Word Count: 2734

~Lavelle

"This may be the worst day of my life."

I peer over the side of the bed. My friend is buried up to her waist in vibrant fabrics. She's slumped over, raven hair raining down over her face.

"That's awfully dramatic," I drone, leaning back against the plush velvet padding of her headboard.

Melora rises from the floor, righting herself. She's only dressed in an ivory chemise, standing in front of the vaulted windows that face the busy street outside.

She doesn't care if people look up into her grand house. She enjoys being seen.

"None of these dresses are acceptable, and yet I have no time to get another dress crafted," she complains, the fabric on her floor lapping against her ankles as she wades through it. "Everyone ran the seamstress so ragged she fell ill."

I settle my hands on my lap. "Is she okay?"

Melora pauses, looking back at me over her shoulder.

"I can't be sure," she admits before promptly shaking the thought away. "Do you see the issue now, Elle?"

I want to tell her that I don't, but I hold my tongue. It's a miracle a woman in such high status in this pack paid me any mind in the first place, let alone allowed me to be her friend. One of these dresses alone could pay my rent for half the year.

"All these dresses are beautiful," I say instead.

Mel picks up an ebony dress that was draped over her floor length mirror, tossing it over her shoulder. I grimace as it billows across the floor, the lush fabric melting into the rest below it.

"Would you mind passing me the hunter green dress? This black one is going to leave his mind on one thing only, and I'm trying to secure a marriage proposal, not his cock in my-"

"Mel!" I scold, leaning down to pick the dress up from where it was discarded half an hour earlier.

For a proper woman, she's awfully crass. I enjoy that about her most of the time, but when she speaks about our Alpha like that it feels...strange.

"What?" She queries innocently.

"Take the damn dress and hush. You'll spoil your luck talking like this," I grumble, slipping off the bed so I can hand it to her.

Everyone in this pack wants to secure a marriage proposal to our Alpha. While he is usually secluded in his palace beyond the town, he's opening his doors for all to come and vie for his hand.

It will be the first time ever, and Melora is preparing. She's hungry to win, to achieve the most coveted position in the pack beside a man who is rumoured to be the most beautiful male in the land.

"Luck be damned. I've never believed in such a thing." Mel holds the dress up against her chest, admiring herself in the gilt mirror. "I shall secure a marriage proposal by the end of the season, and it shall be with an Alpha."

If anyone can achieve such a goal, it is her. She has endless wealth and status to expend on the matter, but it's more than that. It's even more than her breathtaking beauty.

Melora is focused. She is vicious when she wants to be, and once her mind is set, it cannot be swayed.

I wish I had half of her fire. Maybe then I wouldn't be in the position I currently am.

"If anyone can do it, it's you," I assure her.

She drops the dress, and then the chemise draped over her body. The fine silk creation flutters to her feet, baring her naked body to me and the rest of the world outside.

"Would you stop undressing! The entire town will see." I launch from the bed, tugging the heavy curtains over the main window.

Below, people stroll about, enjoying the late afternoon sun. I shut them off from view, bathing Melora's room in dreadful dimness.

She stalks next to me, ripping them back open enough to let in a strip of light. She winks at me, dark blue eyes glistening with mirth.

"Let them be jealous," she says, twisting on her heel to arrange herself back in front of the mirror.

I sigh, leaning against the wall. It's painted a soft, pale blue. It's the same shade as her duvet cover, and is incorporated into massive oil painting of Mel on the far wall. She's depicted to be reading a book, which is extremely out of character for her.

The size of her room is about the size of my house. It's light and feminine, with a large bed, white vanity, a massive armoire and even a small chandelier placed above the bed.

Mel slips into the hunter green dress. The skirt billows in long layers to her feet, shifting magically as she turns to examine her side profile in the mirror. The back corset remains undone, exposing the long line of her back.

"What do you think?"

"I love it less than others," I admit. The colour clashes with her complexion, and while beautiful, does not seem befitting of a grand ball at the Alpha's palace.

"Finally, some honesty." She immediately pulls the dress off, as if the fabric touching her skin offends her. "What would recommend?"

I look around the floor at all the discarded dresses. I saw one earlier that looked incredible on her.

"The sapphire dress, honestly. It looks stunning on you, especially with your eyes." I pick it up by the shoulders, trying to be gentle with bespoke masterpiece. The local seamstress is incredibly talented.

