Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder-Chapter 1630 - 72 : An Even Brighter Moon

*Briella*

“You ready to be the center of attention again?”

I looked up from the vanity, staring at Kryzen through the mirror. I scoffed lightly, shaking my head. “I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for this kind of attention. Can’t we just skip this thing and go swimming or something?”

Kryzen smirked at me and crossed the space between us to wrap his arms around my shoulders. He kissed my cheek before gazing at me in the mirror. “This is essentially your party,” he reminded me. “It’s only right that you are there to accept everyone’s thanks.”

I grimaced. “This is really all unnecessary,” I said tiredly. I then glared at him. “It’s not just me, you know. The Alpha announced that all four of us were being honored as heroes.”

Kryzen shrugged his shoulders. “I’m sure it’s just a formality that the rest of us are being honored as well,” he said. The side of his mouth lifted in his signature smirk. “This is all for you.”

I scoffed, my face heating up in a blush. I knew he was only teasing me, but it still made me want to punch him in the shoulder as hard as I could.

It had been a couple of days since the feast was very rudely interrupted by the red-eyed reptile creatures. After using that much power, I had been barely able to move due to the strain the magic had put on my body. I had been bedridden for the first full day after the fact. Not to mention, my shoulder hadn’t just been cut. It had also been sprained.

Thankfully, Alyna and the Astral Haven healers were extremely skilled and able to get me back on my feet after just a couple of days.

I stood up from the vanity, smoothing the teal-colored dress I had on for the feast.

Kryzen’s eyes swept over me. His lips curved into a more genuine smile, his gray eyes darkening slightly. “You look beautiful.”

My cheekbones burned under his intense stare, but I smiled sweetly at him. “I’ve hated dresses for so long, but I could get used to them, I think.” I did a little twirl, watching the way the smooth fabric swished against my legs.

Kryzen reached for me and wrapped an arm around my waist, squeezing my hip through the skirt of my dress. “You’re stunning, but it’s not because of the dress.” His voice dropped an octave, growing husky as he pulled me tightly to him.

My breath stuttered. I tilted my chin up, humming happily when he dropped his mouth to mine in a sweet but hot kiss.

It was over far too quickly for my liking. Kryzen chuckled once against my lips and then pulled away, looking regretful. “I should probably get the guest of honor to the party.”

I rolled my eyes, still a bit breathless from the kiss. “You are a guest of honor too, you know,” I said with some lighthearted exasperation. “I think you’re trying to hide behind me so that you don’t have to stand in any of the limelight.” My tone was accusatory but teasing as well.

It was Kryzen’s turn to roll his eyes. “I have no problem being in the center of attention,” he told me curtly.

I believed him. Kryzen was far too arrogant to be shy.

But I wouldn’t change that about him. I wouldn’t change anything about him.

I tried hard not to flinch when we made it to the waterfall for the feast. It felt like the whole pack had gathered. They cheered loudly when Kryzen and I arrived. Roy and Alyna ran over to us and hugged us both.

“How’s your arm?” Alyna asked, touching the affected arm lightly.

“A little sore but fine,” I told her. I turned to show her where the angry-looking scar peeked out from the sleeve of my dress.

“We’ll have another healing session as soon as the party is over,” Alyna told me firmly, leaving no room for arguments. She then muttered under her breath. “She should really be wearing a sling.”

I smiled at Alyna. She really was a fussy older sister. Even when I was a kid, she was always looking out for me when she and Kryzen were visiting with their parents.

We didn’t get bombarded with people this time, which I appreciated. We were led to the head of the long table. I gaped in surprise. It was normally where the Alpha and Luna sat.

Kryzen eyed the large throne-like chairs. “We can’t sit here,” he told the guy who led us there.

The guy shrugged. “Alpha Azure insisted,” he said simply.

The four of us glanced at one another uncertainly before taking our seats. Roy and Alyna were in similar extravagant seats. Roy and Kryzen were the only ones who seemed natural in the large, powerful-looking thrones. Alyna and I shifted around a bit self-consciously.

In no time, we were eating and talking casually. I looked around at the party, marveling at the fact that just a couple of days ago, this place had been riddled with terrifying beasts that nearly killed us all.

More cheering erupted around us. We turned our heads as the Alpha and Luna came out from behind one of the waterfalls, waving gallantly at us all.

Alpha Azure stood in the middle of the long tables, his gaze finally settling on us. He put up a hand to signal everyone to quiet down.

