<i>Zephyrine </i>
22%
Finished
The clothing store in Ash Pack wasn’t as elegant as those in the Lycan Kingdom, but we were far fromcking.
The moment the designer saw me, the shopkeeper, L, a middle–aged woman rushed over and bowed low. Her gaze lingered much longer on Princess Mearez, and I smiled. Who wouldn’t steal a second look at such beauty?
“The ceremony is tomorrow, L,” I told her, and she snapped back to reality, blinking at me. “I’ll need a gown. For Princess Mearez as well.”
“Please, follow me,” she said quickly, and I obeyed, tugging Princess Mearez along. But before I could take more than two steps, Dessyn burst in, ring at me as though I had betrayed her.
“Trying to get a dress without me, huh?”
“I wouldn’t dare,” I murmured, though she didn’t bother replying. She swept forward at once, following L.
We went in quietly, rows of gowns unfolding before us. Color, silk, and shimmer. Princess Mearez paused, captivated by the craft.
“Beautiful,” she breathed, stopping before a brown gown. At once, a sales girl rushed over.
“Would you like to try it on, mydy?”
Princess Mearez smiled but shook her head.
“It’s just beautiful. You made it?”
The girl froze, stunned the Princess would even spare her a nce. She bowed quickly and nodded.
“I did.”
“Back in my kingdom, a youngdy just like you made beautiful gowns too.”
“You mean the dress you wore when you entered Ash Pack? I saw it from here and wondered at the craft. It was… so perfectly made.”
Their talk of gowns left me frowning a little. The thought stuck.
What if there could be trade, gowns like these passing between our realms? I nced around the store again, eyes catching on another gorgeous dress.
Thedy back in the Lycan Kingdom was also skilled. I remembered how Princess Mearez had once taken Dessyn and me shopping, months ago, and how I had loved every single piece she picked for me.
I swallowed hard, smiling at the memory, forgetting the present, until I heard a deep, gentle voice.
“How about this<b>?</b><b>” </b>
22%
Finished
I blinked. Jurrek Bane stood just ahead, beside a pure white gown. I swallowed again. The masterpiece nearly took my breath. He wasn’t speaking to me, but to Princess Mearez. Still, she turned to me first, as if seeking permission, then stepped forward to study the gown.
“White,” she whispered.
“It represents the justice Ash Pack upholds,” Jurrek told her softly. “It would look lovely on you tomorrow. Don’t you think?”
Right then, I saw where this was going and panic stirred in me. What if Lycannar found out? What if he grew angry, or worse, disapproved?
***
That night, I climbed into bed and let out a long sigh, my eyes fixed on the chandelier where candles glowed faintly. Isolde moved quietly about, lighting the incense and blowing out the final candle at the end of the chamber. She came forward, tucking the nket over me, smiling gently.
“Your party is tomorrow, mydy. I’m happy for you.”
I returned her smile.
“Thank you, Isolde.”
She nodded and slipped out, leaving me alone.
I had said my goodnights to Princess Mearez and the others. Blue had gone with Moon on an errand, promising to return before nightfall, though it seemed they had been dyed. I wasn’t worried. Moon would take care of her.
Still, in my own bed, fully healthy atst, I couldn’t sleep. Last night had been the same. I hadn’t slept at all, only closed my eyes so Blue, who had curled up beside me on her rug, wouldn’t worry. I tried again, forcing sleep, but failed.
Atst, I rose. Reaching for my robe, I slipped out. The hallway was empty, Isolde wasn’t there, and I breathed in gratitude. She would have worried again if she saw me like this. I headed down toward the underground.
It was there. My Spirit Guard.
The dim hall was quiet as I lifted a me–torchmp from the wall, holding it above my head as I descended the stairs. Atst I reached the wide chamber, long abandoned. Memories pressed in, sharp and bittersweet, but before they could overwhelm me, I felt it. Immense power. The very best. Too divine.
My breath caught. Behind me, it was there.
I turned,mp raised, and it took a moment, but then I saw it. Jaw–dropping, massive, the most magnificent Spirit Guard in history. Its eyes locked on mine, and I shivered at the grace it carried.
It stepped forward, one heavy stride shaking the ground. My breath stilled, but I held my ground. Slowly, its head lowered, bowing to me.
Goosebumps rippled across my skin. My heart clenched. I lifted my hand,ying my palm on its warm scales, and a shaky sigh left me.
2/3<fn55d9> Content originallyes from find·novel</fn55d9>
“Le Fey,” I whispered. “That’s your name. I hope we’ll be a good team. I really hope so.”
22%
Finished
As though in answer, it exhaled and the rush of air nearly knocked me backward. But I smiled, trembling.
Power. This was it.
Send Gifts
2.3K
。