She reaches her hand out. "Pass it here then."

She dresses herself with the skill of someone who grew up with inordinate wealth. At first, she admires the dress in the mirror with an angled head before she turns for my appraisal.

The dress is beautiful on her. Once secured, the bodice will hug her in a flattering manner before sweeping into a puffy skirt with many layers. The top layer is dotted with tiny crystals that glisten every time she moves, the hem skimming the floor.

"You might be right," she muses happily.

As I suspected, the colour looks wonderful on her. The sapphire brightens her eyes, and looks rich and alluring.

"It doesn't matter what you wear. The Alpha will be looking beyond your fabric," I tell her, sitting on the end of her bed. I'm afraid if I continue to stand, I'll stand on something I cannot afford to replace.

Mel plasters her hands against her chest. "At my breasts?"

"No, at your beauty." I laugh softly. "You'll have no issue getting his attention."

She turns back to the mirror, biting down on her lower lip. She's excited, the prospect of meeting and seducing the Alpha sparking in her eyes.

"What will you be doing Friday night?" She asks distractedly, sweeping her hair up into one hand to determine how it should be styled. When she lets it go, her dark waves tumble down her back and over her shoulders.

I lean back on my hands, considering my options.

"I might go for a walk. Town will be mostly abandoned, so I'll have some peace." I smile at the thought. "I'll probably read by candlelight and eat plenty of-"

She twists. "That can't be your plan."

"Not all of us can secure an invitation to the most illustrious event of the century," I remind her mischievously. "Not all of us are bred to seduce an Alpha."

I'm not bitter about not being able to attend. The ticket prices are exuberantly high for a reason; the Alpha only wants the very wealthiest females to contend for his hand. He would have deigned to enter our village more often if that wasn't the case.

"Why don't you attend with me?" She asks, shifting over to her vanity, the dress shifting around her legs.

I pause.

"No...I couldn't."

"I have two invitations. I first thought of my mother, but the idea of her preening over me all night sounds exhausting." Mel shudders. "You would keep me sane, grounded."

Mel has never invited me to any of the balls she has attended. We're only recently friends, so I can't blame her for that. She once held her own in this manor, but I couldn't go.

My father was sicker than usual that day. I had to excuse myself from the festivities.

"I wouldn't know what to do with myself at such an event," I admit hoarsely.

The thought of attending the event of the century is thrilling. All the splendour I've experienced has been within Mel's home, and seeing more of it...it makes me dizzy just considering it.

Mel rushes over to me, seating herself next to me on the bed. "Oh you wouldn't have to worry about a thing! I've been to plenty of balls. I would look after you."

"Is that before or after you get whisked off by the Alpha?" I raise a brow.

She tucks her hair behind her ear, which is studded with diamonds. "There are friendly people at these affairs, believe it or not. I wouldn't leave you stranded."

My mind is racing. Could I truly attend this ball? Could I dance with the wealthiest in this pack, pretending like I fit in when I know I don't? Could I chance my first glance at our Alpha or risk having a torrid affair with a man I'll never see again?

The prospects are admittedly exciting. Perhaps I could find courtship there...I mean, I've been contemplating marriage these days. I don't have anyone in mind, but the thought of companionship and the ease of the burdens on my life does sound compelling.

My only issue is my father...

"I don't have anything to wear, anyway." I look away, overwhelmed by my friend's proposition.

"Look around, my friend. Select any dress you like." Mel pauses before she launches up, clapping her hands together. "Actually, I have the perfect one in mind."

She tugs her armoire doors open, shuffling through the dresses that haven't made it onto the floor yet. After a few moments she pulls out a cream coloured dress, turning it back for my assessment.

I gape at it.

"I can't wear that."

She frowns, giving it another look. "Why not?"

It's a beautiful gown. The skirt is light yet still magnificent. The gossamer sleeves are dainty and understated. I know if I touch it, the material will feel like butter between my fingertips.

"That costs the same as my whole house, probably. Not to mention, if I wear white, everyone will think I'm trying to make the Alpha associate me with a wedding," I tell Mel bluntly.

Mel grins. "That's the brilliance of my choice. That's the exact mentality half the attendees will have. You'll blend right in, just as you might like."

I definitely don't want to attend this with the intention of standing out. I'm not so optimistic to presume the Alpha would ever consider me worthy of marriage to him. I don't believe I am not beautiful to some, but my lack of wealth and status hurtles me out of contention.

