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The hallways are surprisingly quiet, and the only people we pass are the maids scurrying past as they go about their jobs in relative silence. I thought we might bump into others on their way to the ball, or at least see Luna before we entered, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Usually I’d be pleased that I didn’t have to interact with anyone, but the quiet just makes the thoughts in my mind that much louder.
Needing some answers as well as a distraction, I tilt my head in Kano’s direction, catching his attention without being too obvious. After all, you never know who might be watching. Aware of how sound carries in these halls, I keep my voice low and my gaze ahead. “What can I expect from tonight?”
“There will be a brief introduction, then food will be served and dancing will begin,” he replies just as quietly. “The queen will make a speech at some point. As the guest of honour, you’ll be expected to stick around at least until she leaves.”
Listen to a speech, eat, dance, and then I can leave, I repeat to myself.I can manage that. It sounds so simple. All I have to add in are the magic wielders in the room who wish I were dead. Although, if what Luna said is true, there are less of those around than I thought.Stop thinking about people who want you dead, I order myself as the presence within me stirs at the potential threat. Of all the things that could go wrong tonight, that would be one of the worst. If I lost control and she took over while I have all of this power unlocked, it could be catastrophic.
Star butts against my leg as I walk, sensing my troubled thoughts. Glancing down, I smile at her and run my free hand over her shining fur. We must look like quite the pair, standing together wrapped in stars.
We reach the doors to the ballroom, where two guards and what I assume is a steward stand guard. The doors are wooden and embellished with carved roses, making it look as though they are growing on the wood. My mouth drops open slightly as I take in the beauty and detail, and it’s only when I feel several sets of eyes on me that I look away. The guards are watching me cautiously, like one might watch a lion, aware that it could turn at any time and make you its supper. I want to chuckle, as I should feel that way about them, not the other way around.
The steward is openly gawping, and when our eyes meet, he shakes his head as if waking from a spell. Realising he’s been caught out, he adopts a haughty look, smoothing down his silver waistcoat and glancing at the clipboard in his hands. I fight the urge to roll my eyes as he checks his list of guests and waits patiently at Kano’s side. My half-brother doesn’t have that same patience though. Clearing his throat, he gives the steward a look that speaks volumes about how he feels about being kept waiting.
Genuine fear enters the steward’s eyes, and it makes me wonder once again just what Kano’s position is here. It seems to do the job though, and the steward nods his head respectfully. With a wave of his hand and the scent of magic in the air, the doors slowly open. A wall of sound hits us first, indicating just how many people are in that room, confirming my suspicion that we’re going to be the last to enter.
I can’t see far into the hall, but I know Atlas is in there thanks to the tug of the bond. The sound of voices and general noise of people moving around dies down as the steward steps into the ballroom.
“Introducing General Kano from family Fairing, and his sister, tonight’s guest of honour, Laelia, also of family Fairing.”
“Fairing?” I whisper, trying to keep my face straight as all eyes turn to us.
Along with a grunt of surprise, I feel his gaze on me as he glances down. “It’s our family name. I thought you knew that.”
I did, I’d been researching the family line, but it’s still a shock to hear myself being called that. I don’t identify as a Fairing, I’m from Midnight River Pack, my adoptive parents—myrealparents, weren’t Fairings. My birth father wasn’t a Fairing, so being automatically labelled that way makes me uncomfortable. However, there’s nothing I can do about it now.
Arms linked, we step into a ballroom. It’s not domed like the meeting hall, but it’s no less extravagant, with huge carved marble pillars towering up into the ceiling. My gaze doesn’t stay on the room for long though, flittering over the hundreds of witches who watch us enter. I can’t help but take stock of their expressions as we pass, noting that most of them seem shocked, probably by the dress and Star’s presence at my side. I only notice a few outwardly disapproving looks, and thankfully, none look openly hostile.
I follow Kano’s lead as we walk to the empty space in the centre of the ballroom before the queen’s dais. Without needing to be told, I drop into a low curtsy. I may have little respect for her, and our relationship is strained, but I’m trying to win over the witches and prove I’m not a threat to them, which means that, at least in public, I have to be respectful. My half-brother bows at my side before taking a step away so I’m facing the queen alone.
