Tangled With The Fated Mates

Founders Day

The Founder's Day Ball, an evening uniting residents of all ages and backgrounds, both human and werewolf, was approaching.

The town boasted a vibrant history; initially settled by subsistence farmers, it had flourished over the years as they amassed wealth and population.

Expanding their territory, they leased land to interested individuals. The annual celebration marked their collective achievements with festive fanfare.

Arielle fussed over the ball, dreaming of finding a mate there. Only at such events did she feel truly pretty; on regular days, she considered herself just passable. Imagining her appearance at the ball, she envisioned herself in expensive, albeit flashy, dresses adorned with jewelry. She hoped that dressing to impress might lead her to a potential mate.

"Mom, I still have no idea what to wear, and the ball is just two days away," she exclaimed to Mrs. Zaynader over breakfast.

"Language, girl," Mr. Zaynader reprimanded, to which she rolled her eyes.

"Don't worry, Arielle," Mrs. Zaynader said, placing one hand over her daughter's.

"There's still much time."

"Much time, you say, Mom?" Arielle questioned.

"Come on, I still need someone to do my makeup and other things like clothing and accessories. There's barely enough time, Mom."

Mr. Zaynader, often sickened by his daughter's demanding approach to preparing for the ball, buried his face in his phone, reviewing work briefs sent via email.

"Okay, then, baby. Why don't we start today?"

Mrs. Zaynader suggested, raising her head to face her daughter. As she observed Arielle's features, a pang of regret resurfaced.

Arielle had inherited her father's broad, almost masculine features despite not being as plump. Her uneven face and bulbous nose mirrored her dad's, making her look unattractive.

"If only she looked like me," Mrs. Zaynader had said to herself.

"Now you're talking, Mom," Arielle exclaimed, her eyes sparkling excitedly.

"So where do we start?" Mrs. Zaynader asked, trying to muster genuine interest.

"Well, obviously, we have to get a dress," Arielle stated.

"I want my dress to outshine the rest, to captivate every gaze. Unlike the one I wore for the last ball, which practically faded into the background. I need something that'll radiate, like a solitary star in the sky. Can you picture it, Mom?"

"Mm-hmm," Mrs. Zaynader nodded eagerly, catching a glimmer of her daughter's vision.

Mr. Zaynader excused himself, and Mrs. Zaynader rolled her eyes at him. He might not be thrilled about it, but he was still on the hook for covering the bills for Arielle's dress and anything else she needed to look stunning for the ball.

"Good. So we must find a way to get this show-stealing dress."

"Okay. We're going to have to go to a mall, then."

"What? A mall? Ugh, Mom, that's just classless. Look, I'll contact a designer I found online. She's brilliant; I've seen some of her work, and they're explosive. Maybe I'll find something I like."

"Well, if you're going to do it, you should do so now."

"Of course," Arielle said, rising from her seat. "I'll just get my laptop."

As she left, Claudine entered the dining room.

"Fucking rat," Arielle muttered under her breath to Claudine, giving her a little shove.