"This is very kind of you, Mel, but I can't."

"When will such an opportunity arise again? An opportunity to have a fabulous night with a friend?" She asks. She's set on me attending now.

My shoulders sag. "Everyone will know I don't belong there."

"Half will be drunk, and the other half will be hanging off the Alpha. No one will notice you unless you want them too," she assures me, smoothing her hand down the front of the white gown.

Could I do this?

Mel is right, this can be a fun night for us to experience as friends. This opportunity will never arise for me again.

"I have always wanted to attend a ball..." I admit, scratching below my ear.

Melora's sharp features explode into an elated smile.

"It's sorted then." She hooks the dress back up, needing no more consideration on what I shall wear. "My transport will pick you up at eight sharp. We'll arrive together and by the end of the night, I'll be this much closer to being married to an Alpha."

Being an Alpha's bride will suit her. She'll look wonderful in his palace, at his events and travelling from pack to pack with him.

"How can I repay you?" I ask.

"Let me chose your jewellery. I know the perfect pairing with that dress." She sweeps to her vanity, checking her jewellery stand.

"Mel, I mean it."

I don't like owing people — especially when I don't often have the means to pay them back. I can't allow anything to compromise my friendship with Mel, when it's been the best thing to happen to me in a long time.

"You can repay me by ensuring I don't drink too much at the party, that I don't embarrass myself and that I appear demure and approachable." She holds up a pair of earrings against her ears. They dangle down to her neck.

I raise a brow. "Demure?"

"I'm going to do whatever is necessary to marry that man." She sets the earrings down, staring at herself in the mirror.

I'm not sure what she sees looking back at her, but I see determination. Alpha Avi has no idea what's coming for him.

"Why? Why him?" I ask. "You have all the wealth and riches one could possibly attain."

"I want power, dear friend. I want to look upon this retched town and I want to know it's mine." She sweeps from her chair, approaching the window. She throws the curtains open, revealing the bustling street. "And what else is out there for someone like me? I have nothing to aspire to."

I sigh. "That's not true."

"You have come from nothing. You're an orphan girl with just her sister left who fled packs away. You never went to school and you live in a hovel. You have so much left to achieve, and I have nothing."

It's moments like these that I remember the difference between Melora and I. It's deep and fundamental. She doesn't entirely understand what it's like to live as I do, and I try not to blame her for it. She doesn't know what she is saying half the time.

There is absolutely nothing about my life that she can truly envy.

"There is more to you then who you may marry in the future, Mel. Please believe that," I say quietly, carefully.

She watches me for a few silent beats, a contemplative expression pinching between her brows. She then approaches me, sitting next to me on the end of her bed.

"I don't know what I did to deserve you as my friend. I am utterly clueless and you still put up with me." She takes my hands in hers, holding them between us. "It's I who owes you."

I shake my head. Before Mel, I was terribly lonely. While there can be stark differences between us two, she cares for me, looks after me.

"Let this party be about having fun, okay? Secure your marriage proposal, but also enjoy yourself," I say.

"Trust me, I will." She grins, giving my hands a little shake.

Moments later, her smiles mellows, and she almost looks a little frightened.

"What if the Alpha take to you, instead?" She asks breathlessly.

I laugh into my hand. "That's not possible."

I would never be so optimistic. It suits Melora more so, and the chances for her are much higher. I'll be more than satisfied by a common man who is kind and thoughtful.

"You're beautiful, Elle. He will notice you." She pinches my cheek. "And that is okay."

I'm sure Mel would be gracious in the unlikely circumstance, but I would never want to step between her and her lofty goals.

"We should be worrying about him marrying Missy Fitzgerald. Imagine her as our Luna." I pull a face.

Mel stands, throwing her hands up. "Ah! That's such a horrendous thought!"

We laugh together. As disturbed as we are with the notion, the prospect of the ball is exciting for the both of us.

I doubt I'll catch an Alpha's eye, but I get the feeling the night won't ever be forgotten.

🩵••🩵

Hey everyone, thank you for choosing to check out my new story! I wanted to write a book that felt like a fairytale with a darker twist, and this definitely feels that way. I truly hope you enjoy, and thank you for supporting my work (:

If you want to read ahead, you can find this story on Inkitt 15 chapters ahead! The first five chapters are available for free (:

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~Midika 💜🐈‍⬛