Ella pov .
I woke up the next day and descended the attic stairs. Thoughts of him consumed my mind, bringing a fleeting smile to my face.
Upon reaching the living room, I noticed Lia in tears, with her mom attempting to console her. Curious about the cause of her distress, I approached.
"Are you okay?" I inquired.
They both looked up at me, and Lia stood, walking toward me with a mix of sadness and frustration.
"Are you happy? This has been your plan all along, so the prince wouldn't notice me. I've tried so hard to catch his attention, but a girl just walked in and took him away from me. The prince was supposed to be mine; I should be the next Luna, and he should be looking at me, not her."
I wanted to laugh, but I guess it's best if I save it for another time.
"So, do you have anything to say?" Elina asked as she walked towards me.
I stared at both of them, not knowing what to say. Should I laugh now, or should I say something?
I placed my hands on Lia, even though I hate her. I think seeing her this way isn't the right option.
"I know you're hurt, Lia, and I just want to say sorry. I know you want the Alpha son badly, but maybe the goddess will bless you with someone, and you will find..."
I hadn't finished my words when she slapped me.
"Shut up, just shut up. What do you know about royalty? You don't know what it feels like to be a Luna. Just look at you. How can I take advice from a maid like you? You're just not qualified to give me advice, so if I were you, I think you should get back to work."
I looked at her and didn't say anything. I felt like hitting her and telling her it's a good thing the prince never noticed her. I know that my life isn't perfect, but calling me a maid is something that is so hurtful.
I turned around, and just as I was about to walk away, Elina's voice stopped me.
"You stupid brat! Do you think you can say these words to my daughter? Do you think it's easy to find true love? My daughter loves the prince, and I was expecting you to say you will look for a way to make sure she becomes the Luna. But here you are telling her she will find someone else. Maybe that's why your mother died after she found out your father was in love with me."
I looked at her with hurt eyes, and this time I could no longer take it anymore.
"My father is not a cheater," I said as my face was covered in tears. "My father loved my mom so much. My mom was just sick, that's why she died. Why are you being so wicked? Have I done anything that you hate me this much?"
She held my wrist as she pulled me towards her.
"You stupid bitch, how dare you yell at me."
I look at her, then look away as I stare at the floor.
"All I wanted was to be happy. I thought if I had a second mom, I would be happy, but I was wrong. All you ever did was hate me. What have I done that you hate me so much? I did all you asked of me. I did everything to make you like me, but you still keep hating me. Am I that nothing to you?"
She hit me on the face, and when I place my hands on my cheek, I could feel blood, and that's when I knew she used her claws on me.
I look at her as I saw her eyes bright yellow as she moved towards me.
"I hate you because you think you are better than everyone. You think you are pretty, and seeing you, I know you will try all means to make my daughter's life miserable, so I guess it's best I make yours miserable before you think of acting."
She pushed me to the floor as she held her daughter and walked away. I stood there, unable to stop crying, wondering if this was how my life would be if this were a mistake.
Taking the soiled cloth, I decided to head to the river to wash it. I thought that being alone would alleviate my worries.
Arriving at the river, I looked around and realized I was the only one there. Slowly, I began to take out the cloth bit by bit, reflecting on what had just happened a few minutes ago.
As I finished, I stood up and turned to fetch some water from the river, only to come face to face with Edward.
"Hey," he said, and I looked away, covering the claw marks on my face.
"Are you okay?" he asked, but I just kept hiding the marks and covering my face.
"Yes, I am. What brings you here?"
He moved a bit closer to me as I heard him speak.
"I didn't see you at the ball yesterday. Did I do something wrong that made you reluctant to come?"
I didn't know what to say. Should I confess that I attended and was the masked girl?
"Sorry, I have to go."
I walked back to the clothes, placing them in the basket. Just as I stood up, he turned me around, and I rested against his body. I saw him staring at my face.
"What happened?" he asked. I closed the mask and looked at him.
"Who did this?" he yelled, his anger evident in his voice.
Was he angry? But why?
I looked at him, unsure of what to say.
"It's nothing," I say, turning to walk away, but he pulls me back.
"I'm not a fool. Tell me who did this so that person will be punished at once."
Looking at him, I didn't know what to say. He was the Alpha's son, and he could do anything, but he never mentioned he was the Alpha's son to me. I guess it's best if I act as if I didn't know he was the Alpha's son.
"I'm fine, Edward. I just fell down."
As I try to get away, he drags me back again.
"You think I don't know?" He says, making me look confused.
"Know what?" I ask as he moves his face closer.
"That you are the masked girl at my ball."