I spent the remaining hours of the party in complete boredom. The guests were the types that liked to party till dawn. Not even once did Astride return to the party. I tried not to care, but I couldn't shake off the image of Astride in bed with his lover.

The Elders had long left the party, and so had some guests from the castle. I sighed, holding one more faux smile, bidding farewell to some of the Alphas, then Mara and I left the hall, heading to my chamber. I couldn't help but reflect on tonight's events. I was reminded of those deep hazel eyes of that stranger, Damon...