Chapter 36
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
ESTEE
T he murmurs and music of the ball spill through the heavy oak doors of the great hall, muffled but pulsing with energy. My hand tightens on Theo’s arm as the doors swing open, revealing a scene so breathtaking it makes me momentarily forget what tonight represents.
The steward steps forward, his voice clear and commanding as he announces, “His Majesty, King Theo Northcroft, and Her Highness, Princess Estee Blackwood.”
Every eye turns toward us, and the air shifts as the whispers die, replaced by hushed awe. My heartbeat quickens, the attention heavy on my shoulders, but Theo’s reassuring presence grounds me. He presses my lower back gently, a silent reminder that I’m not alone.
I step forward, my gown trailing behind me in a cascade of maroon silk and intricate embroidery. A plunging neckline dips just enough to be daring but remain elegant, while the fitted bodice flares into a full skirt that sweeps the polished marble floors. Tiny crystals are stitched throughout the fabric, catching the light with every step and creating the illusion that I’m wrapped in the stars.
Theo walks beside me, regal and composed, in his black tuxedo. A maroon sash lays across his chest, bearing the crest of Selaris, and his gold crown glints under the glow of the chandeliers. He’s magnetic, his strong jawline and commanding presence drawing every gaze. My wolf hums in appreciation, and I can’t help but steal a glance at him.
He catches me looking and smirks, leaning down just enough to whisper, “You’re stealing the show, my Starlight.”
“You’re not so bad yourself,” I murmur back, my cheeks warming under the intensity of his gaze.
The great hall is a masterpiece of architecture, its vaulted ceilings stretching high above us and adorned with intricate carvings of wolves, the forest, and an enchanting night sky. Massive arched windows line the walls, their stained-glass panels reflecting the flickering light of hundreds of candles. Garlands of greenery and dark red ribbons drape the balconies, while crystal lights hang like constellations, their glow casting a warm, ethereal presence over the crowd.
The floors gleam, polished to a mirror-like finish, and the air is rich with the scent of fresh flowers and aged wood. On one side of the room, musicians play a lively melody as couples dance in sweeping circles. On the other side, performers entertain with feats of acrobatics and fire, their movements captivating the crowd.
The pack is dressed in their finest, the women in flowing gowns and the men in sharp suits, their excitement tempered by an undercurrent of tension. Even with the joy and unity on display, there’s a shared awareness of what tonight could bring. The knowledge of Orix’s likely arrival lingers in the air, unspoken but felt by all.
As we make our way through the room, the pack parts for us, offering smiles and bows. Theo nods graciously, his expression calm and collected, but power radiates from him. His presence is captivating, and I know the pack feels it too.
Drea and Orion approach us, their expressions a mix of pride and caution. Drea’s dark green gown hugs her frame, her brunette hair pinned up with tiny pearls woven throughout. Orion stands beside her, his broad shoulders and stoic expression making him look every bit the warrior he is.
“Quite the entrance,” Drea teases, her eyes sparkling as she looks between me and Theo. “I think you’ve set a new standard for royal appearances.”
“Just trying to make an impression,” I reply with a grin, though I know she can sense the underlying nerves I’m trying to suppress.
Orion nods respectfully to Theo. “The pack is ready, Your Majesty. They’re alert but calm. Everyone’s taking their cues from you.”
Theo claps Orion on the shoulder. “Good. Let’s keep it that way. Thank you for your diligence tonight.”
“And those not present?” I ask, hating that we’re separated but also knowing it’s for the best.
Orion glances left and right then lowers his voice. “Queen Sloane has secured the doors and stands guard with two of our best.”
I asked earlier if that was enough and the look of indignation Sloane gave me seemed to be answer enough. While I trust her intentions, I hope she’s right. At least the pack feels better having an alpha present.
Before we can say more, Jerome appears at Theo’s side, his expression carefully neutral but his eyes sharp. “Your Majesty, Princess Estee, everything is proceeding as planned. Everyone’s in position, and Cecil’s overseeing the final security checks.”
Theo nods. “And how is the pack feeling?”
“United,” Jerome says, his voice low but firm. “The tension is there, but they trust you. They’re ready for whatever comes.”
As Jerome steps back, Theo and I move further into the room. We need our people to know we’re here for them and that spending this time with them isn’t just for show or a trap. We greet everyone we pass, exchanging pleasantries, and the more we do this, the calmer the room becomes.
The music shifts to a slower melody, and Theo pulls me into his arms, guiding me effortlessly onto the dance floor. The pack clears a space for us, watching as we move in perfect harmony.
“You’re quiet,” Theo murmurs, his hand warm against the small of my back.
“Just thinking,” I admit, scanning the room. “Do you think she’ll show?”
“Aurora?” He sighs. “With that goddess, who knows? But if she doesn’t, we’ll manage. We have each other, the pack, and,” he pats his suitcoat, gesturing to his inner pocket, “the scepter.”
