Crowned by Fate Chapter 134

Skye’s POV

"No matter what happens, please take care of yourself," Mom's voice softened through the phone, her worry reaching across the miles between us.

"I will, Mom. I promise."

How could I explain that taking care of myself meant different things to her and to me?

After hanging up, I sank onto the bed with a heavy sigh. The impossible weight of expectations pressed down on me—my mother wanting me back with Leon, my loyalty to Adrian and our pack, my own desires... I couldn't make everyone happy, no matter how much I wanted to.

The door opened with a soft click, and Adrian stepped into the room. His eyes found mine immediately, concern etched across his features.

"What's troubling you?" His thumb gently smoothed the furrow between my eyebrows. "You look like you're carrying the weight of all wolf packs on your shoulders."

I leaned into his touch, craving the comfort he offered. Telling him about my mother urging me to reconcile with Leon would only create unnecessary tension. Adrian had enough to worry about with the trials ahead.

"Just anxious about the next trial," I deflected. "I've asked Garrett to gather whatever information he can find."

Adrian's eyes studied me for a moment longer. Then he sat beside me, his warmth seeping into my side.

"You're overthinking everything." His voice was gentle but firm. "Alpha King Thomas is hosting a banquet tomorrow night for all Alphas who passed the second trial. I'm taking you with me."

I lifted my bandaged arms with a rueful smile. "I don't exactly look presentable for a royal gathering."

"I'll change your dressings," he promised, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "By tomorrow night, your arms will look much better. Werewolf healing has its advantages."

"Even if my arms heal, we didn't exactly pack formal wear for this trip," I reminded him.

"Pardon the interruption, lovebirds." Alpha Xavier's voice startled us both. He leaned against our doorframe, his perpetual smile firmly in place. "I couldn't help overhearing your dilemma, and fashion happens to be my specialty."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "That's very kind, but—"

"Adrian helped me during the first trial," Xavier cut in. "I've been waiting for a chance to return the favor. Consider this my small contribution to your Alpha King campaign."

Adrian nodded his thanks. "We appreciate it."

Xavier's smile returned full force. "Just show up looking gorgeous tomorrow night. Leave everything else to your friendly neighborhood Alpha."

After Xavier left, Adrian pulled me closer. "See? Problem solved. All you need to do is dazzle everyone at the banquet tomorrow."

***

Later that afternoon, Xavier returned with garment bags and an unexpected request.

"Each Alpha is permitted one female companion," he explained, fidgeting with his cufflinks. "I didn't bring any female pack members with me. I was wondering if... if Lydia might consider accompanying me to the banquet tomorrow?"

Lydia looked up from her notes, shock evident even behind her half-mask.

"Me?"

"You'd be doing me a favor," Xavier insisted, though something in his expression suggested otherwise. "I'd hate to be the only Alpha without a companion."

"You should go," I encouraged Lydia after Xavier excused himself to take a call. "It might be fun."

She touched her mask self-consciously. "I don't know, Skye..."

"What's there to think about? He's offering you a night of luxury and good food," I smiled, nudging her shoulder gently. "Besides, you've been working non-stop since we arrived. You deserve a break."

The next evening, as Lydia helped zip up my dress, I caught her watching me in the mirror.

"I thought Xavier was just a playboy Alpha," I admitted, adjusting the emerald gown that perfectly matched my eyes. "But he seems different than I expected."

Lydia's hands stilled on my zipper. Her reflection looked torn between hope and resignation.

"He's charming," she acknowledged. "But I'm not his mate. Besides..." Her fingers drifted to the edge of her mask.

I knew what she wasn't saying. The scars hidden beneath her mask were a constant barrier she believed no one could see past.

"You don't need to be someone's mate to enjoy their company," I suggested carefully. "Xavier seems genuinely interested in you."

"Let's focus on you," she interrupted, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "You look stunning."

And I did.

The floor-length emerald gown hugged my curves before flowing out at my knees. My silver hair was swept up in an elegant twist, with a few strands framing my face. The dress's long sleeves cleverly concealed my healing arms while the plunging neckline drew attention elsewhere.

Lydia looked equally breathtaking in a midnight blue dress that made her pale skin glow. Even with her mask, she was beautiful.

When we emerged from the bedroom, Adrian froze mid-conversation with Xavier. His lips parted in a silent gasp as his eyes took me in, darkening from amber to molten gold.

For several heartbeats, he seemed incapable of speech, his gaze traveling slowly from my face down the length of my body and back again.

"Skye," he finally breathed, crossing the room in long strides. He took my hand and pressed it to his chest, where I could feel his heart thundering beneath my palm. "You are..." His voice faltered as he shook his head in wonder. "I don't have words worthy of how you look tonight."

He lifted my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss against my knuckles, his eyes never leaving mine. The intensity in them made my breath catch.

"No Alpha in that room will be as proud as I am to have you by my side," he whispered, pulling me closer until our foreheads touched. "My beautiful, brave Beta."

I reached up to straighten his bow tie, letting my fingers linger.

"You clean up pretty well yourself, Alpha."

The drive to the banquet hall felt too short. By the time we arrived, the event was in full swing, with Alphas and their companions mingling under crystal chandeliers.

Adrian's hand settled possessively at the small of my back as we entered. Almost immediately, my wolf stirred restlessly, sensing something—or someone—before I did.

A burning gaze drew my attention across the room. There, standing tall and rigid with Maya clinging to his arm, was Leon. His eyes locked with mine, his expression thunderous.

‘This is going to be a long night’, my wolf growled.