Burnt

Chapter 26: Surprises

Alison's POV

The morning of the ceremony is the most hectic I've ever experienced in my life.

Luna Ashlee was knocking on my bedroom door at 7AM. Her sons almost bit her as she pulled me out of bed. Then she dragged me along to check on the event preparations and back to the pack house, up the stairs, and all the way to the Alpha suite.

In this very unfamiliar place, I was soon surrounded by some very unfamiliar people. My hair was washed in a special hair washing sink that I didn't even know existed, my nails were uncomfortably shaped and painted while they dried it, and then they pulled at my hair for what felt like literal hours. Could've been years with how sore my scalp is now.

I've only seen some of the dress at fittings, however, it's come to be the thing I'm most excited to see all done. My stomach churns nervously as they step me up on the pedestal and I see why my hair took so long.

The updo is simple, traditional; it probably took so long because of the shear amount of hair on my head. Blonde braids lead back to wrap around a bun of curls. Stray curls frame my face and lay delicately over my shoulders.

Fancy isn't something I'm used to. I'm not even wearing the dress yet and I feel the most luxurious I ever have. The undergarments alone are the most expensive thing I've ever worn; a soft silk slip and strapless corset like contraption.

A woman on each side lift the gown up my body, one of them holds it in place while the other helps me thread my arms through the lace sleeves. The entire process seems a little dramatic to me but I do feel special so...

My face lights up as they fit it over the bodice of my underwear to rest below my shoulders before they start fastening the back. I love the off shoulder neckline, long lace sleeves, and detailed bodice. But the thing that the most people are going to really notice about my dress is the color.

No Luna in our packs history has worn black to their induction ceremony. It's a daring move to make, but I might as well. Later today I'll be named Luna and...I intend to either really change things or die trying.

After today, we'll be in charge. First thing in the morning there's a council meeting to introduce our new agenda. We'll confirm any witch related allegations, including the vampires in the cells who we hope to soon let out.

Life is going to get way harder.

Today though, I can try to lose myself in the the fullness of my ballgown and the way it feels to swoosh it back and forth. I can feel the soft fabric looping around my middle finger on either hand and pretend to be a queen. Nothing ever seems to go to plan for me but, I can certainly try.

"You look beautiful, Alison." Ashlee compliments, stepping up next to me. Her hand brushes down the side of the layered tulle skirt overlaid on top with lace to match the bodice and sleeves.

I smile, reaching for her hand to help me step down with my feet strapped into the small heels I was convinced into wearing. "I'm still worried I'm going to trip." I laugh.

She nods. "I thought the same thing." Her hands grip mine warmly. "But I didn't and neither will you." Warm light sparkles in her eyes as she looks at me proudly.

"I don't know." My fingertips grip hers a little tighter. "I'm a lot less composed than you are."

Laughter rings from her lips. "Honey, I was a mess. Anybody would be, it doesn't matter what rank you're born. Even my boys are going to struggle at first and they were born into it. The grace will come with the confidence in your abilities and that comes from experience."

My eyes tear slightly as some of it sets in. "They're gonna hate me. I'm bringing so much trouble in that they don't even know about. If this were a democracy, I wouldn't be elected." Everything I say is true enough. We're lucky that literal magic has put us in charge. There's not much of a choice.