Time feels like it slows down, and if it wouldn’t make me appear weak, I’d be glancing around for friendly faces, needing the reassurance. My chest is tight, and I want this moment to be over so I can disappear into the crowd. The only thing that keeps me strong is Star, her presence strong and steady.
Finally straightening, I lift my gaze to meet the queen’s. She looks like my exact opposite in a dress as dark as the night. It glistens too, but I dazzle. My prediction was right, she doesn’t look happy at all. Her gaze rakes over me and my wolf, catching on the diadem in my hair. She quickly hides her reaction, fully aware of the fact that she’s under the public eye. Her own crown is spiked, with dark obsidian stones catching the light, and her golden hair is braided around it. It’s much larger than the one I wear, but she looks dangerous and edgy, whereas I come across as soft and innocent. I don’t know if that’s what Luna planned when she had this dress made, but I have to admit that it’s perfect.
Dipping her head to me in what feels like a challenge, she sits back in her throne and turns her gaze to her gathered subjects. A warm smile changes her whole appearance, making her seem welcoming rather than the fierce monarch she was just moments ago.
“Welcome all,” the queen begins, her voice magnified with magic. “Tonight we celebrate the birth of the goddess and our own achievements over the year.” Polite applause fills the room, along with quiet murmured praises to the goddess. Waiting for the clapping to die down, she gestures towards me. “We also have a special guest tonight. Laelia, the long-lost daughter of my dearest friend. We welcome her back with us tonight, where she belongs.” She presses her hand against her chest, and if I didn’t know better, I’d believe she means it.
“Enjoy the ball,” she concludes, and with a wave of her hand, music begins playing and servants enter with great platters of food. I’d not noticed them before, but long tables line the walls with stacks of plates at either end. The tables are quickly filled with an exorbitant amount of food.
Witches start moving around, chatting to each other and gravitating towards the food. I make my way to the side of the ballroom, musing over what the queen just said. I finally know the reason for the ball. They are celebrating the birth of their goddess. We have a similar celebration this time of year back home where we celebrate the creation of the werewolves. It’s a big party where we praise the goddess and run beneath the full moon. It’s one of my favourite occasions in our calendar. Counting the days since the trials began and I was brought here, I realise that it will be taking place soon. Sadness washes over me that I’m going to miss it, but I know the goddess will forgive me.
I’ve been so lost in my thoughts that I’ve unknowingly wandered over to Atlas, who is watching everyone with a scowl on his face. The bond must have led me to him, sensing that I need the comfort. When I lock eyes with him, my blood heats at the look he’s giving me, like he’s seeing me properly for the first time.
I lick my lips, suddenly nervous at his predatory look. His gaze tracks the movement, his body shifting towards me ever so slightly. Someone else might not have noticed it, but my bond is so keenly aware of everything he does, I see it immediately.
“What’s wrong?” he asks in a low voice, deeper than I’m used to hearing from him.
I blame the fact that I’m flustered for my breathy response. “Can’t I just stand here without anything being wrong?”
He levels a look at me, not believing me for a second. “You’re frowning, and I can feel your sadness through the bond.”
I realise he’s right and quickly smooth my expression into something more neutral. Pulling my gaze from him, I watch the passing witches. They’ve gone all out with their dresses, and any worries I might have had about being overdressed are quickly dismissed. Knowing that he’s still waiting for an answer, I shrug my shoulders. “It’s nothing.”
His stare is heavy on me, and I think he’s going to call me out on it and demand that I tell him, but thankfully he holds his tongue and looks away. We end up standing together in awkward silence. The urge to fidget and pull at my dress is hard to ignore, but I people watch instead. We only get a few curious glances, and mostly they are at Star. They all quickly lose interest when they see I’m content to just stand here, not providing anything exciting to look at. I’m just starting to settle, my heart rate evening out, when Atlas clears his throat.
“You look nice tonight.”
It takes me a few seconds to compute what he just said, as I never expected to hear it from him. When I turn to look at him in surprise, I can see he instantly regrets saying anything, rubbing the back of his neck as his cheeks turn pink.
