Chapter 67: SIXTY-SEVEN

Heart strings Clink-clink-clink The emcee of the occasion who was dressed in a white tux with a mask that complimented his outfit clinked the wine glass he held in his hand with a small spoon, calling the attention of the many guests who were gathered in their different tuxedos and ballgowns, their faces shielded by masks of various shapes and sizes. Ava was there too, wearing her gown and a peacock-feathered mask Lucas put on for her before the ceremony. Thanks to the help of Nani and the event planners, the hall where the ball was held was dazzling with gold decorations, fabrics and accessories, an ice sculpture of the treaty stood bold on the stage near the grand piano, everywhere looked spectacular, all the alpha’s thought this as they arrived, they knew they never made a mistake whenever they chose the decision to vote the dawn pack as the host every year.

Alpha Lucas had never looked more charming dressed in his polish black tux, his rich dark hair was waxed backwards outlining the shape of his face covered with a plain white mask, he entered the hall with Ava’s hand in his, and the couple had all the stares fixed on them as they arrived, whether it was because the couple looked so elegant together, as her dress complemented his tux, or it was because no one had ever seen alpha Lucas with a woman in all his years of hosting this event, Ava couldn’t tell, and she definitely wasn’t comfortable with all the stares.

Followed by the alpha, beta Cian entered with Kiara by his side, her dress was simple but just as dazzling as Ava’s, and the couple also complemented each other, their faces well hidden beneath their masks. The dawn pack’s leaders had all the envy of the people gathered here tonight, how could a wolf and his partner look so gracious? Not only the alpha, but the beta too?

As the Lucas and Cian entered the hall with their ladies, the sound of the emcee was heard and all attention turned away from them and to the stage.

“I, the master of this ceremony, would like to say a big welcome to all those who have travelled far and near for this occasion, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the third annual peace ball celebrated in honor of the peace treaty, signed by all pack leaders from around the world.” His hand gestured towards the ice sculpture before he continued speaking.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to alpha Lucas De’ Clan of the dawn pack for bringing this all together in the sanctuary of the dawn pack, your selfless acts and your remarkable contribution towards peace in our lands will never be forgotten alpha Lucas. Can we all show some love by giving him a round of applause?”

All the attention was turned back to Lucas and the woman beside him, as the guests clapped their hands together, loud clapping sounds were heard in celebration of the host while he waved his hand to all those who acknowledged him, Ava definitely didn’t like all the attention she was getting, but she held her composure and thankfully, the mask helped to hide her flushed cheeks a bit.

After the applause, the emcee continued his speech.

“We will now listen to a special performance from the music master himself, alpha Lucas De’

Clan.”

What? No one told her Lucas would be performing anything! A music master? She’d heard him play the guitar before, it was a wonderful melody she would have loved to stay to listen to if only she wasn’t trying to run away from the cabin that blessed morning, what kind of performance did he plan on doing tonight? She wondered.

After the emcee spoke, Lucas turned and whispered to her. “I’ll be back dear.”

She nodded her head as her hand left his and he walked towards the stage, climbing onto it.

All eyes were pinned on him as he took his seat in front of the grand piano, positioning the mic in front of it and letting out a small speech to address the audience.

“I want to thank you all for gracing this occasion with your presence, those who know me know that my service will always be to the people, and now, I would like to grace this ball with a song I wrote for a special someone titled ‘my heart strings.’” He then brought his fingers forward and they gracefully began to play with the piano keys one by one, letting out a harmonious melody that had everyone mesmerized in silence as the sound of Lucas’s singing voice was heard.

Darling, you tug at my heart strings, You are my love with all joy brings, And every time I see you, I lose my mind, Joy and peace I hope to find, When I’m with you.

Ava then turned and spotted Kiara by her side, listening and enjoying the performance along with Cian.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me that Lucas was going to perform?”

Kiara turned and whispered back to answer her question. “I’m surprised you don’t know that he performs every year, this is the best part of the occasion, as its very rare for an alpha to have such talent, everyone always looks forward to his performance during the peace ball season…”

“Shhhh!” One of the angry guests behind them who was getting disturbed by their whispering, Ava nodded her head in apology towards her direction and the woman simply ignored them, turning her attention back to the stage. The lyrics of the song were captivating and sobs were even heard amidst the audience as Lucas’s voice went on. It turned out that alpha Lucas’s performance was truly one that the people enjoyed.

Ava watched him play the grand piano, his eyes were closed and he sang so passionately, why did the song sound so familiar? Just then she remembered the song, this was the song Lucas was playing in the log cabin the day she escaped, she didn’t need anyone to tell her that the song was for her. Was she truly the special someone he wrote the song for?

A few moments of watching him sing, she had her gaze fixed on him like he was the only one in the room and then, she felt a small tug at her heart, a form of quickening sensation, but it wasn't the mate pull this time around, it was a different kind of attraction, it took a while for her to realize it, but when she did, could it be? No, it couldn’t, she needed fresh air at that point she found out what was happening, she quickly rushed out to the balcony of the hall panting heavily, holding her chest, is it?

No, it can’t! It just can’t!!! Just then, she heard Layla’s voice howl confirming it.

‘You're in love with him!!!’