Chapter 6

Because of the way she had been treating the pups, Clara was barred from tonight’s ball. Kaylum and I, however, would be in attendance.

The sun is almost setting, and Kaylum is helping me with my makeup for tonight before we get dressed. He is a wizard with the powder brush.

“Clara seems quiet,” he states as he applies colour to my eyes. “Wonder what happened.”

“A secret came out,” I reply. “A bad one.”

“Thought so. She’s not even reading.”

“I don’t want to talk about it. Please.”

The alpha nods, and moves on to painting my hands. The cream is from a previous trade with the coral-dwellers. It’s a mixture between several animal fats, mineral clays and pigments from either minerals around hydro-thermic vents, or the coloured corals in their reef. Because the corals take so long to grow, the higher quality cream is hard to come by and requires a higher trade. For this reason, the cream Kaylum is using for tonight is the mineral one. Personally, I prefer it. What it lacks in vibrance, it makes up for in luminescence. Once applied, it has to sit for a few moments, leaving behind a coloured stain that can glow in the dark.

I watch, mesmerized as Kaylum paints over my nails and follows with rings around my fingers. My knuckles are decorated with individual circles, the back of my hands with a kaleidoscope of swirls and parallelograms. He has the makings of the pack stylist; the talent he possesses is extraordinary. Around my wrist, he paints the illusion of a chain bracelet. I’m impressed with the quality, though not surprised.

“I see you’ve been practicing,” I observe. “You could start your own business with this.”

Kaylum shrugs. “I could.”

“But…?”

“I just feel like that would take all the joy out of it, y’know?”

I don’t, but I nod as if I do.

“Ready to try on the outfit, or should we do your hair first?”

“Hair first,” I reply.

Kaylum nods, and reaches for my brush. I settle in front of the mirror while he works some more of his magic. He starts with slowly brushing the knots out of my hair, the repetitive motions helping me relax. I don’t want any trouble tonight. I just want to dance, drink some honey-striker and have fun. Maybe go swimming.

“How does this look?”

I turn my attention back to the mirror to evaluate the work. My straight hair falls in soft waves around my face, tied to the side by a thick red ribbon to match my suit. In my hair were a few shell pieces, charmed to glitter in the light shining from the torches in the hall. I was speechless.

“Kaylum,” I breathed. “It’s perfect…”

I tentatively reached up.

“No!” Kaylum smacks my hand away. “You’ll break the enchantment, and I just got it right.”

Okay, then.

“Still, it’s incredibly simple.”

“Which is why you love it,” He teased. He was not wrong.

I left the bathroom so Kaylum could get ready, and sat on my bed, fiddling with the card from earlier. It’s so unsettling…By all means, it’s impossible. As far as I know. I guess the thought just never crossed my mind, that there could be alternate realities. I could ask Jax about it, but I probably wouldn’t see them for about a moon while they do their experiments. I could ask Anka, but would she try and destroy it, or teach me that kind of magic if she knows it?

The skittles inside the envelope make a slight rattling sound as I tumble it in my hand. I wonder what they taste like…

I pick one out to observe. It’s about the size of my pinky nail. A shade lighter and a fraction duller than the fabric of my skirt, with a white ‘S’ printed on one side. Tentatively, I sniff it. Huh, that’s interesting. It smells almost like wild berries and brain bonnet. Very sweet and fruity, but there’s something almost fake about it. I drop it back in the envelope before Anna only has two, but my curiosity is not quelled. Is it edible for dragons? How does my…pen pal know if wolves can eat ‘skittles?’ Could I write and ask? But if it takes magic to send, wouldn’t it fail if I tried? I mean, I’ve tried just about every other form of magic, including divine and techno, two of the rarer forms. Would sending a reply be considered astral magic? My mind is buzzing with a thousand thoughts at once, it sounds like a beehive. It’s only when Kaylum is standing in front of me, that I realize we might be late.

“You look handsome,” I tell him, looking him up and down. He manages to pull off the colour well, and his horns, which he has on display for the night, are polished to perfection.

“Why thank you,” He smiles, sweeping into a low bow. “You’re quite the sight yourself.”

This kind of flirting is normal between us, as a form of confidence ritual.

I smile as he takes my hand and kisses it.

“Ready?”

I nod and quickly slide the envelope into my pocket. “Ready.”

