned, and there he was: tall, broad-shouldered, devastating in his tailored suit.

His eyes locked on hers with that same unshakable intensity she remembered from nights that felt like another lifetime. The one she never stopped dreaming about, no matter how hard she tried.

Her inner Wolf Geena whispered his name in her mind, 'Raphael?'

"Raphael, she cannot be invited in" Amy's voice pierced through the live music like a scream of a hyena. Heads turned, eyes narrowed, whispers raced like fire through Riana's ears.

Riana didn't flinch. Instead, she lifted her chin up showing her confidence. "You heard what he said"

"You dare talk back at me?" a few chuckles broke out. Quickly smothered, of course-no one wanted to be on Amy's blacklist. Her gown glittering as though trying to outshine her fury. "Don't you dare, Riana. You don't belong here. You betrayed your pack, running off with an Alpha who never loved you. You're nothing but a-"

"A survivor?" Riana cut in smoothly, lips curving striking her opponent with her words, "Funny, I don't recall betrayal in my vows. Only loyalty to the pack. And unlike you, I didn't claw for scraps at another wolf's table."

Gasps. A couple of elders stood in the corner actually snorted into their wine. Amy's painted smile wobbled. She knew her way to climb the social status was not something to be proud of.

"You think you can just walk back in here, Riana?" she hissed, "and the elder council will welcome you? You're a stain. And stains don't get seats. Go back to your city, living in your large mansion. Mystic Town do not need you"

Riana stood still and leaned in a little, her perfume curling between them like smoke. "Darling, I don't need their pity. I'll earn their respect, and one day yours too. And the fact you're screaming in public right now.." She paused and glanced around at the audience Amy had unintentionally gathered to humiliate her. "I'd say I've already made my point."

"How dare you say such things! Do you not know who I am? Don't forget who my husband is" Amy's cheeks burned crimson. She snapped her fingers at the guards. "Remove her!"

The guards hesitated. Wolves rarely defied Amy, who was the wife of an old general of an army of her pack. He was twice her age and was trapped into marriage when Amy crawled to his bed one night in a drunk state.

Riana held herself too steady, too sure. She was ready to fight the guards if required. Her nails were already showing, ready to fight off her opponent.

Then, came the voice. Low. Commanding. Cutting through the tension like a blade. Again, making her tremble a little. Unexpectedly.

"The invitation was approved."

Her chest tightened hearing Rapheal's voice again. The man one who had once made her laugh so hard she couldn't breathe, the one who had kissed her under moonlight like it was a promise.

Now his face was carved from stone, his eyes distant, unreadable.

"No one denies her entry," he finished coldly. "As the organizer of Moon Gala this year, I confirm the invitation for Mrs Winters, Luna of Alpha Wesley.. (he paused for a second) approved by the elders' council"

"Amy, if you have any objections, proceed to challenge the council yourself" he said before he left the scene. Not once did he look at Riana.

The room held its breath. Amy knew she could be expelled from the Gala if she disobeyed Raphael. "Yes, Raphael"

He paused and responded to Amy without turning his back, "It's Alpha Raphel now"

The guards lowered their heads. Amy sputtered, humiliated, before storming away with venom in her glare.

Riana forced her own smile, masking the sting in her chest. She wanted, truly wanted, something from him. A flicker. A spark.

But he gave her nothing. Not a glance, not a smile. He moved on, as though she never existed in his life. He did not even wait for her to thank him for the help.

Sensing Raphael's distant attitude, Riana felt a bitter ache in her heart. If not for that accident eight years ago, Raphael would have been her husband.

But the past couldn't be rewritten. It was she who had rejected their bond back then. She had no right to pursue him again now. Her top priority was to focus on her own ascent.

Geena, her Wolf's words echoed in her head. 'Tonight isn't about him, my dear. It's about the council'

So, Riana turned the opposite way from Raphael.

She found the elders by the fountain, three of them perched like vultures with wine glasses in hand. Their eyes tracked her with suspicion-and curiosity.

"Riana" one of them said, an older wolf with a mane of silver hair. "You dare to return."

