Krystal's POV
My fingers traced over the delicate fabric of the white lacy dress my father had sent me the day before. It was off-shoulder, made of mesh embroidered with floral patterns. The bodice cinched tight with a boned corset that flattened my breath and lifted what little curve I had. The skirt flared gently at my hips and fell in soft folds to my ankles, brushing the tops of my toes. I must say, it looked good.
Today was the day I had been looking forward to, and at the same time dreaded a bit.
It was finally the moon festival, and I had to look my best, just not too good. Today's star was Autumn. I only had to be a good shadow, making an appearance while having little presence.
With the help of the Omegas, I stepped carefully into the dress, letting them pull the laces tighter until I almost had trouble breathing properly. As the last strap was secured, I stood in front of my full-length mirror.
"It sure suits you too well," one of the Omegas whispered from behind me, adjusting the back laces before stepping back.
Our eyes met in the mirror. Her gaze lingered on me a second too long, burning with something I could identify: envy.
She added, "Only Lady Autumn should have the privilege to wear something like this."
I smirked, staying silent. Sometimes, silence is just the best answer. I'm already lowly enough; I can't go lower.
Most girls in the pack adored my sister. She had always been the golden girl: the bold, cool, rebellious tomboy who somehow made every scrape and scar look elegant. She was the type to make women swoon over her, and men want to be like her. Suave.
"Let's do your hair," the Omega said, guiding me to the vanity. Her hands threaded through my long hair, a little rough, fingers catching more than they should have as she "untangled" my strands.
She divided my hair into two thick pigtail braids, fastened with soft leather ties, and adorned the ends with tiny silver beads that chimed faintly with movement. It was simple and just the way I loved it.
I felt a bit glad that it wasn't too much. Or I wouldn't be able to handle heavy jewelry on hair and corset on body.
Another Omega brought the plain but elegant white heels sent along before me. I slipped my feet in silently.
After five days of constant care, my legs had fully healed. Despite being an Omega, a werewolf body doesn't stay broken for long.
Then a dusting of makeup followed, contouring to sharpen my cheekbones, light blush to warm my skin, and soft, rosy lips that matched my aura and made me appeared even softer.
And then… all done.
I looked at myself in the mirror... I looked good. It had been a while since I put effort into my appearance, and it felt as if an upgraded version of myself was the one sitting there.
My gaze then scanned my room of eighteen years. The lilac curtains, the almost empty bookshelf, my drawing papers on the desk, the corner where I'd painted the random image I had.
If my plan went well, I wouldn't see them again.
And strangely, I didn't feel sad. Rather, I felt liberated.
These four walls had been a cage long before I ever realized I was trapped. And now, I was ready to fly, ready to trade safety for risk.
"It's time, Lady Krystal."
I stood, stealing one last glance at my reflection.
The girl in the mirror was soft-featured, pale-skinned, green eyes filled with complicated emotions, overall a delicate appearance. She looked clean and simple.
The moment I lifted my foot outside, the air felt different; if anything, it was stronger than usual.
My brows furrowed slightly.
Many Alphas had been invited. Despite me not smelling any pheromones, the change in the air was apparent.
My heels clicked on the marble floor, and at the end of the corridor, there stood my father, the Alpha.
He was also in grand attire, deep navy ceremonial cloak fastened with a moonstone clasp. Golden rings adorned his fingers, and his wrists gleamed with thick golden cuffs.
His gaze was more powerful than usual, and his expression upon setting his eyes on me was the usual disgust. I still hadn't gotten used to being stared at in such a way, as if I were dirt.
I stopped myself from biting my lips and clenched my fists against the stiff fabric of my gown.
"Father," I said softly, bowing in curtsy.
He didn't respond. Didn't even spare me a glance. I might as well have been air.
I stood silently aside, waiting for the star of today.
And a minute later came the announcement. "Lady Autumn has arrived."
The door was opened, and for a moment, the sight of her nearly blinded me.
The clicking of her red-bottomed stilettos echoed her arrival. Her dress shone in brilliant hues of maroon and sapphire, a custom piece no doubt designed to reflect her aura. The gown had a high slit that kissed the top of her thigh, her long legs wrapped in golden vines could tempt any being, and every movement sent waves of color shifting across her body like spilled oil.
Her curls were piled high in a regal crown-like style, accented by golden chains and tiny gemstone pins that sparkled with every step she took. She wore crimson eyeliner that elongated her already sharp eyes, and a touch of shimmer dust at her cheekbones that made her glow under the moonlight.
And all of a sudden, I wondered...