Walking into the ballroom with my father slightly ahead, I scan the crowd of fancily dressed dignitaries from around the globe. Werewolves stare back at us, bowing or curtsying to us, their King and Princess, and I internally roll my eyes. Sadly, today their respect for me will be gone. A runt that rules the werewolf world is not the ideal future ruler.
My eyes scan the room until I find who I am looking for, Geminie Starlight, my distant cousin and next heir to the throne, with her mate Ariven and daughter Destiny. Walking down the elegant steps, I make my way to where she stands as a light catches the necklace she is wearing: a snowflake-shaped moonstone. Her prism-coloured hair shifting colours as she moves and her moon-white eyes with a slightly grey pupil are the opposite of my white hair and prismatic eyes. Smiling, the future Goddess nuzzles her cheek against mine.
“A pleasure to finally meet you, Cousin.” I speak first, pulling away to address the strong she-wolf before me.
“The pleasure is mine, Cousin.” She smiles mischievously at me before turning to wink at Amberle who stands beside her own mate and twin daughters. The fiery red-headed wolf is holding onto an equally red-headed pup in her arms while her mate, Alpha Dominic, is guarding her protectively. Her words seem to hold some meaning between the two, and instinct tells me to trust the alpha wolves.
Catching my father’s look of irritation, I decide to focus on the ceremony first, and later I can speak to the two she-wolves. Stepping back, I turn to the wolves in attendance and plaster on the well-practiced smile. It’s show time, and I need to play the part of the perfect daughter in order to not anger my father.
"Welcome dignified guests, to the Alliance Ball.” I state, bowing my head to the Alphas, Lunas and high-ranking wolves that have gathered here today.
“Today we welcome my cousin, Goddess Geminie and Alpha of Silver Crystal Crescent to the Royal Pack in hopes of the two packs forming and Alliance.” Continuing, I once more turn to my cousin, my dress fanning out in a display of elegance, the fabric hanging to the curves of my body that seem to gain the approval of the unmated males in the room. I am nothing but a show for them, placed on display by my father.
“As such, I would like to invite Alpha Geminie to the moon dais to shift and howl as one before the Alliance Oath is uttered.” Holding out my hand to the powerful she-wolf, I wait patiently for her to take it. She smiles at me, her delicate hand adorned in silver rings like my own is pressed to my skin.
“I see you are not the only one immune to silver,” She chuckles and I smile back in amusement.
“It’s a trait in the royal family I suppose. But we do have one exception.” I retort smiling, looking back towards Matrix who sends me an encouraging smile.
“Your mate?” Geminie asks, looking between Matrix and me.
“No, my best friend. He can touch silver as well. No one knows why.” I answer, turning back to look at my cousin.
“I can tell you why. His blood holds a hint of royal in it. I would say he is part of a bastard line.” Shocked, I look back to Matrix trying to find any trace of the royal power in him, but I find nothing. I will have to look into it further when I have the time, but for not I have a ceremony to finish.
With our conversation done, we walk towards the dais, hand in hand until we are stopped by two maids. A robe of pure silver is draped onto our shoulders while the two maids wear protective gear and help us to undo the corseted dresses we wore today. Once free from our dresses and heels, the two of us make our way to the center of the moon dais.
[Matrix?] I call out nervously through our link waiting for the que to shift from the woman across from me.
[Here, Crystalline. The moment things go wrong I will be there to whisk you away. I asked Hanna to pack a few bags with clothes and cash for us if things go south. Yes, this includes your bear fur blanket.] He reassures me, his deep voice calming my nerves. Looking to Geminie, I see her smile at me as she gives a small nod, the signal to shift. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and allow the fear and nerves to melt away.
What ever happens tonight is destined my Goddess Morai. I just have to accept whatever fate I have coming to me. The sounds of bones breaking and merging into the shape of my wolf and my hair recedes as fur takes its place. Finally, under the silver cloak, I stand tall and proud, looking at the future Moon Goddess staring at me in surprise as her wolf towers over me by at least a foot and a half.
Gasps fill the silent room and all eyes stare at me. I am the runt with a silver tiara still atop of her head and the moonstone attached to the silver chain around her body.
“You filthy bitch!” An angry roar sounds from where my father sat on the throne. I know it is only a matter of minutes before he is in front of me. Turning, I brace myself just in time to feel his foot connect with my body, sending me sprawling to the floor. I can already tell I have a few broken ribs from the kick. Geminie quickly steps between us, snarling at my father. Ariven hands their child to Amberle before joining his mate in standing between my father and me.
“You are a runt, a filthy runt!” He screams, not daring to walk forward towards an angry Goddess who harnesses powers that could kill, and her overprotective mate ready to kill for his loved one blocking his way.
“That is no way to treat your daughter!” Ariven states, anger radiating in his voice.
“Who are you to tell me how to treat that bitch!” Father roars back.
“A father of a daughter myself. Daughters should be cherished, not beaten,” Ariven roars back. I slowly climb to my feet and join the two, snarling at my father as he goes to take a step towards Ariven threateningly.
“Your Majesty, wait!”