"I don't dare," she said, keeping her voice steady and sharp. "I intend."

They leaned in, intrigued hearing her boldness. She spoke of strength, of endurance, of how wolves needed leaders who had survived both fire and shame and still stood taller than before. She played her words like cards, revealing just enough vulnerability to make her human, just enough pride to remind them she was wolf.

Riana was not the discarded wife that night. She was a woman returning to her rightful place.

Well, at least, that was the plan.

Across the courtyard, Raphael lingered in her periphery. Laughing with dignitaries, toasting with Alphas. Riana felt his presence like a tug on her skin. She caught herself stealing glances-when he adjusted his cuff, when he inclined his head politely, when his mouth curved in that distant, polite smile.

Every look left a bruise she hid with brighter words.

By the time she finished, the council elders exchanged glances heavy with consideration. Not approval yet-but not dismissal either.

"Perhaps," the silver-haired wolf said at last, "you do still have teeth, young Riana"

Riana smiled, victorious. "Sharper teeth than Amy's claws."

A ripple of laughter broke their stiff demeanor. She felt the shift, the smallest tilt in her favor. A foothold. Perhaps, luck was on her side that night.

But later, as she stood alone with her empty glass, her eyes betrayed her again. Sliding across the room to him. Always to him.

And when their gazes finally, finally brushed-just for a second-he looked away first.

It hurt Riana more than Amy's words ever could. 'Perhaps, I do not deserve his forgiveness'

As soon as she entered the ballroom again, she saw someone she had wished not to meet that night, "Oh, Moon Goddess, not her"

She encountered Stella, Wesley's younger sister.

"Riana?"

Riana tried to turn around, but it was too late. She had to brace herself facing Wesley's annoying sister, "Stella, lovely to see you"

Stella's eyes narrowed, then she leaned in closer to Riana like they were co-conspirators, "You're spying, aren't you?

"Spying?"

"Yes" Stella glanced around and whispered, "Grandmama sent you, didn't she? To make sure I don't embarrass the family?"

Riana chuckled, while reaching for a glass of wine and emptied the content in her mouth. "Oh, honey, if I were here to spy, you would not even notice me"

Stella huffed, but her lips twitched. "I know, Grandmama. She doesn't trust me to win the Gala Queen title. She probably sent you to sabotage me. Is that why you are here?"

Riana lifted her brows. "You're running for Gala Queen?"

"Of course I am!" Stella declared, striking a pose that made nearby wolves roll their eyes. "I've been preparing to win this year. Delilah won't be here, so I have the better chance to win"

Before Riana could protest, Stella demonstrated-a slow, regal wrist twist followed by a dramatic shoulder tilt. "See? Perfect. Gala Queen."

"Darling, that looks like you're airing out your armpit."

Stella gasped, clutching her chest. "How dare you! You're just saying that because you want the crown this year."

"Maybe I do. But unlike you, I won't rely solely on sequins blinding the judges into submission. You need to show natural talent and strength too"

Their eyes locked with words sharper than claws. Stella sniffed. "The title isn't about strength. It's about grace, beauty, poise-"

"Qualities I survived years of practice being a trophy wife for.. well, no good brother of yours"

"No good brother? You dare say that?" Stella's eyes were about to pop out from her socket, "You are exhausting, Riana. No wonder Wesley despises you and your pretentious good wife attitude"

Their moment of levity ended when the ballroom doors opened again, and the air shifted like prey sensing a predator. Riana didn't need to turn-she knew that presence, that arrogance.

Her ex-husband had arrived.

He strode in, all Alpha swagger, dark suit cut to perfection. And clinging to his arm, dripping in diamonds and smug satisfaction, was his mistress.

"Oh, crap" Riana whispered to herself wondering what was worse, seeing her former lover Raphael who was definitely not having a slight interest on her that night, or hearing the orchestra screechy attempt to welcome Wesley strolling into the ballroom with his mistress clung on his arm.

To her, their presence was like some moving advertisement of debuting a new perfume called Betrayal.

It was just a day before that she had signed the divorce papers. 'Efficient' her inner Wolf Geena was not liking it either.