I nod, but the uncertainty remains. As we pass near the edge of the room, I spot Elyn, her rejuvenated form standing out among the crowd. She sips champagne, her lavender eyes sharp and observant.
Briefly, I consider asking her about Aurora, but I can already hear the snarky wolf’s response. Something along the lines of “She’s a goddess. She doesn’t answer to you.”
“Do you think the kids in the bunker are scared?” I ask as the song we’re dancing to ends and rolls into another.
Theo presses his lips to my temple, and I feel his smile over my heated skin. “I took you there earlier so that you would quit worrying. They have more than enough distractions to entertain them for the night. I promise, they’ll be fine.”
Keera said the same thing when I visited them. I told her as much of the truth necessary to keep her from being taken by surprise. She’s been a parent to the younger ones, and I hate that she is still, but after this is over, my focus will return to finding them proper homes. At least everyone’s been happy in the castle so far.
Mostly, I’m just ready to know what the fallout might be, to be done fearing the unknown. The life I never thought I’d have is right there at my fingertips, and facing Orix, ending his threat over us is the only thing that stands in the way of happiness for so many.
Waiting for this fight feels like an eternity passing at a snail’s pace.
Still, I manage to keep calm, being the mate to the king and strong for the people. Theo and I rotate between dancing, speaking with the members of the pack, and communicating with Jerome, who oversees the pack on Theo’s behalf.
While everyone smiles and seems to enjoy themselves, I’m not the only one who’s eager. The overall tension within the room never quite dissipates as the night continues. The more time passes, the more I begin to fear we’ve built this evening up only for Orix not to show.
It’s nearly midnight, time for our closing speech to the people. Hand in hand, Theo and I make our way to the dais at the front of the hall. The crowd quiets as we step forward, their eyes full of hope and expectation and maybe even relief that, without incident, the evening is almost over.
Theo’s voice is strong and steady as he begins. “Tonight, we celebrate not just our victories but our unity. While Selaris has faced its share of challenges, we’ve survived and even begun to thrive, despite those who wish otherwise. Most importantly, we’ve learned that together, we are stronger than any force that seeks to divide us.”
He looks at me, his gaze softening. “I found my strength the day Estee came into my life. With her as my mate, we’re forging a new future for Selaris, one built on trust and hope.”
I step forward, my voice clear. “This ball is a reminder of all we’ve overcome and all we stand to gain. This pack is not just our kingdom—it’s our family. And together, we’ll face whatever comes with courage and determination. As you know, a god recently held me captive, but even his strength was no match for that of our Alpha King. That alone is worth celebrating tonight, wouldn’t you agree?”
The crowd erupts in applause, the sound echoing off the high ceilings. The louder their cheers grow, the more the tension leaves my body. As much as I wished for this to be over, maybe a night without drama is exactly what we all needed.
As the pack begins to quiet, the hope radiating through the room settles over me. Theo intertwines his fingers with mine and lifts our joined hands in the air. The movement reignites the cheers, and I find myself grinning from ear-to-ear at my mate.
“I love you,” I whisper beneath the applause.
But as he opens his mouth to respond, the air shifts. A sudden chill sweeps through the room, extinguishing the warmth of the chandeliers. The pack’s euphoria shatters into silence as a deep, sinister voice echoes through the hall.
“Well, isn’t this a charming display?”
Orix’s presence is suffocating, pressing down on the room as he materializes at the far end of the hall. His dark eyes glint with malice, and a twisted smile spreads across his face.
“Did you really think you could outmaneuver me?” he sneers, his voice dripping with contempt. “That you could celebrate a win you have no right to claim? How about we show your people just how pathetic you really are, Theodore?”
A tear forms in the now-dark ceiling, a portal of some sort, black as the night sky on the other side and flooded with evil intent. Shadows come through, swarming the ballroom and plunging the place into chaos. Our pack scrambles, some of them running for the exits, others looking to us for instruction as Orix’s power fills the space.
We knew there’d be a fight, but these shadow creatures… We didn’t prepare for this, and I haven’t the first clue how to fight them.
“What do we do?” I murmur, already hearing the screams of our frightened shifters.
Theo steps in front of me, his body tense and eyes moving around the room as if he’s doing too many things at once. I imagine he’s giving a half dozen commands to those we’ve designated as leaders tonight.
His gaze settles on mine a couple of seconds later. “Exactly what we planned. We kill Orix. Elyn will find a way to close that portal, but until then, don’t touch the shadows. Their darkness will cling to you, sucking the energy from your body and weakening your soul.”
Great. We’re faced with the fight of our lives, and we can’t actually strike the enemy. Still, my wolf surges to the surface, ready and waiting to take over the moment I release her.
This is it. The moment we’ve been preparing for.
Orix’s sinister laughter echoes through the ballroom, and the fight for Selaris has finally begun.