True Alpha’s Chosen Mate - Chapter 177

Thanks to Edge, we knew that Hugo and the mad wolf pack were in Clayburn. Hence, we moved discreetly, and I also refrained from going out unnecessarily. Fortunately, nothing happened on the days we were preparing for the show until the day arrived.

I looked at myself in the mirror in my tent, forcing a smile. I cleared my throat, staring at my reflection in the eye before nodding encouragingly.

‘You should focus, Rinnie.’ I told myself, balling my hands into a fist. ‘After this, we will leave. Whatever reason Hugo was in Clayburn, that’s none of my business. Stop thinking about nonsense if you truly don’t want others to get worried about you.’

I nodded encouragingly once again. Bowie and Edge and everyone had been noticing that I kept spacing out from the past days. Hence, I tried to distract myself by practicing the dance I would perform.

Hugo never left my mind, though.

Even in this very second, there was this gut feeling that was telling me I should cancel my performance. But I couldn’t back down now. Especially when all the guests and the royal family prepared this biggest theater hall for us.

We would perform for the nobles tonight and then one show in the street for common people. I didn’t plan on performing in public, so that should be fine. After that, we would carry on and leave this place.

That was the plan.

“That’s right. After tonight… everything will be back to how it was.” I patted my chest, staying positive to forget this unsettling feeling in my heart. “Nothing will go wrong.”

I reached for the mask I had been wearing during my performance. The dance I would perform tonight was something I learned from the country we went to months ago. I had been practicing, but the problem was… the costume.

It was too bold even though I had worn different types of costumes.

With only a bra, a hip belt, and harem pants. The bra and belt were richly decorated with sequins and beads to emphasize my movements. The dance would be akin to a dance to the female god the citizen of Althea was worshiping.

“It’s my first time showing my belly to the public.” I caressed my exposed tummy, pressing my lips into a thin line as I looked at my reflection once again. “That’s alright. I have my mask on. It was not like I will only be wearing a veil.”

Usually, I should be wearing a veil that would only cover half of my lower face. But since I was comfortable having my face concealed, everyone agreed to replace it with a mask.

“Let’s wear it,” I muttered, putting on the mask before a smile dominated the face beneath it. I always felt comfortable whenever I put on this mask. It made me feel like I could be someone other than Rinnie.

Luna.

That was what people called the dancer who dances to the gods. Luna and Rinnie were two different people since Luna… was beautiful and confident. Rinnie was just a broken young lady.

“Luna… you should prepare. It’s almost time for your performance.” I looked back to see Edge peek his head in the tent. “Everyone looks satisfied, so your performance should…”

Edge trailed off when I stood from the chair. His eyes went from my masked face down to my feet, eyes dilating in shock.

“This is what you’re only going to wear?” he gasped, looking around as if there was another person around to see me. “Isn’t this a bit… too daring?”

“Edge, you know the citizen of Clayburn worship a female god. My performance tonight is akin to dancing to that god.” I shrugged nonchalantly. “Just doing my job here to make everyone happy.”

He scrunched his nose up. “Can’t you wear something…”

“Edge.” He trailed off when I called him, and then I pointed at my mask. “Even if I walk out there wearing this, it doesn’t matter since no one will recognize me.”

“That’s right, but still…”

“Edge.”

“Fine!” He clicked his tongue in irritation, scratching the back of his head. “Whatever. You’re the boss and you call the shots. I’m just worried since I don’t want to deal with your admirers later.”

“I won’t be accepting guests.” I giggled, approaching him, so we left the tent together. “Just cheer on me, will you?”

“I am cheering on you.” He rolled his eyes, expression dead. “Don’t worry.”

I laughed and shook my head. “I’m not worried. If anything goes wrong, I have you and everyone to help me, anyway.” I skipped my steps, leaving him behind with my hands behind me.

*****

Meanwhile, in the theater hall. Two figures sat on the upper balcony, where they were watching the show clearly.

“This is fucking boring…” Hugo grumbled with a cigar in between his teeth. “… just why the hell are we in this place, Azazel?” He cocked his head to the person next to him, wearing a mask just like everyone else.

Azazel, the fourth prince of the Hendrik Empire, cast the impatient wolf a glance. “Didn’t you like the mines hidden in Althea? Niall had set his eyes on that too.”

“Ugh… good riddance.” Hugo clicked his tongue in irritation, setting his eyes on the strange where a group of performers was acting and singing. “We can always stay on standby in another place instead of watching this show. It makes me want to sleep.”

“I’m not surprised you do not appreciate art, since you’re born barbaric,” Azazel commented in his calm voice, eyes on the scene unfolding on the stage. “This group is performing a tragic story. It is quite moving.”

“Whatever.” Hugo tilted his head back, fighting the urge to leave the place. “But… to think what happened to Everfell will also happen in this place. Your brother surely enjoys playing the hero.”

As soon as those words left Hugo’s lips, the lights went out. Only the cries of an actress were heard, praying for salvation; a part of their performance.

“Oh, God… we were wrong, and we had sinned. Please forgive us and give us mercy…” the shaking voice resonated across the hall, making everyone hold their breaths as they anticipate what would happen next.

The next second, one light shone along with the sound of drums. At every beat, the woman under the spotlight walked gracefully, hips tugging, making the beads and sequins adorning the hip belt shake.

Loud cheers exploded as the female that suddenly appeared was playing the role of a goddess. Azazel, who was watching since the beginning, narrowed his eyes at her. Meanwhile, Hugo couldn’t care less.

“People are so pathetic. Death is already coming at them, but here they are, cheering on a show that…” Hugo trailed off as he subconsciously set his eyes on the podium. There, a woman performing in a daring suit danced at the beat of the drums.

But that wasn’t what surprised him.

His eyes were fixated on the amethyst locks adorned with jewelry. Her fair skin radiated, complimenting the sparkling beads and accessories around her barely clad body.

“That woman…” he whispered, mouth falling open as her dance captivated him.

“She is dazzling.” Azazel rocked his head lightly, eyes glinting dangerously. “I like her.”

Hugo’s eyes darkened as his jaw sharpened. The side of his lips curved into a smirk, planting his hands on the armrest.

“Where are you heading?” Azazel inquired as he glanced at Hugo, who was obviously leaving.

The latter cocked his head back, smirking evilly. “None of your business.”

“Don’t forget our agreement.” Azazel reminded him, but Hugo simply waved without looking back. “He’s truly changed than the last time.” He peeled his eyes away from him to the woman dancing on the stage.

“Why does she look familiar?”