The Alpha’s voice was booming and powerful, but he was smiling widely. “As you all know, we were recently attacked by vicious beasts. Luckily, we were saved by our valiant heroes the Goddess no doubt blessed us with.”

More cheers exploded through the space, and all eyes turned to us. I smiled and waved, willing my face not to start blushing.

“We were extremely fortunate that these heroes happened to be here,” Luna Marina added. “I hate to think of what almost became of our pack had they not arrived.”

Alpha Azure patted her hand and gave it a reassuring kiss before turning to face us again. “That being said, it has been brought to my attention that we have been far too relaxed,” he said. “I am well aware that no one is to blame for that. We have been blessed with centuries of peace, but as your Alpha, it is my job to ensure your safety and well-being.”

Kryzen and I shared a look. I could see the shock in his expression but also the thankfulness.

“Just because we have never faced a real threat before these monsters, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have been remaining vigilant,” Alpha Azure said. He straightened even further. “From now on, we will be taking action to ensure the safety of our pack. It will include forming a defense force with our strongest members and adding more security measures like guard towers.”

There was more applause, but it was a bit less enthusiastic. I could still sense the approval of the Astral Haven members. It was something that needed to be done long ago, and it was great that it was finally going to happen.

I glanced at Kryzen and could tell that he approved. The pride was practically pouring off him as he sat a bit straighter and clapped enthusiastically.

“Now,” Alpha Azure said, smiling widely, “enough serious talk. It is time to begin the celebration. Please show your enthusiasm for my daughter, Arista, and her choir.”

I took a deep breath and stood from the Luna’s throne. I was aware that all eyes were on me, even though Arista and her friends had ascended the stage in the center of the venue.

Arista smiled at me widely as I joined them on stage. I gave her a grin back as I stood beside her. She offered me her hand, and I took it gratefully. She could probably tell I was a little nervous.

The lights dimmed right as Arista began to sing, her melodious voice carrying through the air and touching every heart in the room. I found myself shutting my eyes at the sweet sound.

I opened my eyes just as the first colorful stream of water rose from the pool at the base of the waterfall. It insulated perfectly in time with Arista’s singing.

One by one, the rest of us joined in, each taking on a different pitch, our voices intermingling. More strands of rainbow water floated toward us and danced in the air.

I could feel warmth surrounding me as I raised my voice, singing for the very real gratitude I felt that I was still alive—that we all were. I allowed my voice to reflect all that I was feeling. I opened my eyes when elated gasps filled the space.

Sparkling geysers rose up from the pool, bending and twisting like seasoned dancers. They spun around the other strands of water, throwing rainbows all over the blue rocky walls around us.

I grinned and spun around with the water, feeling powerful and beautiful.

When I faced the front again, my eyes met Kryzen’s. He was beaming up at me, his gray eyes incredibly warm as he smiled.

The rest of the party was incredibly lively with lots of friendly chatter and dancing. Alyna and I danced for what felt like several hours, swaying our hips and hopping in time with the music.

The feast lasted for several hours. I was dead on my feet when it was all over. Miraculously, Kryzen and I were the last ones there after everyone else left.

We sat in front of the waterfall together, our bare feet skimming the surface of the water. The moon was full above us, and I stared up at it in awe. The moon in the Embervale Realm was large and bright, its light the color of cream.

I leaned against Kryzen’s shoulder contentedly, swinging my legs slowly. “This place is really beautiful,” I said after several long moments of silence.

Kryzen didn’t answer. He didn’t even grunt in agreement like he tended to do.

I lifted my head off his shoulder to look into his face and was surprised to find that his expression was troubled. “What is it?” I asked. “That’s not the face of someone who saved an entire pack.”

Kryzen managed to chuckle. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “I was just imagining what could have happened to this place and to its people if we left like I wanted to do.”

“Oh,” I said, hearing my tone drop in response. “You shouldn’t think like that. We stayed and were here to help. That’s the end of it.”

Kryzen nodded. Thankfully, he wasn’t one to dwell on things like that. He was normally so rational, but I understood why the thought crossed his mind. If he had fought me hard enough, it was hard to say if I would have changed my mind or not.

Still, he shouldn’t have blamed himself.

I squeezed his hand and leaned my cheek against his shoulder again. “I’m used to you being stubborn,” I said and wasn’t surprised to feel him stiffen against my side. “But I wouldn’t change that about you either. I rely on that stubbornness at times.”

Kryzen actually chuckled, a surprising sound. He moved slightly so he could drop a kiss on the top of my head.