The garden was filled with queens, each engaged in light conversation, all subtly trying to stay on Sia's good side—after all, she was Alpha Davin's bride.
But only Luna Keren approached Lisa, who was chatting quietly with her maid, Helen.
"Lisa," Keren said, settling beside her with a warm smile. "We never really had the chance to talk, did we?" Keren asked and Lisa nodded.
"When I heard Alpha Davin had a new bride, I felt terrible. I honestly thought I'd never see you again… but here you are," Keren added.
Lisa chuckled. She'd thought it was the end for her, too, when Davin sent her away.
"I'm better than ever," she replied.
"Are you really?" Keren asked, searching Lisa's eyes. Lisa went quiet, glancing at Helen, who immediately took the hint and excused herself.
Lisa felt she could trust Keren—her instincts never lied. "Why are you being nice to me?" she asked quietly, and Keren arched a brow.
"We all need a reason to hate someone, right? You've never given me one, so why wouldn't I be nice?"
"Right," Lisa murmured, though her gaze drifted to Sia. She'd never done anything to Sia, but she could feel the hatred radiating from her—worse than even Beckam's, with which they even share a husband.
"I was never Davin's mate," Lisa blurted out suddenly, watching Keren's eyes widen. "He hadn't found his mate, so we made a deal. But once he did, he just sent me away—then told everyone I was rejected by the moon goddess. The truth is, the moon goddess never accepted me as a wolf at all."
Keren squeezed Lisa's hand. "You have always—and will always—be one of us," she said gently.
Lisa shook her head. "I'm wolfless. I only have my physical strength. I wouldn't have made a good Luna, so it's for the best."
Keren smiled softly. "I always envied you, Lisa. You don't even try to be a queen—it's just in you. Wherever you go, whatever you do, you'll always be a queen."
Lisa laughed, blinking back tears. It had been so long since anyone had said anything so kind.
Just then, all eyes went to the garden entrance. A woman with long black hair and a sweeping red gown stood there, smiling confidently as she scanned the crowd, unfazed by the stares. It was Masafi, the vampire queen—Marcus's bride. Due to delays, she'd just arrived and was told to join the other queens. She folded her arms, still scanning the garden.
"The vampire queen," Keren whispered, and Lisa watched Masafi, noticing how pale she looked compared to the last King's event.
"Keep your distance," Keren advised in a low voice. "We're not supposed to associate with vampires." she added.
Lisa raised a brow. "The wolves aren't supposed to associate with vampires. Who said anything about me?"
Keren pursed her lips. "They're our blood enemies, Lisa. Don't forget."
Lisa scoffed. "Wolves and vampires are enemies, but demons and vampires are best friends. I have every right to talk to her."
And she meant it. Lisa rose onto her toes and strode straight to Masafi, every gaze following her.
Masafi's fangs flashed as Lisa approached—wolves never greeted vampires kindly. But Lisa only smiled.
"Don't get too defensive. I'm Lisa Moonstar, the demon king's bride," Lisa announced, offering a slight curtsy.
Masafi's expression instantly softened, her smile broadening. "Exactly who I was hoping to meet." She laughed and pulled Lisa into a hug. Lisa was startled, but trusted Masafi wouldn't sink her fangs in.
"Marcus told me Klaus has a new bride—one who's actually approachable. I never got along with Maradona," Masafi explained. Lisa raised a brow—Masafi must be close to the demons to know about Klaus's other wives.
"Nice to meet you too," Lisa said, breaking the hug and noticing the entire garden was still watching them.
"What are you looking at?" Masafi snapped, glaring at the onlookers.
Sia stood up and strode over, eyes narrowed. "You. Any problem with that?"
Masafi chuckled, looking Sia up and down. "And who are you?"
Sia's eyes widened in disbelief as some of the Lunas giggled.
Sia straightened, forcing confidence. "I'm Sia, Luna of the most powerful pack. And you?"
Masafi smirked. "Anyone with status knows who I am. But since it's your first time at such a gathering, I'll introduce myself."
Sia stepped closer, standing just inches from Masafi. "You might not realize it yet, but soon you'll be beneath me," Sia declared, her voice full of confidence.
Lisa watched, feeling a chill. Sia spoke with such certainty—what made her think vampires would ever bow to her? Unless… she had a plan.
The Shred Mark, Lisa realized. That's why Sia was so desperate to activate it. Davin was only her pawn.
Suddenly, a shout tore through the garden. "Ahh!" Davin was sent flying across the grass, his clothes torn. He scrambled to his feet just as the other kings entered.
Klaus appeared before Davin in a blur, sinking his fangs into Davin's chest and seizing his heart. "Now tell me—do you still dare fight me for them?" Klaus challenged, his voice cold.
Davin gritted his teeth, everyone frozen in fear around them. "Go on and kill me if you wish," he spat.
Klaus nodded and slightly moved his hand when Davin yelled. "Fine. You win."
Klaus stepped back and turned to Marcus, who handed him a cloth which he used to wipe his hands. "You had all the fun and didn't let me in," Marcus complained, then pointed at Ariel.
"From today, the witches are under the vampires. Anyone who touches them deals with me," Marcus announced. Sia's gaze snapped to Ariel, who could only bow her head in resignation.
"And any witch caught supporting the wolves will lose their tongue," Marcus added.
Klaus snapped his fingers and a contract materialized. He handed it to Marcus, who pressed his fingerprint to sign.
The world order was shifting.