Stunning..
As I slipped into the dress, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more going on than I knew. The fabric felt luxurious against my skin, and the fit was perfect, almost as if it had been tailored specifically for me.
Madame Mortica helped me with the finishing touches, pinning up my hair and applying a light touch of makeup. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I barely recognized the girl staring back. The dress transformed me, making me look older, more regal. But beneath the polished exterior, I felt the same confusion and unease as before.
“You look stunning,” Madame Mortica said, stepping back to admire her work. For once she actually gave me a compliment, and it actually felt like it was honest and coming from within “Now, let’s go. We can’t keep them waiting.”
I nodded, taking a deep breath as I followed her out of the room. The corridors of the mansion were dimly lit, the walls adorned with portraits of long-dead ancestors. The air was cool, carrying a faint scent of old books and polished wood. As we walked, I couldn’t help but feel like I was leaving my reality to a completely different world, one filled with questions and mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
We arrived at the grand entrance, where Lucas and Simon were waiting. Lucas was dressed in a sharp, dark suit, exuding an air of authority and confidence. Simon, on the other hand, looked more relaxed, his casual attire an obvious contrast to the formality of the occasion. As I walked closer to where the twin Brothers stood waiting, Lucas gave me a reassuring smile
“Ready for the big day?” Lucas asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, trying to match his lighthearted tone. But inside, I was still grappling with the weight of everything that had happened.
Simon however glanced at me, his expression unreadable. “Remember, Ashley, today is important. There will be many eyes on you. Just stay close and follow our lead.”
I nodded, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in my stomach. The grand opening of the kingdom’s seventh mall was a significant event, attracting not only the media but also many influential individuals in the lycanthrope. I knew I had to be on my best behavior, but the thought of being under so much scrutiny was extremely daunting.
We were about to step out into the crisp evening air when Veronica called out from the grand staircase. Her voice was filled with desperation, and worry etched on her face as she ran down the marble steps, her footsteps echoing through the opulent hallway. The chandelier above cast a soft glow on her as she hurried to catch up to us.
“Please wait,” she said, finally reaching where we stood. Her emerald-green dress sparkled under the chandelier’s light, the expensive-looking gemstones catching every glimmer.
“Veronica, what are you doing here?” Lucas questioned, his voice reverberating in the spacious foyer. She sighed tiredly, glancing around at the ornate decor that surrounded us.
“Lucas, come on, how can you possibly be asking me that? Obviously, I think I should be attending this event with you and Simon.”
“Well, as you can see, we have Ashley over here going with us, so there’s really no need for you to come along as well.” Lucas’s tone was firm, matching the stern look in his eyes.
“What? Please, I-” she turned to face Simon, who remained nonchalant while all this was going on. “Simon, please speak to your brother and try to make him understand that I really should go with you two, don’t you think so too?” Simon looked up to face her as she begged him with her eyes. Sometimes, I honestly wondered just how much authority Simon and Lucas had that even extended to the Norways. It was obvious that not only Veronica, but also the king and queen, revered them so much.
“I don’t know what you expect me to do, Veronica. If Lucas doesn’t find it necessary for you to come along, then what do you possibly want to do there? Besides, it’s not like we even need any of you going with us. We just want to give the media a fresh face to see and rave about, that’s all.” I flattened my lips into a thin line as Simon’s words hit deep, despite how much I tried to ignore it. He walked out of the mansion, the heavy oak door creaking as he opened it. I tried to avoid making eye contact with Veronica because I could already feel her anger burning.
“Just go back to your room and watch some TV, go out shopping, go to the garden, or do anything you like doing. Bye,” Lucas said as he led me outside, not caring whether Veronica had a response or not. His aura was firm, and even though he didn’t seem mad at me, I still found it hard to say a word to him at that moment. The cool night air brushed against my skin as we stepped onto the cobblestone path, the mansion’s grandeur looming behind us.
As we stepped outside, the sun was bright, and the air was filled with the sound of chatter and laughter. The mansion’s expansive gardens were in full bloom, the vibrant colors of the flowers contrasting beautifully with the lush green lawns. The scene was picturesque, almost surreal, as if it were a painting come to life.
We made our way to the awaiting car, the engines instantly revved up in anticipation of the driver to leave as soon as Lucas and I stepped out. As I got into the car with Lucas and Simon, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. This was a new chapter in my life, one filled with unknowns and challenges. But I was determined to face it head-on, to uncover the truth about my abilities and the secrets that lay hidden in the mansion.
The car ride to the mall was a blur of sights and sounds. The streets were lined with people, all eager to catch a glimpse of the royal family and the grand event. As we arrived, the scale of the mall became apparent-a massive, gleaming structure that towered over the surrounding buildings. The architecture was a blend of modern design and traditional elements, a testament to the kingdom’s rich history and forward-thinking vision.
As we stepped out of the car, the crowd erupted into applause. Cameras flashed, and reporters shouted questions, their voices blending into a cacophony of noise. Lucas and Simon guided me through the throng, their presence a steady anchor amidst the chaos. I felt a surge of gratitude towards them, for their guidance and support in this overwhelming moment.
Inside, the mall was a marvel of design, with wide, marble-floored corridors, elegant storefronts, and a stunning glass dome that allowed natural light to flood the space. The air was filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the hum of excitement from the guests. Everywhere I looked, there were beautiful displays, from artisanal crafts to high-end fashion boutiques.
As we made our way through the mall, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and awe. This place was a symbol of the kingdom’s prosperity and ambition, a testament to the vision of its leaders. But beneath the surface, I knew there were still so many unanswered questions, so many mysteries yet to be solved.
We finally reached the central atrium, where a grand ceremony was set to take place. A stage had been set up, adorned with banners and flowers, and a large crowd had gathered. As we took our seats, I felt a sense of anticipation building within me. This was not just an opening ceremony; it was a moment of significance, a stepping stone towards a future filled with possibilities.
As the ceremony began, I couldn’t help but reflect on everything that had led me to this point. The mysterious book, the powers I didn’t fully understand, and the guidance of those around me-all were pieces of a larger puzzle. And while the future remained uncertain, I knew that with the support of Simon, Lucas, and the others, I was not alone on this journey.
As the speeches and presentations continued, I felt a renewed sense of determination. The road ahead might be challenging, filled with unknowns and dangers, but I was ready to face it. This was just the beginning, and I was determined to uncover the truth, to understand my place in this world, and to embrace the mysteries that awaited me.
With a deep breath, I smiled, feeling a sense of calm and resolve wash over me. Whatever the future held, I was ready. The journey was just beginning, and I was eager to see where it would lead.
The event continued, and the more people we encountered, the more greetings I had to relay to people I had never met before and would probably never meet again. The place was filled with elegantly dressed guests, the air buzzing with conversations and laughter. Chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished marble floors, and the scent of expensive perfumes mingled in the air. I couldn’t help but remember Veronica, and just thinking about how Simon and Lucas had turned her down gave my wolf so much happiness. It felt good to watch the prideful and snobby princess herself whining and begging for something as trivial as this. I couldn’t tell when the event would eventually come to an end, but I looked forward to it eagerly just so I could go back home and rub it all in Veronica’s face.