Chapter Seventy-Seven
The cabin had been transformed into a hive of preparation. Staff moved with quiet efficiency, carrying garment bags, trays of cosmetics, and cases of jewelry. The air smelled faintly of perfume, powder, and the sharp tang of polished steel hidden beneath silk.
In Avery and Molly’s room, the scene was a flurry of hands and fabric. Molly sat serenely as one attendant finished her makeup, while another began weaving her hair into an intricate style threaded with subtle enchantments. She looked radiant, her calm presence grounding the room.
Avery, however, was running late. She had only just stepped out of the shower, steam curling around her as she wrapped herself in a robe. Her call with the council and the kings and queens had run long — final confirmations, last-minute adjustments, and assurances that all was in place. Now, she was finally ready to surrender herself to the waiting staff.
“Sorry,” she murmured, moving to the chair as attendants descended with brushes, powders, and pins. Silver, her fairy, perched on the vanity, wings shimmering as if amused by the chaos.
Elsewhere, Remy and Elena were being pampered in equal measure. Both women had surrendered to the staff’s care, their laughter drifting down the hall as hair was curled, faces painted, and gowns laid out. When the time came, they would return to Remy’s room to be dressed, their presence a regal complement to the night’s deception.
In one of the guest rooms, the men were preparing. Riven, Kael, and Lucien stood before tall mirrors as attendants adjusted their jackets, smoothed lapels, and — most importantly — secured the hidden weapons beneath layers of fine fabric. Concealing steel and enchanted blades was no easy task, but the staff were skilled, ensuring that each man looked every bit the noble while still armed for war.
The roles had been decided.
Mark and Elena would serve as the group’s representatives at the real gala, their presence lending legitimacy and grace. Remy would be with them, her wisdom and power a steadying force. Auron would make his appearance at the real gala as well, before slipping away to join the others at the decoy site.
Avery and her mates would be at the heart of the trap, waiting for the enemy to reveal themselves.
As Avery sat still, attendants pinning her hair into place, she caught Molly’s eye across the room. For a moment, the bustle faded, and it was just the two of them - warriors dressed in silk, preparing not just for a gala, but for battle. “Versatile gowns,” Avery said softly, a reminder of her earlier demand. Molly smiled, her Violet glowing faintly in her hair, “Weapons hidden. Movement ready. Beauty and steel.”
Avery exhaled, steadying herself. Tomorrow, the prophecy would move forward. Tonight, they step into the lion’s den wrapped in elegance and fire.
The room was alive with motion — attendants bustling, fabrics swishing, brushes and powders moving in practiced hands. Silver and Violet perched nearby, their tiny forms glowing with delight as they watched the chaos unfold.
Silver leaned close to Avery, her voice soft and knowing. You hate this, I know. But you are more radiant than you realize. Even if you’d rather be in something comfortable, hidden in the crowd, tonight you shine because you must.
Avery exhaled, steadying herself. She had never liked the limelight. Even in the human realm, nights out with friends had meant simple clothes, minimal makeup, comfort over spectacle. This was not her world. And yet, it was hers to command.
Molly, by contrast, was calm. She had grown up in this — the daughter of a gamma family, raised in a pack where appearances and expectations were part of survival. She offered Avery small encouragements, her voice steady, her smile reassuring. “You’re doing fine. Just breathe. You’ll look like the queen you are.”
Finally, after what felt like hours, they were ready.
Molly rose first, her gown flowing like liquid shadow, her hair gleaming with subtle enchantments. She moved with the easy grace of someone born to this stage.
Avery followed. Her gown was versatile, designed for movement, its folds concealing the harness for her bow staff. Her hair was pinned with precision, her makeup subtle but striking. She carried herself with regal grace, though her heart still beat fast beneath the silk.
The attendants opened the double doors.
Molly stepped out first, Avery just behind her.
The hallway fell silent.
Their mates stood waiting — Riven, Kael, Lucien — already dressed, weapons hidden beneath their finery. For a heartbeat, they simply stared. Then came the whistles, the gasps, the sharp intake of breath.
They were a vision.
And for the first time, Avery didn’t shrink from it. She let them see her.
The front doors opened with a sweep of motion, guards standing tall as the night air spilled into the entryway. The vehicles waited, sleek and gleaming under the moonlight, their enchantments humming faintly in the air.
Remy and Elena were the first to step forward, each on the arm of their mates. Remy with Auron, Elena with Mark — regal, composed, every inch the dignitaries they were meant to be. A sleek black SUV waited for them, its surface shimmering faintly with layered wards.
The moment they settled inside, the enchantment activated. The vehicle shimmered once, then vanished from sight, cloaked from both mundane and magical eyes.
Three other vehicles remained. Two decoys pulled forward first, engines purring as they rolled down the drive, their glamour convincing enough to fool even the sharpest gaze.
When Avery and her mates emerged, the air shifted. She walked with quiet grace, her gown flowing like liquid shadow, her fairies glowing faintly against her hair and shoulders. Her mates flanked her, sharp in their finery, weapons hidden but ready.
The sleek SUV limo waited for them. Lucien slid in first, offering his hand to help the women navigate the stubborn folds of their gowns. Riven and Kael followed, steadying them as they maneuvered into the seats, laughter softening the moment as the dresses resisted every attempt to sit gracefully.
Finally, they were all inside. The door closed with a quiet thud, and the enchantment shimmered to life. The limo vanished, cloaked like the others.
The first two decoys had already gone. Five minutes later, the SUV carrying Avery’s parents and Remy pulled out, disappearing into the night. Another five minutes passed before Avery’s limo eased forward, slipping into the shadows of the road.
Inside, the tension eased into quiet conversation.
Riven leaned close, his voice low and warm. “You look incredible. You’ll fit right in at my family’s gala — we host one every year. You’d put them all to shame.”