Chapter 4 The dress for the Gala

Turning, Hailey saw Lady Moressett ascending the stairs, flanked by a throng of competitors. Moressett stood out among them, exuding a beauty and grace that the others lacked. Her skin glimmered under the soft light, and her dress was the most exquisite Hailey had ever seen—light and ethereal, a soft pink that suggested both innocence and allure.

Competition. This goddess-like figure was one of the women competing for the Alpha's attention. Hailey felt a tight knot in her chest. How could she possibly compete with that?

Moressett halted in front of her, smirking as she took in Hailey with a glance. "One would think that after your performance, you'd be ready for the ball."

A questionable sound came from one of the women beside her. "She reeks of hay and dung."

"Don't forget desperation," another chimed in, and they burst into laughter.

"Is there a reason you called for me?" Hailey asked, struggling to control her irritation, determined not to let it escape or risk shoving these women down the stairs.

Moressett stepped closer, a wicked smile playing on her lips. "Of course. I wanted to commend you. I've never met anyone as shameless as you."

Hailey executed a mock bow. "Well, the pleasure is all mine."

Leaning in, Moressett whispered conspiratorially, "Word has it that the Alpha already has his eye on someone. I'd hate to see you heartbroken when he takes my hand tonight."

Despite the hay in her hair and the dung on her cheek, Hailey stepped closer. "I won't be heartbroken because he won't be dancing with you, Moressett."

She turned and left before she could give in to the urge to yank on Moressett's beautiful hair. With a sigh, Hailey walked away, realizing she had made a bold statement. Now, the question lingered: where would she find a dress? More importantly, how could she rid herself of this awful stench?

......

"Enter," came Gamma Luis's muffled voice from the other side of the door after Hailey knocked.

He lifted his gaze from the papers cluttering his desk as she stepped into his study, a rueful smile forming on his lips. "Little Hailey," he cooed. "I leave for just one day, and I hear you've caused quite the commotion in the castle."

Heat rushed to her cheeks. Although Gamma Luis and Hailey weren't particularly close, she knew that her mischievous antics—especially her awkward attempts to get close to Alpha Rowan—had earned her a place in his thoughts.

"I'm sorry if I caused you any trouble," she said sheepishly.

He chuckled, gesturing for her to come closer. "It's never trouble when it comes to you. What can I do for you?"

As Hailey opened her mouth to respond, something in the corner of the study caught her eye. There, draped across a large couch, were several gift boxes bearing names, but atop them rested a breathtaking dress. Lady Moressett's attire paled in comparison to this masterpiece. Overcome with emotion, Hailey felt tears welling in her eyes.

If I wore that, I could pass for a Luna.

"What are those?" she asked, her eyes locked on the crimson dress.

"Luna Renesme requested that I gather gifts for the contenders who won't be chosen and will return home," Gamma Luis explained, with a slight pause. "The dress is for the woman the Alpha selects to be his Luna at the end of the competition."

Hailey forced herself to look away as she found Gamma Luis watching her intently, his sharp black eyes seeming to see through her thoughts. "I came here to ask for your help. My friend, Lovie, is facing banishment from the pack. Can you assist me? She has nowhere else to go. She's done nothing wrong; it was all my mistake, and she shouldn't have to pay for it."

Gamma Luis leaned back in his chair. "It'll be a bit challenging... but I'll see what I can do."

Hailey beamed with gratitude. "Thank you so much!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.

They engaged in light conversation afterward, but Hailey found her thoughts drifting back to the dress.

It was at that moment she made her second wildest decision. She lingered in the hallway until she spotted Gamma Luis leaving, then quietly slipped back into the study to "borrow" the dress. She also snagged a mask for good measure.

Of course, she planned to return them—after she stole the show.

.......

Meanwhile, Rowan had never been particularly fond of attending balls, but it was an inevitable part of his role as Alpha King. One might assume that such power would afford him the ability to avoid gatherings like this, yet the reality was quite the opposite.

"Lady Moressett looks perfect, don't you think?" his mother whispered in his ear for the third time, prompting him to glance in her direction.

Indeed, she was absolutely flawless—a woman of grace and refinement. Moressett bowed her head gracefully as she accepted a dance from Alpha Dover of the Northern Pack, hiding her blush behind her fingertips. She was precisely the kind of woman his mother envisioned as his Luna, and there was no doubt that she would make an excellent choice.

However, his wolf, Zeres, was not entirely fond of her. Rowan appreciated her but couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Not that his opinion mattered; the decision regarding who would be named Luna did not rest with him alone. It was about what was best for the pack, and at this moment, Moressett appeared to be the ideal candidate—the only candidate.

"Yes, Mother," he replied, his gaze drifting toward the drinks being served. It had been a long day, and he was in need of one.

"Perhaps we should cancel the selection and simply name her Luna," his mother suggested.

Rowan met her hazel eyes. "You know it would cause an uproar among the packs if they thought I was favoring one contender over the others."

She sighed in frustration. "I just want this to be over. We've already had one incident with that mad woman. It would be simpler to make a decision now and send the others back home. I'm sure Moressett would excel at any task given to her."

That mad woman—Hailey Griffin. Rowan had been taken aback by her bold declaration. She claimed to love him, and it was the most amusing thing he had heard in ages. She challenged him, and Zeres had stirred with excitement, compelling him to make that foolish bet. He should have had her thrown into the dungeons for her insolence; he was not a man who tolerated disrespect in any form.

But her eyes... they held an undeniable allure. Looking into her gaze felt like a lover's embrace, and he found himself ensnared, captivated by the desire to please her. For a fleeting moment, he had felt vulnerable, clinging to his anger to keep himself grounded.

Could she be a witch?

No, witches didn't exist.

So what could she be? No wolf or being should possess that much power in a single gaze. It unsettled him in ways it shouldn't, stirring feelings he couldn't quite comprehend.

'Goddess, I need a drink.' Rowan uttered.