Chapter 189
Chapter 189:
Mom’s voice haunted me again. “Don’t get too comfortable p>
Was she right? Was I living on borrowed time?
Jasmine’s POV
Acceptance. That was what I’d longed for all my life, and now I was getting it on a silver platter. Even if I didn’t gain this chance with my own pack, a second chance was presenting itself before me, and I was grabbing it—a fistful, for that matter.
I exhaled as Seraphina pulled the corset strings around my waist, throwing my head forward as I gasped. For a second, it felt like my lungs were being squashed together, a tightening feeling in my throat expanding to my chest.
“Easy, Seraphina,” I muttered breathlessly as I fanned my face, one hand pressed against my abdomen.
“Sorry, Mistress,” Seraphina apologized, her small hands moving expertly over my dress. Personally, I thought the dress was too frumpy for my liking, but I was basically on cloud nine, so I didn’t mind. Besides, I had to get used to Lycan ways, and if remaining partially breathless for a few hours was the price to pay, then it was no big deal.
“How many elders will there be?” I asked Seraphina, my voice bubbly as I leaned forward on my stool.
“Six elders, Mistress. Are you frightened p>
“I guess so, but I think I’m more excited than nervous,” I replied, a dreamy smile spreading on my lips, sweaty palms clutching the sides of my dress as I wiped the sweat away.
“Don’t let them intimidate you. Remember, you have the Alpha by your side,” the confidence in her voice was like a soothing balm on chapped lips. I wished it sounded as easy as she made it look. How long was Ryder going to remain by my side?
I bit my lip, an inner tumult stirring inside me. Shifting my attention to my appearance, I couldn’t help but get obsessed with it. If I were to be a Disney princess, Cinderella would be the perfect choice. The blue layers of my dress were shiny and puffy, making my bodice feel full like it was supported by a farthingale—like something out of a seventeenth-century ball. The neckline was sweetheart-shaped, exposing a reasonable portion of my cleavage, and a diamond necklace and matching earrings hung low from my neck.
“I look like something ethereal,” I gushed, my eyes brightening as I stared at my reflection—hair packed into a tight bun, my collarbone jutting out, the bright glow…
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The light of the room reflected off my olive skin, creating a shimmery appearance, like porcelain under sunlight.
“Thank you, Seraphina,” I said, offering a humble smile, and she returned it with a bow, her face filled with pride.
“It’s time, my lady,” Seraphina said quietly, a small proud smile tugging at her lips. I could tell she was admiring her masterpiece—me. I flashed her a bright smile before sliding my palms into hers.
With eyes wide in surprise, I felt her stiffen for a moment before lowering her gaze to meet mine. A puzzled expression creased her smooth face.
“It’s okay. We’re walking this way,” I said, my voice steady. Her eyes grew wider at my intentions, but I didn’t back down. “And I’m not changing my mind,” I added.
I hoped to hear the distant chatter that came with Lycan gatherings—the rise and fall of laughter, the cheers, the music that sometimes sounded faint in the background. But today was different. There was no noise. Not even the low hum of conversation. The air seemed harsher than usual, whipping my dress every which way. Little beads of sweat formed around my brow, and the loud thrashing movement in my chest—like the rhythm of a conga drum—gripped me harder with each step.
“You can do this,” Layla whispered, her voice gentle. “You’re their Luna. Don’t forget that. As for them, they’re just a bunch of six old men with ancient beards and boring rules p>
“And you’re inside my head with zero clue how nervous I am. Maybe you should be the one taking over, like you did during the mating,” I muttered, rolling my eyes. Perhaps I was a bit harsh, but the last thing I needed was a pep talk from Layla.