CHAPTER 22: 22-THE BEAUTIFUL SWAN

Haiden:

My eyes were constantly searching for Sadie. She must have been introduced before me because now only one Crusader was left to join.

And then I found her—Sadie!

Standing in the corner with her squad, wearing a red shirt and red leather pants. She must have been so uncomfortable in it. I felt angry thinking they made her change out of her comfortable clothes.

But I was hesitant to make eye contact with her. She trusted my words, believed an Alpha would know how things are done, and instead of helping her, I gave her false hope.

Even so, I was glad she didn’t make the mistake of trying to cross the wires.

I heard gasps, just a few, but I didn’t pay attention until I heard a comment from Yorick that made me snap my head to the front.

"And the ugly duckling was actually a swan." I followed Yorick’s gaze to Clementine, and my heart did a little flip inside my chest.

Gold clasps and belts traced along her thighs and waist, accenting her hourglass figure like armor forged for seduction and war in equal measure.

And her chest–Goddess. Perfectly framed by a deep-cut neckline lined in black lace, it was impossible not to notice. She had perfectly shaped, soft breasts that were peeking out of her dress. Full and high, the curve of her cleavage drew the eye. But it wasn’t vulgar, it was powerful. Her black gloves flexed.

She didn’t even look like Clementine. Her body was curvy, but she had the tiniest waist and a flat stomach. Her long legs made me realize she only looked short compared to us. But then she had that ugly hat on, maybe her hair was the problem. She was too scared to accept herself as she was.

’And who is to blame for that?’ my wolf made me roll my eyes at him. ’We bully her and then question why she’s like that.’

’Must I remind you who she is? She is not someone we should feel bad for. She deserves pain, just like my mother did. So fuck you for getting too comfortable with the mate bond.’

I probably shouldn’t have argued with my wolf right before my first mission. But it was always a sensitive issue for me.

And the fact that previously he was all in on bullying her, but the mate bond suddenly changed his feelings, that was what was really irking me. It felt like some kind of twisted joke or maybe an opportunity the Moon Goddess had bestowed upon me.

"And Black Crusader Clementine Stark," Miss Rue announced with a smile on her lips.

Everyone was just watching, not because they were in love with her, but because the baggy clothes were off and what they’d all expected didn’t turn out to be the outcome.

But there was one person who wasn’t satisfied as easily as the others. Miss Lenora stepped forward to confront Clementine.

"Take off your hat. You’ll be out there with your squad, reading eyes and not speaking much, for your own and their safety. So take that hideous thing off."

Her demand made me a little uncomfortable. Even though I used to enjoy seeing Clementine mocked or pushed around, I didn’t truly feel that way anymore. I wanted to be the one to do it, but why should others?

"That’s sick," I heard Troy mutter under his breath, and my head snapped toward him. He probably didn’t think anyone heard him.

I’ve noticed that about Troy. Whenever Clementine wasn’t looking, he’d be watching her. I hoped he wasn’t missing his friend. He should remember how she ruined his chance to be on the pack’s athletes team.

Clementine didn’t immediately obey, I knew she wouldn’t.

"Take off that hat," Lenora repeated, more hostile now. Then, in front of everyone, she lunged at Clementine to snatch it off. She pulled it so hard, maybe because Clementine hadn’t tied it on like she usually did. Sure enough, the hat came off.

And this time, everyone gasped the loudest.

I couldn’t stop myself from staring either.

Underneath that hat was a girl with a head full of lush hair. It spilled down her back in thick, cascading curls, each lock catching the warm chandelier light. Long, wild, and luxurious, it framed her face like a crown, softening the sharp edges of her presence just enough to make her even more dangerous.

Her curls were so vibrant they looked like they danced around her. Then, I noticed her features clearly for the first time.

Her eyes were shining blue. The blue was so intense it was almost blinding. I grunted at how doll-like she looked. I almost wished she were bald, just so she could be mocked more easily.

I was annoyed watching everyone look at her like she was a goddess.

"What the fuck–" I guess I wasn’t the only one who hadn’t known of her real beauty. The alphas from my dorm seemed just as stunned.

Even Troy looked speechless.

"Everyone, please walk towards the exit in a line behind your ringleader. We will now escort you to the train that will take you to the North," Miss Rue announced again, looking far from pleasant after Lenora had snatched Clementine’s hat in the rudest way possible.

We walked toward the exit, where Clementine had already been waiting. Now she was leading us, walking ahead as we followed her to the train station.

It was a magical train that responded to ringleaders’ commands, dropping us at specific locations in the North, avoiding the deeper areas where much bigger monsters were likely waiting for us.

"Clementine, I’m really sorry for how she treated you," Miss Rue said. "But I’m sure that won’t kill your confidence. You look amazing. Come back alive, and bring the Alphas too." Miss Rue gave her a warm, confident smile, while me and the others awkwardly stared at Clementine.

She had small freckles sprinkled across her cheeks and nose. Her lips were naturally full, with a soft red tint, just like her cheeks.

"Thank you, Miss Rue," she said with a smile, climbing onto the train, and we followed behind her.

"You fucker—" I grunted, bumping into Yorick. "You dated her and didn’t know she looked like this?"

He only turned to give me a warning glare.

Clementine sat by the window with her perfectly shaped ass, so annoying. But then someone else crossed my mind again, and I couldn’t help but glance out, looking at the other coaches.

And there she was, Sadie, walking behind her squad, her eyes wet with tears.

"It’s alright, I’ll be there for you," I whispered, even though she couldn’t hear me.