EDEN

Chapter 25

The next evening

The moon was completely full. It's glowing light illuminated the sky as guests from all over the country came to attend Taylon's family's ball.

Eden stood in a room, accompanied by doctor Lesley and many wolves pulling and tugging at her dress.

"Don't look so nervous." Doctor Lesley smirked up at Eden.

Eden allowed a small smile to grace her face. She let out a sigh, ignoring the butterflies dancing around in her stomach. The more she thought about all those people, the more nervous she became.

"All done." A she-wolf smiled before moving to allow Eden a first look at her ball gown.

"You look so beautiful." Lesley smiled at the young girl.

Eden's eyes lit up a the dress doctor Lesley was wearing. It was a beautiful muted mint green colour with sequence decorating the entire dress. There was one slit which cut through the side left side, revealing her entire leg. There was also another slit at the front, complementing her flat, but toned stomach. The dress was finished with a nice neck piece.

"Okay, are you ready?" Doctor Lesley questioned.

Eden responded with a smile and a nod.

*****

The girls made it to the staircase just before walking into the ballroom. Eden could hear the loud chatters of the guests and paused in her tracks. The nerves were beginning to consume her.

"Hey are you okay?" Lesley face was filled with concern.

Eden nodded. "I'll b-b-be out s-s-soon." She stuttered.

Lesley offered a smile before leaving Eden to gain her own confidence.

Eden was now alone. She was able to finally process that she was about to become the center of attention. She hadn't seen Taylon in two days. Her heart was racing at the thought of him. She let go of another deep breath, building up the courage to walk down the stairs. But something caught her eye.

She noticed a collage of photos decorating the wall.

Eden gazed over the photos, but there was one particular photo that caught her eye. It was a smaller photo of two people standing side by side. They looked so happy. Eden recognised Taylon first. He looked about 15. His chocolate brown eyes held the same playfulness inside them. As she moved her eyes along the picture, she saw a girl wrapped around Taylon, hugging him. She had the same features and the same chocolate brown eyes as Taylon. Her smile was wide and her cheeks were decorated with freckles. She recognised the girl as the same one in the portrait hanging on the wall in the hall of memories.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?" A deep voice was heard from behind her. Eden turned and her eyes met with the light blue ones which belonged to Jace.

"Yes." Eden smiled before turning back to the photo. "I-Is she Taylon's sister?"

"She is," Jace responded as he walked over to stand next to her.

"Where is she?"

Jace held a sad smile across his face and turned his gaze to the ground. Eden felt a shift in the air and turned to face him.

"She's dead." A tear escaped the Beta's eye, rolling down his cheek. Eden could smell the salt. Jace was one of the strongest men she has ever met and had never seen him cry. "She was my mate."

Eden looked at the Beta shocked and speechless. Her stomach dropped and tears began to prick in the corner of her eyes, threatening to spill.

Immediately, Taylon crossed her mind. She couldn't even imagine losing him forever.