Chapter 159: Dressed to Captivate

Chapter 159: Dressed to Captivate
(Gretel’s POV)

The room was filled with excitement as we gathered in my luxurious chamber, laughter and chatter bouncing off the walls while we prepped for the grand feast tonight.

Jazmine had a real talent for styling hair, weaving beautiful braids and elegant twists. She started with Mom before me, her hands moving quickly and confidently.

"Are you sure about this, Gretel?" Mom asked, her fingers brushing along the low neckline of the deep purple silk dress I’d chosen for her. She looked unsure, her brows drawn closer.

"It feels a little too bold for someone my age..."

I laughed and waved off her concern as I carefully lined Jazmine’s amber eyes with dark eyeliner.

"Mom, please. You’re going to be standing next to the Alpha. You have to look amazing. Tonight is about making a statement — your return, your position, and your beauty."

Mom bit her bottom lip, still hesitant. Jazmine turned and beamed at her.

"Aunt Helena, you look incredible! Trust us. You're the definition of beauty and strength. You’ve been through a lot and tonight, you’ll show everyone you’re their worthy Luna. Hayden needs to feel proud to have you by his side!" She suggested.

We all broke into laughter. I imagined the image of Father trying to act composed while clearly stunned by Mom's transformation. I couldn't wait to see his face.

"Exactly!" I said, giggling. "You’ll knock the breath right out of him. That dress is going to cause a scene in the best way." I encouraged her.

Our excitement got an unexpected twist when a firm knock landed on my chamber door. Before I could answer, the door opened and Dad stepped inside.

We all turned to him.

He hadn’t seen us yet, and he walked in like he had a purpose — until his eyes landed on Mom.

She was near the vanity, in just her undergarments, adjusting her hair. Everything in him seemed to stop.

His eyes went wide, pupils dilated, and he stood still, staring at her like a man struck by lightning. A large, flat box hung loosely from his hand, completely forgotten.

The room seemed to be filled with awkward tension, and even I had to hold my breath. I’d never seen Dad look so... emotional. So completely knocked off balance.

He looked at Mom like he hadn’t seen her in years — like he was seeing something precious he thought he’d lost forever.

It was unsettling and touching at the same time.

Mom, thankfully, recovered quicker than any of us. She cleared her throat sharply, and gladly Dad got out of his trance.

He blinked and turned away slightly, clearly embarrassed. His ears even turned pink. He stepped forward and held out the box silently.

She took it and opened it on the spot.

Inside was a white gown — one even more stunning than the purple one I’d picked for her. Mom’s eyes widened.

"Please, Helena," Dad said quietly, his voice smooth but sounding serious, "wear this tonight. Stay by my side. Let me show them who you are." He pleaded.

Then without waiting for a reply, he turned on his heel and walked out, shutting the door behind him.

For a long second, we just stared at each other in silence.

Then Jazmine broke it. "Whoa! Told you he wanted to show you off tonight! You saw the way he looked at you! That wasn’t just admiration, that was straight-up obsession!"

I clapped my hands, grinning. "See? We weren’t exaggerating. He’s already halfway in love with you again, and that dress just sealed it."

Mom seemed to be blushing when she rushed into the bathroom to try it on, and I felt a mix of amusement and secondhand embarrassment.

I never thought I’d witness a moment like that between my parents — it was a little too real.

But also... kind of sweet.

When she came back out, the gown hugged her figure beautifully, the color making her olive skin glow. She looked like royalty.

"Wow," I breathed. "He knows your body like a tailor! That dress was made for you."

She smiled, clearly flattered, but her expression changed when she saw what I was wearing. Her eyes widened. "Gretel! That green dress is far too daring!" She cautioned me.

I looked down at the silky fabric hugging my curves and shrugged. "Hey, I just want to make sure my mate keeps his eyes on me all night."

Jazmine rolled her eyes dramatically. "You two are too much. You're making me miss my own mate even more. I wish he were here with me." She pouted.

We all laughed, then I glanced at the clock. "Okay, enough playing around. The feast is starting soon. Let’s not keep them waiting."

Linking arms, we walked out of the room and made our way down the grand staircase.

The ballroom shimmered with golden lights, soft music played, and the sound of laughter and conversation filled the space. As we entered, heads turned.

But my eyes searched for only one person.

Devion.

He was at the head table, looking ridiculously handsome in a black suit.

The moment he saw me, his eyes raked over me from head to toe, and I could practically feel the heat of his stare. It wasn’t just appreciation — it was possession.

And then I noticed Dad. His eyes found Mom as she walked in, and he looked like he was struggling to keep his composure.

When she slipped off her shawl, he almost choked on his drink. I barely stopped myself from laughing.

Two strong men, completely undone by two women they were deeply in love with. Isn't that beautiful?

They were clearly wrapped around our fingers tonight. And it felt amazing.