Once upon a time-2

“Make Haste, Eliza! Eden is waiting for you outside,” Aunt Christi was running behind me, holding my handbag while I was still trying to fix my extravagant and heavy gown. It was the first time I had attended such a huge social gathering; I was feeling extremely anxious, too.

One of my grooming ladies tried to calm me down, “Little Missy, that gown looks so elegant on you.”

While rubbing my fingers nervously, I scanned myself once again in the huge oval mirror of my bedroom as I mumbled, “Don’t you think that this dress is a little too much? I think that I should wear something casual and-”

“You can think later. We are already running late.”

Shoving my matching handbag in my hands, Aunt Christi just walked me out of the room, holding my wrist. My heart was thumping so loudly that I couldn’t hear any other sound around me. My introverted personality was screaming in frustration.

The moment Aunt opened the door, I found Eden, leaning against a huge pillar of our vast corridor. He was looking like a model in his grey tuxedo and that bright golden light of our corridor made him look more graceful.

“At last, Madam is ready. I thought that you were going to take a few more hours,” Eden teased me in his velvety voice as he strolled forward and extended a hand. 

Aunt Christi gently patted the back of my hand before letting it go, “Don’t worry. Eden will always be next to you.”

Taking a deep breath, I just took Eden’s hand as I mumbled in a shaky voice, “Mmm. Hope everything will go smoothly and I will shine brightly tonight.”

Eden chuckled silently, noticing my nervousness. While leading me downstairs to the hall, he whispered in his playful voice, “You are already shining, Eli in that crystal dress. Who has chosen this blinding dress for you?”

“Am I looking terrible?”

“Mhm! Just a little bit terrible. But, don’t worry. Everyone’s focus will be on me so none is gonna notice you,” he commented with his teasing smirk.

Pouting, I glared at him, “What a self-obsessed brat! I will just run back to my room as soon as possible. I don’t even wanna join this party.”

He burst out laughing, poking my nose. While laughing heartily, he assured me, “You are such a baby, Eli. I was just teasing you.”

“Shut up! I know I am looking terrible.”

“Never! My sister is the most gorgeous lady of our whole werewolf kingdom.”

“Really?”

Patting my head, he replied gently, “Yup! After all, we are sharing the same genes, Madam.”

I tried to suppress my giggle as I threatened, just standing in front of the huge door of the hall, “Don’t dare to leave my side or I am gonna kill you.”

“I will follow you like your shadow. I must protect you from all the guys after all,” Eden commented while opening the door for me.

“Ready?”

Nodding my head, I whispered nervously, “Brother, I am counting on you.”

—-

The melodious tune of the piano mixed with the soft buzzing voice of the guests.

The vast hall was overcrowded with the guests. A huge chandelier was hanging from the ceiling and the hall was decorated elaborately. Musicians, colourful and sophisticated dresses, tempting dancing females, mouth-watering dishes, unlimited alcohol- there were arrangements of all kinds of amusement. 

The guards opened the door for us as they declared in chorus. “Pay attention, everyone. Little Master, Eden and Little Missy, Eliza are arriving.”

Instantly, the crowd parted in two sections. Every pair of eyes shifted on us, pausing their previous activity as if we were standing in the centre of the world. Nervously, I clenched Eden’s hand tighter as I looked down instantly to hide my scared expression. 

Eden’s calm voice whispered in my ear promptly, “Don’t! Don’t look down. Keep your head high and your eyes straight.”

“Too many guests!”

“Exactly! Don’t let them think that you are weak.” Eden’s hand squeezed mine assuringly as he encouraged me, “You are a very beautiful and talented lady, Eli. Let the kingdom know tonight.”

Taking a deep breath, I tilted my head and noticed Eden’s calm and graceful expression. Eden was always appreciated for his powerful aura and gentle personality. He was friendly and kind yet unapproachable.

I took my first step inside the hall with a confident smile, looking straight towards the opposite side of the hall where Father was standing along with Aunt Martha and his Beta. Father’s affectionate and kind smile erased all my fear and insecurities as my steps became steadier and more confident.

I could feel all the gazes on me as the hall filled with buzzing sounds. Eden’s low whisper suppressed all the noise around me, “Focus on Dad, Eli. No need to pay attention to the voices around.”

Eden led me to Alpha Edward, aka our father, as he signed me to kneel in front of him. I felt Father’s hand on my head as he blessed me happily, “Wish you a long and graceful life, Eliza Claire Gold. Now you are officially part of the Golden Heart pack. Always remember to follow the rules and respect each member of it.”

Still bowing to him, I answered clearly, “I will, Alpha.”

Alpha Edward added in his heavy and authoritative voice, “Pack members come before individual desire. Unity is the core of our success.”

“I will always remember it, Alpha. I will protect my pack with my everything and will do everything I can to help and grow our pack,” I pledged, looking up. As the daughter of the Alpha, I was always taught to think about the pack before myself.

So, that pledge slipped into my mouth instinctively.

Everything was silent for a few seconds and every corner of the hall filled with the roar of applause. The guests started cheering in chorus, “Long live, Little Missy.”

Alpha Edward’s face also lit up with a proud expression as he signed me to stand up and then pulled me into his affectionate embrace. Happiness wrapped me like a warm blanket. When I looked at Eden from the corner of my eyes, he winked at me with his playful smile.

Next, I approached our mage.

It was our ritual to get the acceptance of the mage before joining the pack. So, after meeting our Beta and my aunt, Martha, Eden led me to an empty room, near the hall. The mage of the pack held magical power. They weren’t really werewolves or fighters but they used to work as fortune tellers and wiser ones.

All the rituals and worshipping of the Moon Goddess used to be led by them but they didn’t attend any social gatherings.

Alpha Edward announced the beginning of the ball while Eden knocked at the door of that secluded room behind that hall.

The door opened instantly as a young voice echoed from inside.

“What a glorious sibling! May the Moon Goddess shower all her blessings upon you two.”