Chapter 169 Chapter 168

Chapter 169 Chapter 168
Aloria.

Their hands are careful and practiced as they help me into my undergarments, treating every step with the utmost care and reverence. Then comes the emerald-green gown that the seamstress has spent weeks working on, glittering like starlight in the afternoon light. I'm helped into the dress, every button and fastening secured with utmost care and precision. Once they are through helping me into the dress, the next phase is arranging my hair.

Small, intricate braids are woven to keep my hair back, several tendrils falling free to frame my face, emerald pins holding the rest in place. Makeup is applied to accentuate my beauty, and perfume is dabbed onto my skin. The entire process is complete.

"All done, my lady..." the maid announces, stepping back while the others bring a full-length mirror closer, helping me assess myself.

A soft gasp escapes my lips as I look at myself in the mirror. It's the same woman, but I look completely different in this dress. Too beautiful.

"Thank you so much..." I whisper, my voice filled with wonder. I twirl in the dress, watching as it floats through the air before settling down, my heart pattering wildly in my chest.

I'm still admiring myself in the mirror when a gentle knock comes at the door, drawing my attention. Glancing at the grand oak doors, I call for whoever is behind them to come in, half expecting it to be the alphas.

The door opens, and Erena enters instead.

My lips stretch into a huge smile, but Erena freezes at the entrance, her eyes widening as they lock onto me, her gaze traveling all over me.

"Oh... my heavens!" Erena cries out in shock and wonder, staring at me. "You look absolutely stunning, Aloria!" she says as she closes the distance.

I let out a soft chuckle, walking to meet her halfway.

"You came to see me!" I say, grinning at her.

"I did!" she squeaks, reaching to take my hands. "You are absolutely breathtaking, Aloria. Everything looks so good on you. Everything."

"Thank you..." I mutter, giving her a soft smile.

Erena's grip on my hands tightens as she gazes at me, her eyes filled with conviction.

"Don't worry about a thing. Everything is going to be alright," she says, and I nod.

"I know..." I whisper softly, my heart skipping a beat at her words.

"Have you seen the alphas today?" she asks, and I shake my head.

"Not since dawn..." I answer, my heart doing a little flip.

Erena pulls her fingers away from mine, clearing her throat.

"They are probably preparing. No need to worry about them so much," Erena says, giving me a wink.

I let out another chuckle.

"I can't wait to see them too," I mutter, feeling my cheeks warm.

Erena grins, smile lines appearing on her face.

"Well, it's only a matter of time. You'll be with them soon," she mutters.

My smile grows even bigger.

This evening can't come fast enough.
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Draven.

We're in our rooms, preparing for the upcoming ceremony as well. Kairos is only a few meters away, getting flanked by maids who arrange the clothes properly on his body, making sure they sit right, while his expression remains unreadable.

I comb through my hair, forcing all the stray strands to stay back, adjusting my cufflinks.

The maids do one complete check of our attire, and once they see it's done well, they take a step back, keeping their heads lowered.

"Leave us..." Kairos orders without missing a beat.

In a flurry, the maids immediately exit the chambers, leaving us alone.

A heavy silence settles between us before we both turn, facing each other, allowing the moment to settle between us.

Eventually, I break the silence.

"Wow... It's really happening, isn't it?" I mutter, my gaze pinned on Kairos, whose outward expression might be neutral, but whose train of thought is anything but. I would know... I'm looking into it right now.

"Did you ever think it would come to this at any point?" I ask, watching his expression.

Kairos lets out a breath, letting his hands fall to his sides.

"Not really... I never once considered it, but now... it feels like it was meant to be."

We stare at each other for a moment longer, and I reach to brush his shoulder, a tiny gesture of solidarity. Kairos lets out a scoff, but his gaze warms.

He soon clears his throat, breaking the spell.

"Are you ready?" he asks, his voice uncharacteristically rough.

"I've been ready since I brought Aloria home. Let's go bond with her."

"Indeed."
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Aloria.

By late afternoon, the guests start trickling in. Not a lot of people are in attendance, just the important ones. I spot Sophia in the crowd, a few other workers from Velvet Rooms, where I worked as a courtesan, and Erena, of course.

Elder wolves, warriors, and Agatha are also in attendance, ready to witness the ceremony. Any other unfamiliar people seem to be friends or well-wishers closely acquainted with the Ashenvale brothers.

None of my family.

A sad smile touches my lips at that.

My grandfather died a long time ago, my mother even earlier. There is no one who can represent me.

I miss them, but it doesn't hurt as much as it should.

Maybe because... I'm looking ahead and feeling more hopeful for the future.

A maid comes into the room, interrupting my train of thought.

"My lady..." she announces, bowing slightly. "It is time for the ceremony to begin. Your presence has been requested."

"Oh... Thank you," I mutter, a gentle smile on my face.

Adjusting my dress and hair one last time, I confirm that my appearance is still impeccable before walking out of the chambers. Slowly, yet with steady steps, I make my way down to the courtyard where the ceremony is taking place.

The sun is almost set, casting its final rays across the sky. The almost-full moon has risen, spreading its silvery light.

In the distance, the brothers stand together, looking almost identical in the midnight-blue robes they have chosen to wear, their hair brushed back in a formal style, making them appear even more breathtaking.

My heart patters in my chest, but I've never felt so alive.

Everything just feels... right.