The murmurs spread fast, hungry to kill her reputation. Every Wolf that caught a glimpse of her was whispering behind their expensive champagne flute.

"Poor Riana"

"Delilah is a better Luna"

"Riana is no match for Delilah"

"Riana should not have shown her face in Mystic Town"

It went on for several minutes, pretending she was not at all bothered by the mockery she heard while she stood watching Wesley pouring his admiration on Delilah.

Maintaining her elegant composure, she took a slow, deliberate sip of another glass of champagne and forced a smile to those who were watching her. "Well, I suppose subtlety was never his strength, I guess his affair is now made official"

Stella, who was still standing by her side was oblivious to Riana's social carnage, "Urgh, men are useless" she fixed her hair which did not need any fixing and smiled so bright it could blind someone at twenty paces. Waving her hand elegantly, Stella's words surprised Riana, "That is why I need to win as the Gala Queen tonight"

Riana blinked at Stella, "How exactly would it help you by winning?"

Stella leaned closer, whispering like she was revealing state secret only for Riana to hear, "Because if I win, my husband will never look at another woman again. Just me (she paused and wrinkled her nose), and definitely never be Delilah. Ever"

"That's your strategy?" Riana almost choked on her champagne, "Glitter your way to force your husband to love you?"

"You're mocking me" Stella pouted and squinted her eyes at Riana not liking her words, "As if, you did not glitter your way to make my brother notice you. Look at what you are wearing tonight. He'll definitely notice you"

She sighed, "Riana, winning this title shows dominance, confidence and beauty. Men love confidence more"

Stella was not wrong with her opinion. It was just a few seconds ago that Riana thought she saw Wesley noticing her presence. She arched a brow and spoke her words with her eyes scanning the ballroom to locate any of her family members, "Oh honey, men love convenience. Confidence only attracts them until she starts talking back"

"That's so cynical!" Stella crossed her arms, "Well, maybe if you try to win the Gala Queen title, Wesley will not go sniffing around Delilah' panties. Delilah has confidence, strength, and beauty (she stared at Riana's body) and she is sexier"

"I never said I did not want to win tonight" Riana's words made Stella gasped. Stella wanted to argue but soon realise that Riana was no longer standing next to her.

Standing at the other side of the ballroom, Wesley did not expect to see his wife at the Moon Gala. He had waltz into the Gala being prepared to face politics, pretentious good handshakes and the good performance of an Alpha to show strength and dominance with everything under control.

Having Delilah by his side, clinging to his arm like a glittering accessory was just for one reason to support her return to win the Gala Queen title, again.

'Beautiful' his inner Wolf Vega growled low and hot.

'Vega, stop! I chose Delilah. She is our Mate'

But seeing Riana stand across the ballroom in a gown that clung like sin and moonlight, gave him a strange feeling that night. Her shiny golden hair swept up, her posture regal, her smile cutting enough to draw blood. Every wolf in the room had noticed her, but it was Wesley's chest that tightened ignoring her importance in his life.

He forced his eyes away. He had a woman beside him now. A beautiful one. Stronger. Eager. Convenient. His true Mate.

"Wesley?" Delilah's voice snapped him back. She was smiling up at him, doe-eyed and fragile-looking in a gown that shimmered like champagne. "Are you even listening?"

He wasn't. "Of course," he said automatically.

She sighed dramatically, the sound rehearsed. "I was saying, if I win the Gala Queen title tonight, maybe my father will finally notice me."

He blinked. "Your father? Why does that matter?"

"Yes, my father. I told you before. Have you forgotten?" she said softly, eyes glistening. "Winning just the Moon Gala Queen title in the previous event was always my regret. Silly me as I failed to secure the actual Moon Gathering victory to bring glory to her father. You do know, it is important for me to claim that honor. And.. well, I want to make you proud of having me"

He gave her the polite nod he'd mastered over years of diplomacy of having a mistress. "I understand. I'm here for you."

She smiled, squeezing his arm gently showing her affection. "It'll mean something, having you by my side when I win, again"

Wesley's mind wasn't on her words. His eyes had drifted again - unwilling, traitorous - back to searching for Riana.

