Chapter 5 Not Your Average Ball

Ana POV

"How dare you defile the future Luna candidate offered to the Lycan King!" The voice belonged to the gentleman who delivered the invitations earlier.

His voice was stern, but his face radiated disdain toward my father. Talia and Auntie Leeanne looked at the newcomer with shocked expressions. Both of them opening and closing their mouths like a fish rendering speechless. Who knew all it took was the consorts of the royal family to get my family to stop their torture.

I rubbed my cheek as I stayed on the floor. A sudden feeling of unease overtaking me. I met the eyes of the gentleman and pushed back the bile that was coming up my throat.

"Get ready quickly, our convoy is prepared," he continued. He straightened his peacoat as he addressed us.

My father awkwardly stopped his actions. He cleared his throat, adjusted his appearance, and then led my sister by the hand towards the door. My Auntie Leeanne in tow.

I struggled to stand and the gentleman offered his assistance. “Are you okay, miss?” The man’s voice was softer now. I nodded.

“Yes thank you.” As I found my balance I looked at the man who saved the day for me. “What is your name sir?”

The man bowed, “I am Stanley Reginald Alabaster III, the Lycan King’s scribe; However you may call me Stanley.”

I gave him a small smile. “Well, Stanley, I am grateful you arrived when you did. I will grab my things quickly so we can get going.”

I hobbled my way up the stairs to my room and quickly put toiletries and some outfits in a bag. While my family had help bringing their bags to the vehicles outside, I was left to my own devices.

Limping, I made my way to the car arranged by the Lycan King for us.

I stopped in my tracks when I saw the transportation we would be receiving. A sleek back limousine, with polished rims. The interior was adorned with flowers, and smelt of leather and luxury. The impressive space felt cozy yet oozed elegance. In front of and behind the limo were two black Escalades.

On one end of the limousine was a small table holding a variety of exotic fruits, desserts, champagne, and red wine. The King’s crest on all of the napkins and bottles.

I made my way inside and found a little area away from the amenities, to sit. My stomach was filled with nervous energy. Ignoring me, my Auntie Leeanne, Talia, and my father climbed in and opened the champagne and toasted to one another. I rolled my eyes at the action. Great, they are celebrating sending me off to my potential demise. How kind of them, I thought dryly.

As we continued our drive to the palace, my father, sister, and aunt were all lively, their joyful chatter making me feel incredibly alone. I felt like an outsider. At no point had they even spared me a glance or offered any food or drinks to me.

Several hours later, we arrived at the palace. Tall trees lined the drive leading us to a turn around driveway. The building was over the top with its sandstone exterior and vines with flowers growing up the towers. The double door entry way was opened by two guards. Leading up to the entryway was a long red carpet. Twinkle light illuminated the area as they cascading from chiffon tapestries. Who put tapestries outside? I couldn’t allow myself to go down the rabbit hole of logistics. I felt like I was going to a movie premier, not a ball.

The setup was incredibly lavish, and I hesitated to step on the red carpet. I wanted to stay in the security of the vehicle and not face the Lycan King and the other observers.

As we stepped out of the car, countless flashes lit us up. I suspected photographers from the entire country were present. Reporters yelled over one another with questions as we made the walk to the entrance.

My sister posed on the red carpet, but photographers avoided her. I tried to keep my focus on the door and avoid the constant flashes of the cameras. Talia put her hand on her hip as she posed in front of a reporter, a clear invitation to ask her questions. However, their lenses turned towards me, her expression seemed to crumble on the spot. I would gladly give her the attention and take it off me.

“Miss, tell us who you are!” one reporter yelled. While another stuck a microphone in my face. I felt a warm hand on the center of my back, pushing me to move forward. When I looked over my shoulder, Stanley gave me a brief smile before returning to an emotionless expression.

