Novel & Cerita Moonglade Dress

The color scheme—at least what we agreed on—is moonlit lavender, soft blush, and shades of champagne gold, though honestly, I’ve lost count of how many different fabric swatches have been waved in front of me. The central hall is being transformed into an enchanted glade, with twinkling lights strung like stars across the high beams and hand-carved wooden lanterns lining the walkways. I caught a glimpse of the florist—a stern old wolf named Maera—barking orders like a general as she oversaw the hanging of the floral arch under which Nox and I will seal our bond. And the dress. Oh, Moon, the dress. The lead stylist and a few omega seamstresses have practically made one of the empty rooms thei

I told her honestly. Laryssa blushed and squeezed my shoulder, no words leaving her mouth but her eyes shone with pride as they met mine in the mirror. “I can't believe it's the Full Moon Celebration,” Elle said as she stood up, brushing the creases from her floor length, forest green gown. In contrast, the dress Laryssa had presented me with for the occasion was black with silver beads sewn over the dress which caught the light. It reminded me of the night sky and I'd fallen in love with it the moment I laid eyes on it.

“Now let’s get you ready. You’re about to become the Luna of the pack, after all.” I nodded, my heart fluttering with excitement as I turned back to the mirror. My dress—*my wedding dress*—was stunning. The fabric was a delicate ivory silk that shimmered in the light, flowing down in soft waves to the floor. The bodice was adorned with intricate lace detailing, and the sleeves, made of the same lace, clung to my arms like a second skin. It felt light and airy, like it was made just for me, with delicate pearl buttons lining the back. The dress hugged my figure perfectly, making me feel both powerful and ethereal.

We're still here. She picked up the red dress. Bought it specifically for this event—backless, defiant, a dress designed to say I didn't crawl out of that mud to be small. The gala was in less than twenty-four hours. Moonlight City. Pack territory. Pedestrians and politicians and wolves who remembered exactly what she looked like on her knees. I am not Lila Winstone anymore. Lila Winstone knelt in the mud and waited for a man to choose her.

I went into my room and closed the door and sat on the edge of the bed and breathed for a moment because even when you are entirely comfortable there is something about the day everything changes that requires a moment of stillness before it begins. The dress Reuel had sent was on the bed beside me. Deep silver fabric that caught light the way wolf fur caught moonlight, the kind of thing designed to be seen in a clearing under a full moon, and I put it on because he had not been wrong about the presentation of it and because tonight every single piece of this needed to land exactly the way I had designed it to land and presentation was not something I was leaving to chance.

"I am not ready." Luna and my Mom exchanged a look. My Mom got up and said, "It's still your first Mates Dinner. We bought you a special dress for the occasion." She picked up the garment bag and unzipped it to show me a silver silk dress. It was knee length with a slit to the waist. Between the light color and the sheer fabric, I was going to look practically naked wearing that dress. I frowned.

I whispered, not knowing if I spoke to myself, to them, or to the moon. By the time I stepped out, my skin was fragrant, my hair lay damp along my back. I drew on a thin silk robe and went to the coronation dressing room. The hush there was deeper than usual; the wolves’ shadowed silhouettes on the walls seemed to echo the tread of the ancestors. Beside the dais my gown awaited: Luna attire, silver and midnight. Soft in its fall, unwavering in its carriage. Moon-embroidery at the breast, a belt set with moonstone cinching my waist. A sheer mantle lay over my shoulders, sparking with each movement like pure moonlight.

“That’s what you get, Ophelia! Bye-bye!” I shook my head, my heart still racing. “Let’s keep shopping, MJ,” I said, picking up the silver dress. “This one’s mine.” We spent another hour trying gowns, the private room quiet now. I settled on the silver beaded dress—sleeveless, with a deep neckline and a slit that showed just enough leg. It was perfect, bold and powerful. Maryjane picked a teal gown, her curls bouncing as she twirled. “We’re gonna own that gala,” she said, grinning.

I changed out of the red dress hours later. Drusila dressed me up in a strapless silver tulle gown with layers for the full moon. I had a hard time hiding the thigh holster Jai had given me from her, but she didn't see it, eventually. I was lucky enough.

She reached out carefully and touched the fabric of one of the dresses. It was a long emerald-green gown, elegant enough for Luna ceremonies while still practical enough for important pack gatherings. The dress has a perfect waise line before flowing gracefully to the floor. She turned toward me with watery eyes. "My Lady... this fabric is one of the finest in the whole Moonshine Pack. Alpha Dominic had a dress like this specially made for you?" I nodded. I knew it was expensive, but I didn't realize it was this valuable. Shantel gently shook her head in amazement.