Chapter 6

Dove pov

Wow. I'm really doing this.

Nothing feels real as I skim through my wardrobe, plucking out a dress I already had in mind to bring. It's not red or black, but a dusty rose colour with frothy bits of lace on the bodice and hem, and tiny hand sewn flowers scattered on the front.

It's modest and sweet, and unfortunately, all I have.

I dress quickly and quietly, easing into the fabric, pausing every time I hear a faint noise. Sitting before Eden's vanity mirror, I brush my hair and leave it loose around my shoulders, forgoing makeup. I'm running out of time.

My footsteps are slow as I pass through the short hallway, my hands braced against the wall so I don't slip on these thick heeled shoes and slam onto the ground unceremoniously.

I only let out breath when I pass through the front door, clicking it closed behind me.to the train station. I pick my way down the hill that's bathed in moonlight, fog curling like eerie skeletal fingers around my ankles. I pass over the creek, hopping from rock to rock before dashing up the hill to the station.

It's empty, fares free at this time of night. Mercifully a train already awaits me, a couple of people scattered through the cars as I step on.

No one speaks as we leave the station, anticipation and excitement gnawing away at me.

Time passes quickly as we rush over the border of Matthias' pack into Varian's. An ancient treaty bars them from disallowing members to pass freely between, making travel efficient.

I stare out the window, seeing only my reflection, minutes, and then an hour passing.

The train undulates hypnotically. The rhythmic ticking and hissing as we travel along the tracks would lull me to sleep were I not wrought with tension.Distantly the lights of the city have come into view. My palms are damp, eagerness with a tinge of delirium pervading through me.

This is it. I'm really making the leap.

To my left two girls sit on the other side of the aisle, talking lowly between themselves. They got on a couple stations ago, coming from a small village in Varian's territory. They are dressed incredibly in vivid red and black outfits.

One is in a long dress with slats cut to her hips, revealing the expanse of her legs. The material is glittery and reflective, her breasts practically spilling out the top. Her friend wears a small velvety red bra and tiny shorts, with a oversized jacket with black fringe hanging off it.

Every now and again they glance at me, giggling between each other. I shift uncomfortably.

The one in the magnificent crimson dress leans over, her black painted lips forming a pleasant smile."What's bringing you into the city?" She asks.

For a moment I just blink, staring at her. This feels like a beautiful fever dream, and she is the sparkling focal point.

"The party," I answer. "Alpha Varian's party."

Her kohl lined lashes flutter in surprise. I am wearing a fluffy pink dress with frills on the sleeves that I very much wish I could tear off right now. No one would suspect that I'm heading to a party of pure depravity right now.

"Huh. I honestly thought you were going to a church." She says it so matter-of-factly that I feel the sting of her words immediately.

"Uh, no..."

The collar of my dress suddenly feels rigidly high, my fingers coming up to claw at it.

"I hope you have one of these then." She produces a shiny red foil slip seeminglyout of nowhere. It has jagged edges and black print stamped into it.

"What is that?"

"This ticket was given to me prior to the event, and allows me access to the most of the palace," she exclaims, waving it around hypnotically. "Not just the first floor, like those relying on getting through the door will have access to."

She flicks her gaze up and down me, biting her lip to hold back her sneer of disapproval.

I honestly had no idea there would be restricted areas, but I suppose I don't need to see much more than the main party.

She's only using me to show off. I'm drinking it up, wanting to learn as much as possible before I enter into the predators den.

"Unless of course, you have the black slip," the girl in the jacket states.

"It's the most coveted slip, and can only be given out by the Alpha or one of his close confidants," red dress claims.

I raise my brows, only vaguely interested in that notion.

I'm attending the party to witness it, dance and perhaps make out with an attractive stranger before returning home. I don't need to worry myself with the Alpha.

"It allows you to join them in their private area where they come and go as they please," jacket adds, wiggling her eyebrows.

"It's basically an invitation to fuck them." Red dress smothers her giggle behind her hand, as if the thought is infinitely amusing.

I eye them, bewildered by their behaviour. It's clear to me that their motivations for this evening are to obtain one of those black slips for themselves.

"Oh please, Lisa. Look at her." Jacket nudges her friend. "She won't even be getting past the front door wearing that. She isn't even on theme."I look down at my dress, running my finger along the lacy ruffles.

"It's all I had," I murmur softly.

The girls bow their heads together, laughing and talking lowly amongst themselves. Shame burns my skin, hot and fierce. I want to be confident in my modesty, to allow myself to enjoy covering my skin while others around me are not.

But their taunts dig into my head, sitting with me the entire train ride into the city.

"So much for uniting everyone," I whisper to myself.