Eclipsed Unity [ON HOLD]

9 - Betrayal Unveiled

~ Eliana ~

Eliana and Sophie, along with everyone else, gathered for breakfast at the Equinoxian Star Hotel. The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the simple yet charming dining area. The polished wooden tables were set with crisp white tablecloths, and the gentle chime of cutlery against porcelain filled the air.

As I looked around, I couldn't help but smile at Sophie's infectious enthusiasm. She was practically bursting with excitement, mirroring the sentiments of almost everyone in the room.

The breakfast spread was a luxurious sight for most humans. Plates were filled with fluffy scrambled eggs, freshly baked pastries, platters of fruits, and steaming cups of rich coffee. It was a feast that many couldn't afford back in their ordinary lives.

After we had eaten our fill, we were ushered into a meeting room where Alpha Gabriel, delivered a series of warnings and threats to the humans.

Alpha's voice held a commanding authority as he spoke to us sternly. "Listen up, humans. This ball is a crucial event, and it's attended by all three supernatural kings. Your presence here is a privilege. Disrupt the proceedings, and there will be consequences."

With the tension in the room palpable, Beta took over the conversation, providing the next set of instructions in a more composed tone.

Beta turned to address us. "You may rest until lunch. After that, our team of beauticians will be here to assist with makeup and hair styling for both girls and boys."

"Luna Martha and my mate," Beta continued, "will ensure everything runs smoothly throughout the event. All humans should be ready by 5 PM. Cars have been arranged to transport you from the hotel to the Palace of Equinoxia."

He paused for a moment before continuing "The journey to the palace will take approximately an hour and a half. Upon arrival, you must be inside the palace by 6:30, accompanied by your assigned guardians."

Beta's expression grew more serious. "Remember, there are separate arrangements for humans. You are not to enter the main hall until you are called by palace guard."

Beta's gaze swept across the room. "If you haven't found your mates even after midnight, you will wait in the adjacent room, which we have arranged for humans. Your guardians will escort you back to this hotel."

Beta concluded, "Sharp at 9 AM the next day, a train will depart for Humidora."

The weight of the impending event hung in the air as we listened to Beta's instructions.

*****

As the hours dwindled down, the excitement in the air was nearly palpable. The ball, just hours away, had everyone bustling with preparations. Luna Martha, was already dressed and ready. I couldn't help but admire how beautiful all the girls looked.

Even I with my potion disguise look has to agree the beautician had managed to make me look presentable.

I wore a simple yet elegant tea-length dress in shades of white and baby pink. The full sleeves discreetly covered the patches on my skin. Silver-strapped heels added a few inches to my petite 5.2-inch frame, and my hair was swept up into a bun, secured by a delicate hairclip.

I felt somewhat out of place but undeniably presentable. I stood ready to go as my friend Sophie joined me.

However, the moment was tainted by the presence of Henry, our group's assigned guardian. He couldn't resist taunting me, his words dripping with condescension. "Miller, this is the only time of the year you look somewhat normal. Goddess knows how much Alpha has to spend on you to make you look somewhat presentable."