**********

The pavilion looked celestial. The glass building which was usually empty, had been decorated with all kinds of flowers and greenery, the softness of the roses combined with the weight of lavender and laced with the headiness of jasmine, floated down over the attendees. The setting sun cast rainbows onto the crowd through the many windows that make up the walls and roof. The marble pillars supporting the pavilion held candelabras, the flames of which reflected off the inside glass and three crystal chandeliers suspended from the roof. Each chandelier was created with a single kind of crystal. The first was made with segerissite, a deep rosey-red crystal, similar to a ruby, but more like red glass. The second, of periwinkle onygite, was a solid light purple and iridescent on its own. The third and final chandelier, of zirkene, was sparkling gold marbled against a deep emerald green. My personal favourite, among the three.

Along one wall, I could see the cooks had worked hard. Large bowls of fruit juice with frozen flowers, serving plates piled high with various meats, vegetables and light pastries. On a separate table were foods for the coral-swimmers, mainly shellfish and small crustaceans. The smell of the food has been charmed to stay by the tables, so as to not overpower the flowers.

There is a band in the corner, playing traditional music. I see Alpha Brooks watching them, and making comments to one of his pack members. I wonder what they’re saying.

The whole scene is breath-taking.

Kaylum whispered to me. “Shall we dance?”

I smiled and nodded, as he led me to the dance area.

With one hand on my waist and the other on my shoulder, Kaylum led me in triangular patterns across the floor. Not once did he look away, but I didn’t want to trip or bump into any of the other dancing pairs or triads. I didn’t need to worry, though; he’s been dancing since the day he hatched. I suddenly smiled as an image of a Baby Kaylum stumbling around and tripping over his tail, trying to navigate a rhythm, filled my mind’s eye.

“What are you smiling about?” Kaylum asked.

“Just you,” I smiled.

“Oh?”

“As a hatchling.”

“Oh gods,” he chuckled. “What’s the prompt this time? And how did it turn out?”

“Is it true that as a hatchling, you often tripped over your own tail?”

His cheeks coloured slightly as he cleared his throat.

“Your accuracy is improving. I’m starting to think it’s not a coincidence.”

“Wait, so you did?” I laughed, and Kaylum reddened more.

“Just don’t let word get out,” he grumbled.

“Oh, don’t worry about me. I won’t tell a soul.”

“I know,” He replied softly. “I trust you.”

The music suddenly reached a crescendo, before dropping. Kaylum matched this by pulling me close and dipping me backwards.

We smiled at one another as he pulled me back up to applaud the musicians with the others, and I noticed Alpha Brooks was no longer in the crowd. Oh well, that’s not my problem. He’s surely capable of looking after himself; he’s an adult by wolf standards.

After roughly another hour of dancing, I decide I need some fresh air. I curtsey to Kaylum, before leaving the pavilion for the quiet of the gardens.

The sun has set, making the sky appear as a bedazzled velvet gown.

I find a spot by the fountain and take a seat on the edge of the granite form. The minnows that are kept on this particular fountain swam up to me and surfaced, hoping for crumbs. I didn’t have any, so I dip my finger just under the surface. The minnows gather quickly, only to nibble and realize I had no food and moved on.

This is my favourite spot to relax. It’s close enough to the pavilion to hear the music, but far away enough to notice if anyone was coming.

My gaze lifts to the stars above, in search of constellations.

The first one I find is Octipia, as she climbs over the horizon. Legend says she used to guide sailors and their ships through storms and reefs millennia ago. One day, she unknowingly led a son of the sea king through a storm that had been raging for months. It would have killed him if she wasn’t there. To show his gratitude, the sea king immortalized her with some help from the stars. She guides ships to this day.

“Uncle Carter, this way!”

“Okay, okay, I’m coming.”

I should take that as my cue to leave, but I can’t help the curiosity growing inside me. Instead, I mute my scent and walk away from the fountain. I stay just close enough that I can hear Anna and Alpha Brooks, but far enough that they can’t see me.

Anna has the most adorable little knee-length dress of white with a deep violet sash and flowers sewn into the hem, white gloves, soft pink shoes and a tiara. She looks like a little princess.

Her uncle, on the other hand, almost takes my breath away. His outfit is comprised of all black pants, shirt and jacket, all with gold detailing, with a black fur cape that stops at his waist. My god, he is beautiful.

