Chapter 03

TIA POV

Finally! I thought as I looked at myself in the mirror, taking in my appearance again. The dress was more than just fabric and stitching; no, what Chen's design had created was a work of art.

From what it was sketched on paper to what it looked like on my body, there was no other word to describe but magical.

Every intricate detail of this custom design—the hand-sewn beadwork tracing along the bodice and the detailed embroidery seamlessly played along the hem—seemed to vibrate with life, adding energy to the dress.

I continued to admire how the soft light caught the subtle patterns on the silk. I smiled as I admired how the colour kissed my light olive skin.

I looked absolutely perfect; almost impossibly so. I would be the belle of the ball, for sure, in this dress. How could I not be? The softness of the blue against the warmth of my complexion created a breathtaking contrast that the guests would surely admire.

I’ve always loved my olive-toned skin, rich with gold and bronze undertones. In this dress, it almost appeared to glow.

One might even say it shimmers! I rolled my eyes at the thought.

I ran my slender fingertips along the bodice, taking in the texture of the embroidery. It was soft and raised just enough to tickle under my delicate touch.

The neckline framed my collarbones. It was a gentle scoop, not too bold but not shy, the perfect accent for my natural curves. In this, I felt regal and ethereal, like a queen in heaven. The dress was something crafted for the Goddess herself. I almost felt guilty for wearing something so divine.

I smiled. A real and luminous smile that reached my big, chocolate-brown doe eyes, creating delicate crinkles in the corners. I felt— beautiful. Realizing myself, I looked around to make sure I was alone. I’m unsure why I even check around; I was always alone, but I would hate for someone to see me break character over a dress, even if it was clearly designed from the heavens above.

“Well, this is it. Showtime!” I exhale deeply. I hated what I was about to do. I hated lying and pretending to be something I wasn’t, but I understood it was a necessary evil. I had to protect myself, even from those who are meant to love and cherish me.

A knock came to the door just as I gave myself one last admiring smirk.

“Miss Tia, your guests are arriving. The Alpha and Luna have asked you to receive them properly.”

I struggled to keep my shoulders pinned back straight.

Of course, I would have to go down and receive my own guests. It was my birthday celebration, and I was meant to be the guest of honour, but instead, I will be standing at the front to receive my own celebration attendees. Hilary and Simon were the last to arrive to make a grand entrance during their birthdays, but I shouldn’t be surprised.

I forced the boiling bitterness down and blanketed my emotions with a neutral expression. Show no weakness, show no real emotion. That has been my motto since I returned all those years ago. No one can know, so let no one see.

I greeted each guest who arrived with a polite smile. When questioned why I was greeting the door instead of being inside and celebrating, I cleverly brushed it off that I wanted to inspect gifts of worthiness; after all, a girl only turns eighteen once.

What did I care what these people thought of me? They were my parents' alliance, not mine. I was only eager to meet one person—my mysterious fiancé. Delta Allan Price from the Ravens' Peak pack had a curious reputation; he was described as a bit of a ladies ' man and a ruthless warrior in battle. His family line was Alpha blooded, but as a cousin with several brothers ahead of him, Delta status was his highest available rank, so the rumours were that he took his frustrations out on the battlefield.

I wasn’t surprised he was a manwh.ore, most ranked males were before mating. Some, unless with their true mates, still were. If you took a chosen mate instead of your true, your wolf rarely felt the need to mark them. Without the mate's mark, you’d never know if there was infidelity or not unless you caught it with your own eyes. Many chosen pairs chose not to mark; it made things easier if it was a bad match. It was a heck of a lot easier to get a divorce than to remove a mate's mark. Both parties had to accept the rejection to remove a mate's mark, or you needed a coven of witches. Covens willing to help with something like that were tricky to find. It was viewed as a better option not to mark with my generation; marking was the way of concealing your lies for my parents' generation. Mine couldn't be bothered with the extra effort.

Too much hassle.

I knew Delta Allan Price wouldn’t mark me, and with his reputation, I was more than okay with that. He should know, however, if he strays, then I could too.

I didn’t intend to do so, but I still reserve the option as it is my legal right. Arranged marriages were nothing more than a business transaction; if he were going to lead in a specific direction, I would also. I would not be a mockery if forced to be sold off as cattle. I had my pride, after all. It was bad enough that I never agreed to the marriage; I knew my legal rights and planned to invoke them just as soon as I could.

I could hear the celebration inside. It was getting into full swing, and it was time for me to head back inside.

My parents were already downstairs, mingling with the crowd.