Chapter 2

ELENA POV

I pick up my leather strap bag from the dining table, leaving the house. Two days. I have to disappear in two days or I'm trapped for life. I barely notice the cold air of the dusty streets. Gamma enforcers patrol the area, half of them keeping their eyes peeled for the rogue wolves. The others, without a doubt, making sure that I don't try to run away like I did three years back.

I blink away the images that flood my mind, snapshots of my eighteenth birthday when Lukas stormed in, claiming me as his grand prize.

Heads turn as I walk down the street, whispers of the Alpha's bride clinging to me as I pass.

The House of Vella, the dress shop where I work, is buzzing with people as always. Time seems to stop when I walk in.

"There she is..."

"I hear the ceremony is tomorrow..."

"Haven't you heard? It's been postponed."

Even the customers stop to gawk at me. I press forward, trying to blend in with the purple satin gowns and silk fabrics on hangers.

"This way." Tess takes my hand, pulling me into one of the private rooms. She's my best friend, and the only one that is in on my escape plan.

She pulls the door close, pressing her ears to the wood, listening for anyone passing before turning around. "So? Did it work?"

I nod. She exhales in relief.

"But we have only two days." I hang my leather bag on one of the hangers, forgetting all about the dress I was supposed to deliver.

"Then we'll get you out of the pack tomorrow." Tess paces back and forth. She spins to face me, her eyes twinkling. "There's a masked party tonight, at the Bloodmoon borders. It's the perfect cover. No one will know if you..."

I think of it. "I... I don't have anything to wear..."

A fist pounds hard against the door. We lock eyes. My heart thumps faster.

"Elena? Elena Graymoor. We know you're there. Your dress fitting starts in two minutes."

"Go." Tess pushes me forward. "Meet me here by dusk."

I open the door, looking back at her. "Thank you."

She gives a small grin, shrugging. "Omegas stick together.”

***

That night, I sit up in my bed listening to the ticking of the huge grandfather clock downstairs.

12 midnight.

The whole house is asleep and half of the pack. I climb softly down my bed, the smallest room at the end of the corridor. I feel for the leather bag hidden under the bed, pulling it out.

 My feet creak softly against the wooden floorboard as I walk out of the room.

I pause at Rune's door. It's slightly ajar. I see her figure quietly asleep on the bed.

I should walk in... Leave a note, one last hug before I disappear forever.

I step back instead. If I walk in, I won't have the strength to disappear tonight. I close the door instead. "Goodbye Rune."

Tess is waiting at the house of Vella like she promised. She nods at me, leading me in through the back door. I wasn't going to ask her how she got the keys.

"I have it." She pulls out a folded gown from a bag, laying it out on the work table. My breath catches.

It's a flowing olive green gown with gold accents, far too fancy for someone like me.

I put it on, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The top is halter-style, crossing neatly over the chest, my stomach bare. A gold chain rests on my waist where the skirt starts, held together by slim gold bands around the waist and hips.

Tess grins. "You'll blend right in at the ball. No one will even guess who you are."

I nod. I can barely recognise the girl in the mirror either. Tess holds up my hair with a brooch and pins, letting a few strands curl at either side of my face.

She puts a bit of makeup and glitter on my cheeks and finally, she hands me a gold mask.

I step back from the mirror. "It's perfect." I can't help but smile a little, even with my heart pounding.

My smile falters however, my gaze turning back to hers. "What about you?"

Tess reaches deeper into the bag, pulling out another dress, clearly meant for her.

It's simpler, soft brown with an olive green lace, enough to match without drawing too much attention. A small apron-like cloth wraps around her waist. She puts on a half mask that covers only her eyes.

"As long as anyone is concerned, I'm your omega for the ball." She straps on my leather bag, her eyes twinkling under the light. "Now let's get out of here before the pack enforcers notice you're gone."

We move fast, clearing all traces before stepping into the cold night. I hug my bare shoulders, wishing for a cloak but there's no time to turn back. Getting to the border on foot takes more time than I would have liked, but my sore feet pay off when I hear the music.

It's loud, coming from a grand building, glistening with purple lights. The bar opens into a huge hall. First, I'm taken aback by the crowd of people. The ladies look sophisticated in velvet, and satin and golden brooches. This wasn't some random masked party.

It was high stakes. Somewhere I shouldn't be seen in.  A couple makes out beside the driveway. I turn my eyes away, feeling my cheeks heat up. Perfumed scents assault the air with a mix of body sweat as people sway on the dancefloor like it's their last night.

Tess drags me through the grand doors. "Just stick with me. We should be out of here soon..." She whispers, slipping on her mask.