The Luna's Second Chance

Chapter 15: A Night of Gold and Power

**Isla's POV **

The day of the ball had arrived, and the air around the pack house buzzed with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. This was no ordinary gathering-tonight, Damian and I would be stepping into the heart of power, surrounded by Alphas, Lunas, and influential wolves from across the region. The ball, held at the Alpha King's palace, would be a night of alliances, power plays, and unspoken rivalries. And I had to be ready.

The theme of the ball was gold and white, and everything from the décor to the attire had been designed to exude elegance and authority. As I stood in front of the mirror in my room, I took a deep breath, my fingers trembling slightly as I smoothed down the fabric of my gown.

Eric, Harper's stylist, had outdone himself once again. The dress was a shimmering gold, the fabric clinging to my curves in a way that felt both regal and daring. It was off-the-shoulder, with delicate lace detailing along the neckline and sleeves. The skirt flowed gracefully around me, the golden material catching the light and creating a soft, glowing effect with every movement.

My hair had been swept up into a loose, elegant bun, with a few strands left to frame my face. Golden pins held everything in place, adding just the right touch of sparkle. I glanced at Harper, who stood beside me in her own elegant white gown, smiling proudly at her work.

"You look like a queen, Isla," Harper said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Damian won't be able to take his eyes off you."

I smiled, though my heart still raced with nerves. "Thanks, Harper. I just hope I don't trip in these heels."

"You won't," Harper assured me. "And if you do, at least you'll look fabulous doing it."

A soft knock on the door pulled my attention, and I turned to see Damian standing in the doorway. He was dressed in a tailored black suit with gold accents, the sharp lines of the jacket highlighting his powerful frame. The golden pocket square and cufflinks added a regal touch, but it was the intensity in his eyes that truly completed the look.

He looked at me, his gaze sweeping over the length of my gown before settling on my face. For a moment, he didn't say anything, but I saw the way his lips parted slightly, his expression unreadable.

"You look..." He paused, his voice low. "Incredible."

My heart fluttered at his words, and for a brief second, the memory of our kiss from days ago flickered between us. I saw the way his eyes darkened, as if he remembered it too. But just as quickly, he brushed the thought aside, his posture straightening as he offered me his arm.

"Shall we?"

I nodded, slipping my hand through his arm. "Let's do this."

---

Outside, the car waited for us, gleaming under the soft evening light. Damian had chosen one of his most extravagant vehicles for the night-a sleek white sports car with gold trim, the perfect complement to the theme of the ball. As we slid into the seats, the quiet hum of the engine filled the air, and I couldn't help but marvel at how surreal the night felt.

Before we left, Vivienne stepped up to the car, her sharp eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and seriousness. "Remember the names I told you, Isla," she said, her tone laced with a warning. "The Alphas attending tonight are not ones to be underestimated. Watch for Alpha Radcliff, Alpha Thorn, and especially Alpha Draven. They're powerful, and they'll be watching you closely."

I nodded, the names sticking in my mind. I had been briefed on the various packs attending the ball, but hearing Vivienne's reminder sent a wave of tension through me. I wasn't just stepping into a social event tonight-I was stepping into a battlefield of power and politics.