chapter 76
Tori's POV:
I hadn't expected Lucas to call so quickly after my text.
His voice sent an unexpected warmth through me.
"I was just wondering if you'd be at tomorrow's celebration," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual.
"Are you planning to attend?" he asked instead of answering.
I hesitated, twisting a strand of hair around my finger. "Elizabeth specifically invited me. Morgan says she left instructions to make sure I come. Would it be rude to decline?"
"You seem surprised," Lucas noted, a smile in his voice.
"I am," I admitted. "I've only had dinner with her once. I didn't think she'd remember me."
"You should go," Lucas said decisively. "You'll be part of the family soon enough anyway."
My cheeks flushed with heat. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means," his voice deepened, "I'll try to return as quickly as possible. Wouldn't want to keep you waiting too long when you're so eager to see me."
"I never said—" I started to protest, but stopped myself. The truth was, I did miss him, though I wasn't about to admit it.
"It's alright, little wolf," he said softly. "I miss you too."
His confession left me speechless, my heart pounding in my chest long after our call had ended.
---
The next evening, I stood before my dorm mirror, critically examining my appearance.
After much deliberation, I'd finally put on the dress Lucas had sent over this morning—a stunning silver-blue gown that caught the light with every movement.
The note attached simply read, "For tonight. —L."
The fabric felt impossibly soft against my skin, and the cut was perfect, as if tailored specifically for my measurements.
I wondered briefly how he knew my size, but dismissed the thought quickly.
The dress wasn't flashy in an obvious way, but its quiet elegance spoke of expense and taste that my usual wardrobe couldn't hope to match.
You look beautiful, Tracy murmured in my mind, my wolf's presence warm and reassuring.
A knock at my door announced Morgan's arrival.
She wore a burgundy dress that complemented her warm brown hair, and her eyes widened when she saw me.
"Wow, Tori! You look amazing!" She circled me, admiring my outfit. "That color brings out your eyes."
"Thanks," I smiled weakly. "Let's get going quickly."
The car Morgan's mother had arranged for us was sleek and comfortable, but as we drew closer to Grayson territory, my stomach tightened with each mile.
The trees grew denser, the road more exclusive, until finally, an enormous wrought iron gate appeared before us.
Despite having visited the estate several times, this felt entirely different.
Tonight, the Grayson manor was transformed—every window ablaze with light, the long driveway lined with colorful lights, security personnel stationed at regular intervals.
I'd never seen the property so alive, so formal in its grandeur.
Two guards approached, their postures rigid with authority.
They bent to examine us through the window, and I felt their gazes linger on me. After checking our invitation, they stepped back, and the massive gates swung open.
The Grayson estate sprawled before us, a breathtaking display of wealth and power.
"It's incredible, isn't it?" Morgan whispered beside me. "I've lived on the property all my life, but the main house still takes my breath away."
I nodded, unable to find words.
As we approached the entrance, more guards stood at attention.
The grand entrance hall opened into a ballroom already filled with guests.
Crystal chandeliers cast prismatic light across the gathering, illuminating the finest clothes and jewelry in Moonhaven. The room smelled of expensive perfumes, rich food, and pheromones.
Heads turned as we entered, conversations pausing briefly. I felt the progression of their reactions: curiosity at the newcomer, appreciation for my appearance, followed by subtle dismissal when they detected my rank.
"Ignore them," Morgan whispered, stepping closer to me. Her presence beside me offered some buffer against the stares.
"Miss Sullivan," a gentle voice addressed me.
I turned to find Elizabeth Grayson herself standing before us.
Her silver-streaked hair was arranged elegantly, and her posture radiated authority without effort.
"Mrs. Grayson," I replied, lowering my gaze respectfully. "Thank you for inviting me."
"Please, call me Elizabeth," she said, her voice warm. "I'm delighted you could join us."
I couldn't believe that on such an important occasion, Elizabeth Grayson would take time to personally greet Morgan and me.
The attention made my skin prickle with both warmth and unease.
"And Morgan, dear, how lovely to see you," she added with a smile before returning her gaze to me. "Tori, I must say, you have the most remarkable eyes."
"I understand you've been helping Arabella with young Leo," she continued. "She speaks very highly of you."
"Leo is a bright child," I replied politely.
I reached into my small handbag, withdrawing a carefully wrapped package. "I brought this for you, as a thank you for your invitation."
Elizabeth accepted the gift, her fingers working carefully at the wrapping.
When the paper fell away, revealing a set of moon phase crystal jewelry—earrings and a pendant that captured and refracted light in a pattern mimicking the lunar cycle.
"This is..." she stared at the crystals, transfixed. "Where did you find these?"
"I bought the raw crystals with some of my scholarship money," I explained, feeling suddenly self-conscious. "I processed and arranged them myself. I... I hope you like them."
Elizabeth's finger traced the delicate silver wire that held the crystals in their perfect arrangement. "This is remarkable craftsmanship."
She looked up at me, her eyes intense. "Thank you, Tori. This is incredibly thoughtful. I adore it."
After a few more pleasantries, she smiled warmly at Morgan.
"Dear, why don't you show Tori to the refreshment tables? You should definitely try the food."
"Food!" Morgan's eyes lit up instantly. "Come on, Tori!"
She grabbed my wrist, practically dragging me across the ballroom. I barely had time to offer Elizabeth an apologetic smile before being whisked away.
"Morgan, slow down," I whispered, conscious of the amused glances we were attracting.
"You don't understand," she replied with dramatic seriousness. "The Grayson celebrations are legendary for their food. Last time, they had these little chocolate truffles with gold dust on top that literally melted in your mouth. I've been dreaming about them for months!"
I had just taken my first bite of a delicious pastry when my phone vibrated in my clutch. Hannah's name flashed across the screen.
I scanned the crowded ballroom, suddenly alert.
If Hannah was calling, it likely meant the Price family was here somewhere. The last thing I wanted was an encounter with Fiona or Mia—or Hannah herself.
Without hesitation, I declined the call and silenced my phone.