It took all of me to keep my chin from falling to the floor. While the exterior was stunning, it couldn't compare to the breathtaking interior. White marbled floor reflected the twinkle lights that cascaded over the ceiling. Tall pillars led the way to the main function hall. Upon entering the main area, I was met with a large dance floor taking over the middle surrounded by round tables with large vases of white flowers. It reminded me of a wedding. Which made sense since the whole point was for the Lycan King to find his next luna.

As I continued to walk into the hall, I sensed something odd.

Guards and servants casted strange glances my way. I couldn't fathom what was going on.

The atmosphere was filled with lively music, and everyone danced gracefully. I placed my hands on my stomach and tried to ignore the odd stares I was receiving.

I couldn't help but notice the many fearful eyes of girls trembling. They must be Luna candidates, like me. It was the only explanation that made sense to me.

Feeling nervous, I drank too much water and headed to the restroom. After taking care of my business, I walked back out into the main area where I noticed a stunning brunette watching me with an indecipherable expression.

She wore a stunning satin light yellow dress that was accented with gold jewelry. Her chocolate brown hair was smoothed into an elegant updo that framed her face perfectly.

After exchanging smiles, the woman walked over to me while keeping her smile on her face. Her piercing blue eyes met mine. “Hi there,” she extended her head in greeting. “My name is Sarah, I have to say you look absolutely stunning in that dress.” My cheeks become pink at the compliment.

I gave her a slight bow and shook her head. “Thank you, that is so kind of you, You look beautiful as well. My name is Annette, but everyone calls me Ana.” I let go of her hand and looked around the room. “This place is…” I was lost for words.

Sarah raised an eyebrow and she let out a small laugh, “First time?”

I nodded. “That obvious?” She gave me a soft smile.

“Don't worry, your secret is safe with me.” I found it easy to talk to Sarah. She was warm and welcoming. I felt so comfortable that I ended up telling her about why I was there.

She sympathetically learned I was a sacrifice and seemed to hold no judgment.

She led me over to a small table next to the bar that gave us some privacy.

“I am so sorry you have had to deal with all of that Ana. To offer a so-called loved one up like a cow for auction, is just downright cruel.” She took off her half-veil mask made of pearls, which I clearly had missed the memo on, and kindly offered it to me.

“What if I could help you escape? Would you want that?”

I looked at her with shock, “Sarah, I couldn’t ask that of you.”

She shook her head before brushing a curl behind my ear. “After what you’ve been through, it’s the least I can do. Please just let me.” I agreed and put the mask on before she feather fan to shield the bottom part of my face.

Taking my hand, she led me down the corridor.

She seemed like a host, as everyone she passed and many nobles greeted her.

She guided me to a hidden corner, where a worn-out wooden door stood.

"Quick, run for your life." She whispered, as she looked in all directions for guards.

I gave her a pleading look and started to run outdoors.

I slipped my heels off, and ignored the pain of running on bare feet. My soles would definitely be bruised.As I entered the woods I stumbled on the uneven ground. My dress got snagged by branches as I continued my escape. I felt my hair come loose and could feel the sweat from running ruining my makeup.

But I couldn't care about any of this. Right now, all that echoed in my mind was "RUN!!!"

I came to an abrupt halt, my heart pounding as I found myself locked in the piercing gaze of a pair of fierce yellow eyes.That's when I noticed white sharp teeth. Off to the side of me, I heard growling and was met with another set of yellow eyes. Rogues! I was surrounded with no escape. Sweat began to pool in my palms and above my brow. My heart felt like it was going to pound out of my chest from fear and adrenaline. Although I was wolf-less, I would take these rogues on and survive no matter what. I got into the best defensive stance I could muster as the wolves began to attack me.

Piercing pain shot up my arms and legs from the bites of the rogues’ sharp teeth.

A loud snarl echoed in the clearing making the rogues and myself look around. That was when I saw it. Red glowing eyes, razor sharp teeth, and a massive black wolf on two legs. I’d never seen a Lycan before but there was no mistaking who the Lycan was. It was the King. As soon as he took a step further into the clearing, his eyes met mine and in an instant I was met with darkness.