Kingsley's POV
"So you must have accepted me as your mate because you love me too?"
After a cheer, Finley took the microphone and locked eyes with Freya. The people around her gradually fell silent, all anticipating Freya's response, and so did I.
Freya slowly lifted her head, appearing a bit flustered, perhaps uncomfortable with the situation, or maybe internally uncertain as well.
She stood there without nodding or declining, and the time stretched on, making it feel like a century had passed.
I couldn't allow any chance for her to answer him, so while everyone held their breath waiting for Freya to reply, I discreetly made my way to the DJ booth.
When no one was paying attention, I turned the volume up to the maximum, causing a deafening sound that resonated across the dance floor, prompting everyone to instinctively cover their ears amid screams of excitement.
This interruption helped alleviate Freya's predicament somewhat.
"Finley, I..."
Fortunately, my keen hearing was still strong enough for me to hear their whispered conversations above the din.
Just as Freya was about to speak, Finley reached out and covered her mouth.
"Well, you don't need to say anything more; I already have the answer in my mind."
Even though Finley wore a smile on his face, I could still sense his sadness, but of course, I had to admit it made me feel a bit happy.
"No, I haven't answered yet."
Freya looked anxious and instinctively grasped Finley's hand.
I confess that my chest felt tight, and I was breathing heavily at that moment.
"Every time you're sad, every time you're upset, every time tears fall, and every time your lips curl into a smile, I understand better than you do whether you're happy or sad. I actually knew your answer a long time ago. In fact, it was within my expectations. I know you won't forget him so quickly."
A relieved smile appeared on the corners of Finley's mouth, but there was a trace of sadness in his eyes.
"Finley, I..."
Freya pursed her lips, appearing somewhat overwhelmed on stage.
"It's okay, I understand what you're trying to say. You don't need to apologize. I've never felt entitled either. As long as you're happy, I'm content. I'll patiently wait until the day you can fully accept me."
Finley finished by taking Freya's hand and gently kissing the back of it.
The people around us didn't know what was happening, but the scene in front of them appeared blessed, prompting cheers that nearly brought the roof down.
However, it seemed clear to me that Finley and Freya weren't truly mated yet.
For me, it was perhaps a blessing from the moon goddess, offering me a chance to make amends for my mistakes.
Amidst the crowd's cheers, Finley and Freya continued walking, and Freya wore a hint of despondency on her face, tugging at my heartstrings.
Later, Finley hastily picked up her cell phone and walked away in a rush, as if he had suddenly encountered some trouble.
Freya remained seated, taking a small sip of her drink before preparing to depart.
I knew that my opportunity had arrived.
I gently maneuvered my way through the crowd and stood beside Freya.
"My dear lady, may I have the pleasure of a dance?"
I slightly arched my back and extended my hand towards Freya.
"I'm sorry, I..."
Freya instinctively began to decline, but hesitated as she rose from her seat.
I noticed Freya's frown, causing my heart to quicken in fear of revealing my identity too abruptly.
"One dance then."
Freya obediently nodded and took my hand, gradually getting to her feet.
When Freya's hand touched my skin, both she and I froze simultaneously, and the wolf inside me whimpered with excitement. My body involuntarily stiffened as memories of the time I had spent with Freya flooded back to me.
"You...sound a lot like someone I once knew."
Freya lowered her head, and the dim light obscured her expression.
"Well, many people have said that," I replied.
I evaded a direct answer, taking Freya's hand and gracefully moving to the music. Freya and I moved in perfect harmony, drawing the room's attention as bright spotlights illuminated us, reminiscent of a meticulously rehearsed dance performance.
"You seem well-acquainted with the waltz," I observed.
I gently took Freya's hand and felt her smell, which stirred a hint of warmth within me.
"Yes, someone once taught me dance before." Freya nodded softly.
"Was it a romantic encounter?"
"No," Freya responded, "It was an incredibly painful one."
The sadness in Freya’s eyes made my heart ache.
At that moment, the melodic sound of a song I had once listened to with Freya filled the air. I recalled Freya sitting on a stool with a yearning expression, telling me she wanted to learn that particular song to play for me. Hearing it again after all these years caught me off guard.
I concealed my emotions and held Freya's hand as we danced, lost in the moment. Freya's hair flowed behind her, swaying ethereally with each turn, and her scent enveloped me. To me, Freya's smell was the perfect perfume for this world.
I leaned in close to her, taking a deep breath, attempting to etch her scent into my deepest memory, never to be forgotten. As the song eventually ended, I slowly released Freya's hand. A wave of sorrow crossed her eyes, and I noticed her hand reaching for my arm once more.
However, I turned away and retreated from the crowd, fearing that I might reveal my true identity if I stayed any longer.
After all, I had not yet figured out how to confront Freya when I was standing before her in reality.
For the first time, I realized that I was such a coward.