His Abandoned Luna Chapter 56

|| Lilac's POV ||

The soft rustle of fabric against my skin was the only sound in the room as I stood before the floor-length mirror, staring at my reflection. The navy blue gown hugged my figure perfectly, the rich color contrasting beautifully with my light brown hair, which cascaded in loose curls around my shoulders. The golden accents on the dress shimmered faintly under the light, giving the illusion of stars scattered across a midnight sky. The mask I wore was a masterpiece— navy blue with intricate golden filigree that curled around the edges, framing my eyes and covering the upper half of my face. My lips, painted a soft rose, were the only part of my face left uncovered, but even they seemed to blend into the mystery of the mask. My hair was styled to perfection, the curls falling just so, making me look like a porcelain doll, flawless and untouchable.

I turned slightly, the skirt of the gown swirling around me, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of satisfaction. The red dress Elara had suggested had been stunning, but it felt too bold, too loud. I didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention to myself. Tonight was about finding my mate, not making a spectacle. The navy blue was understated yet elegant, and the mask ensured that no one would recognize me— at least, not immediately.

“Look at you!” My mother’s voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see her standing in the doorway, her hands clasped together in excitement. Her eyes sparkled with pride as she took in my appearance. “You look absolutely breathtaking, sweetpea.”

I smiled, though it felt a little forced. “Thank you, Mom.”

My father appeared behind her, his expression a mix of pride and concern. He stepped into the room, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. “You’re sure you don’t need a ride?” he asked, his voice tinged with worry. “I can have the driver take you.”

I shook my head, adjusting the strap of my clutch. “No, Dad. Everyone knows you in this country. You’re the royal Beta. Your car would draw too much attention, and I’m trying to keep a low profile tonight.”

He sighed, clearly unhappy with my decision but unwilling to argue. “Alright,” he said, his tone resigned. “But if you need anything, call me immediately.”

“I will,” I promised, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “Don’t worry so much. I’ll be fine.”

My mother stepped forward, brushing a stray curl from my face. “Be careful, sweetheart. And remember, no matter what happens tonight, we’re proud of you.”

Her words warmed me, and I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Thank you, Mom. I’ll see you both later.”

As I made my way downstairs, the sound of a car pulling up outside caught my attention. I peeked through the window to see Elara’s sleek black sedan parked in the driveway. She stepped out, dressed in a stunning emerald green gown that complemented her auburn hair perfectly. Her mask was a simple yet elegant design, with silver accents that caught the light as she moved.

I grabbed my clutch and headed outside, the cool night air brushing against my skin. Elara’s eyes widened as she took in my appearance, and she let out a low whistle. “Wow, Lil. You look… incredible. But what happened to the red dress? I thought we agreed on that one.”

I shrugged, sliding into the passenger seat. “I changed my mind. The red was beautiful, but it felt too… attention-grabbing. I wanted something more low-key.”

Elara raised an eyebrow as she started the car. “Low-key? Lil, you’re going to a masquerade ball filled with unmated werewolves. Subtlety isn’t exactly the name of the game here.”

I chuckled, though my nerves were starting to get the better of me. “I know, but I just… I don’t want to stand out too much. Not yet, anyway.”

Elara glanced at me, her expression softening. “I get it. But just so you know, you could wear a potato sack and still turn heads. You’ve got that whole mysterious, ethereal vibe going on.”

I rolled my eyes, though her words did make me feel a little better. “Thanks, Elara. You always know how to make me feel less nervous.”

She grinned, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “That’s what best friends are for. Now, let’s go find your mate.”

The drive to the venue was filled with light conversation and laughter, but as we approached the grand hall, my nerves returned in full force. The parking lot was nearly full, with rows of expensive cars lining the area. The sight of so many people already inside made my stomach twist with anxiety. This was it. The moment I had been both dreading and anticipating.

Elara parked the car and turned to me, her expression serious. “Ready?”

I took a deep breath, nodding. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

We stepped out of the car, and I smoothed my gown, trying to calm my racing heart. The grand hall loomed before us, its towering doors adorned with intricate carvings of wolves and moons. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the path leading to the entrance, and the sound of music and laughter spilled out into the night air.

Elara linked her arm through mine, and we walked inside together. The moment we stepped through the doors, I was struck by the sheer grandeur of the place. The hall was massive, with high ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers that cast a warm, golden light over the room. The walls were draped in rich fabrics, and the floor was a polished marble that reflected the light like a mirror. The air was filled with the scent of flowers and perfume, and the sound of a live orchestra playing a waltz echoed through the space.