Behind me, Kael stiffened. I didn’t need to look to know his eyes had softened for her. They always did.
Then I saw her gown.
A masterpiece—midnight blue melting into silver like the night sky bleeding into dawn. Moonstones scattered across the bodice, the neckline trimmed with delicate wolf-thread lace. It was exquisite.
I hadn’t come for the spectacle or the applause. I came for a single purpose: to claim the perfect dress for my wedding to Alpha Dravenwood. Even if the ceremony lay weeks away, I intended to look every bit the Luna of an ancient, revered pack.
And that dress was mine.
“I’ll take it,” I told the designer.
She smiled apologetically. “It’s one of a kind. We’ve had offers—gold, gems, even blood-oaths.”
“I’ll pay double in gold.”
Then came her voice.
“Oh, I adore this one too,” Elowen cooed, brushing the sleeve with her fingers.
My spine stiffened. “I’ve already claimed it.”
Her lips curved sweetly, but her eyes gleamed. “Surely the designer doesn’t mind a bit of competition.”
Before I could tear into her, a man stepped forward—tall, dark suit, confidence radiating in quiet waves. He gave Kael a brief look before addressing the designer.