Chapter 56 The Feast begins 1

Chapter 56: Chapter 56 The Feast begins 1

Talia’s POV

The sun had not yet set when the knock came.

I was still in my gray dress, staring out the window and watching the shadows grow long across the valley, as my heart would not stop pounding and my hands would not stop shaking.

I opened the door, and two servants stood in the hallway. They were young, with kind faces and arms full of boxes.

"The Alpha sent us," one of them said. "To help you prepare for the feast."

I nodded, stepped aside and let them in.

They set the boxes on the bed and opened them. Inside were more dresses, more shoes, and more things I had never owned.

But I had already chosen the blue dress as my evening dress, because the deep blue was like the evening sky.

"I want to wear that one," I said, pointing to the box where I had folded it.

The servants nodded. One of them pulled it out and laid it on the bed. The fabric caught the firelight and glowed.

"Sit, Luna," the other said. "Let us do your hair."

I sat in the chair by the window and they began to work on my hair. They brushed my hair until it shone, then pinned it up in a style I had never seen before, as soft curls fell around my face, and a small silver clip held everything in place.

I touched my hair gently, while looking at the mirror. "I look..."

"Beautiful," the servant said. "Now for your face."

I hesitated. "I do not wear makeup."

"Just a little, Luna. Please trust us," one of the servants said.

"What are your names?" I asked, turning to look at them.

"My name is Lily, and her name is Zaina." Lily smiled.

I smiled back as I sat down. "Those are lovely names."

They worked quickly, and their hands were gentle. They placed a touch of color on my cheeks, a hint of darkness on my lashes, and soft gloss on my lips.

When they were done, I looked at my reflection in the small mirror.

The glamour charm was still hiding my real face, but the dress, the hair, and the makeup... made me look very different.

I looked like a true Luna, and like someone who actually belonged.

A knock came at the door.

"Luna," a servant called. "The Alpha is here."

My heart stopped.

I stood up, as the dress swirled around my legs, and the fabric was soft and cool against my skin.

The servants opened the door, and Kaelen stood in the hallway.

He was dressed in black, and his jacket fit him perfectly, hugging his shoulders, and narrowing at his waist. His dark hair was combed back, his jaw was sharp, and as his gray eyes found me, he stopped moving.

He did not speak, and he did not move. He just stood there, staring at me.

My face turned hot red from shyness. "What do you need?"

He shook his head. "Nothing." But he did not look away.

The servants smiled, as they bowed and slipped out of the room, closing the door behind them. Then Kaelen and I were alone.

"You look..." he started.

"I look what?" I asked.

He was quiet for a moment, as his gray eyes moved across my face, my hair, and my dress.

"Different," he said.

"Is that good or bad?" I asked.

He did not answer. He just held out his hand. "The feast is waiting."

I looked at his hand, then at his face, then I took it.

His fingers closed around mine, feeling warm and steady. Then he led me out of the room.

There were two guards in the hallway, and they were large wolves in black armor. They bowed when they saw Kaelen.

"The room is to remain guarded at all times," Kaelen said. "No one enters without my permission."

"Yes, Alpha," they said in unison.

I looked at Kaelen. "Is that necessary?"

"Vivienne is here." His voice was flat. "Celeste is here. So yes, it is necessary."

I did not argue, because I knew he was right to be on guard.

We walked through the hallways, and wolves bowed as we passed. Whispers followed us, but I kept my head high and my eyes straight ahead.

Kaelen’s hand was still holding mine, and his thumb brushed across my knuckles.

I did not know if he realized he was doing it, but I did not pull away either.

We were halfway to the main hall when I heard Celeste’s voice.

"You cannot keep me out. I am her stepsister and her family."

She was standing outside my door, with her face red, and her hands on her hips. The guards had their arms crossed, still blocking her way.

"I am sorry, miss," one of them said. "Alpha’s orders. No one enters the Luna’s room."

"I am the Luna’s stepsister," Celeste spat. "I have every right to see her."

The guard did not move. "Alpha’s orders."

Celeste turned and her eyes found me. Then her face twisted with rage. "You," she hissed. "You did this.”