'She came to get your attention', his ego sneered. 'That's what this is. She quit the company, now she shows up here. She wants me to chase her'

'She got your attention tonight, did she not?' Vega's reply was low and dangerous, making Wesley felt a pain in his chest.

Then, he caught sight of his sister Stella gliding toward them-smiling like a predator with lipstick.

"Oh, this is rich," Stella announced as she approached. "Delilah, darling, I didn't know you were attending this year, again. Though I suppose if there's a Gala Queen title to chase, you'd appear like a moth to a tiara."

Delilah stiffened, still clutching Wesley's arm. "Stella. You look. sparkly. Are you here with Eddie, your husband?"

"Eddie is not your concern" Stella grinned not liking it when someone asked about her husband who was busy talking with his friends than standing next to her. He was beginning to distance himself from her after she gave birth to their child which caused her to gain some weight.

"So, tell me, Delilah, do you also plan to dance with my brother tonight, or are you just here for the crown?"

The surrounding wolves pretended not to listen but absolutely were. Wesley sighed through his nose. "Stella, go find Eddie. Do not -"

"No, no, I'm curious," Stella continued brightly. "Because last I checked, crowns don't usually come with attached men. Or brothers."

Delilah's smile cracked. "You're implying something inappropriate."

Stella gasped theatrically. "Implying? Oh no, dear. I'm asking. There's a difference."

Vega was laughing now, the deep, rumbling kind that only made Wesley's irritation worse.

But even through the chaos, Wesley's gaze drifted again to Riana. She wasn't looking his way. Not once.

"I don't feel well" Delilah whispered, cunningly feigned weakness, "Darling, can you get me a glass of water?"

Before Wesley could move, he saw Stella already pulling Riana's hand to appear in front of them.

"Riana, my dear gorgeous sister-in-law, tell me, are you not bothered about your husband coming here with another woman?" Stella's words did not have any effect on Riana.

To her, the divorce already took effect. Seeing Wesley with the mistress did not bother her much anymore, and she did not want to make a scene out of it.

But perhaps, the news was yet to be made public and had made her look like a weak fool.

"Wesley, the dance is starting. Are you not going to dance with your wife?" Stella took a glance at Delilah and then to Riana, scheming her way to cause a rift between her competitors to win the Crown.

.

Just as Riana was about to reveal her divorce from Wesley to Stella, Wesley stepped in, "Riana is never good at dancing, so it is best she not making a fool of herself tonight to try to dance"

"Besides, I promised to be Delilah's dance partner and couldn't back out now" he offered his arm for Delilah to take and left Riana and Stella staring at them.

"He is such an idiot for having her as his mistress"

"Why do you say that, Stella?"

"Forget him. Now, let's find a good gentleman to dance with you"

"You don't have to do this, Stella. I can take care of myself"

Stella snorted and rolled her eyes, "I'm not doing this to help you. I just want to create enough drama to get everyone here to take their gaze away from that b*tch who once tried to flirt with Eddie"

"By having me to dance with someone?"

"No, silly" Stella chuckled, "Wesley will not like it to see you dance with anyone. He is the jealous type"

Riana laughed out loud with her hand closing her mouth, "You do know he was forced into marriage with me. It was never about love and definitely he would not be bothered if I dance with another man tonight"

"I know my brother. Shut up and just let me go through with my plan"

Unfortunately, due to Wesley's status, no one dared to invite Riana to dance. They waited for the next song, still not suitors came to dance with Riana.

Eddie came over to ask Stella to dance with him, leaving Riana standing alone at one corner waiting for anyone to dare to dance with her.

The third song came to air. A song that brought her many sweet memories of Mystic Town. A slow ballad.

At that moment, Raphael was in sight. He looked exactly as she remembered – too controlled, too calm, too dangerous for her sanity.

And he was not part of Riana's plan tonight. 'I sense trouble' Geena whispered.

Their eyes met.

For a heartbeat, the room felt smaller, quieter, like the orchestra had stopped just for them.

To her surprise, he extended his hand towards her. "Dance with me"