“You’re right,” I hear him say to Anna. “It is beautiful.”

‘Not as much as you,’ I think to myself.

I see him slightly blush and momentarily panic at the thought of saying it out loud, but I relax when I remember I’m too far for them to hear me.

“Let’s play hide and seek!”

Anna, you are too pure.

Her uncle chuckles at her enthusiasm.

“I’ll count first,” he offers.

Anna nods and runs away as he closes his eyes and starts counting. Is this what it’s like to have a family? Sure, Alpha Will is like a father to me, but very vaguely. More like a distant uncle, if I’m being honest. Alpha Brooks, however, is an uncle who acts more like a father.

He turns around and starts looking for Anna, who is hiding behind a cluster of bushes nearby. He’ll find her. I’m sure of it.

I follow the cobblestone path towards a gazebo surrounds by strong-smelling flowers. It’s a little harder to see here, away from the lights. The moon and stars light my path, though, and I get there with relative ease.

It’s quite the sight. Dual ivy climbing up the trellis shimmers like frost under the moonlight. Starflowers in the beds around the gazebo glow like embers. It’s just as beautiful in the day, when the dual ivy turns red and appears on fire. It’s completely quiet, except for the soft chirping of crickets. The wind blows slightly, disturbing the grass and causing the crickets to chirp louder.

I looked over at the rising moons and smiled. They were beautiful. Our planet has two moons, Mithea and Olecor. Mithea is a rosy-gold colour, while Olecor is a very light, pale blue.

My mind wanders the events of the last two weeks. All this trouble because of a single misunderstanding. And bad parenting, but we’re not ready for that conversation. Why doesn’t Nera do anything about Leona’s behavior? Does she not know about it? Or is she encouraging it?

“Psst!”

I look around.

“Ellie!”

I follow the sound of the voice into the shadows.

“Who’s there?” I whispered.

Anna’s head poked out and she grinned at me, waving.

I chuckled. “What are you doing all the way out here?” I asked.

“I’m hiding from Uncle Carty,” she answered and put her finger to her lips, signaling for me to be quiet.

I oblige, and hide with her.

“Why are we hiding?”

“We’re playing hide and seek,” Anna giggled. “He hasn’t found me yet.”

“And how long have you been hiding?”

“I don’t know,” the pup says after a pause. “A long time. Do you think I won?”

“Yes, I think so. Want me to talk you back?”

Anna nodded and reached for me. I picked her up, and started carrying her back to the gardens. Then I remembered.

"Anna?"

"Mhmm?"

"I have something for you."

I take the envelope from my pocket and pass it to her.

"What's this?" she asked.

"Open it," I smiled.

She did, and her whole face lit up.

"Skittles!" She takes one out and eats it quickly. "They're my favourite!"

"Are they?"

The pup nodded as she ate the other two. Then her face fell, when she realized they were gone.

"Is there anymore?" she begged. I shook my head.

"I'm sorry, that's all I got."

"Oh...okay..."

"How about I find a way to get you some more? Would that make you feel better?"

Anna nodded.

"Okay." I kiss her forehead. "I'll get you some more."

Once we were close enough, I could hear Alpha Brooks.

“Anna! Anna, where are you?!”

Oh, he’s panicking.

“Anna, come on! You win!”

I whistled to call him, and I didn’t have time to even blink. He was there in a literal flash, and took his niece from my arms and held her close.

“Don’t ever scare me like that again, you hear me?”

“I’m sorry, Uncle. Miss Ellie found me and brought me back.”

The alpha looked at me, and I cast my eyes to the ground.

“For some reason,” he starts. “You’re always right where Anna needs you.”

I swallow my nerves.

“Thank you.”

I look up at him, and he’s smiling.

I curtsey. “No thanks needed, Alpha.”

“Why won’t you accept it? You look after my niece, you defend her, make sure she’s safe, and won’t let me say anything?”

“It’s-”

“Say it’s ‘just your job,’” he challenged with a smile. “See what happens.”

I close my mouth. Anna yawned in his arms.

“Alright, I need to put her to bed.”

“No!” She whined.

“Yes,” her uncle replied. “It’s time for you to sleep.”

I nodded when Anna looked back at me.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Sweetheart. Okay?”

She nodded, and laid her head against his shoulder as he carries her away.