The weight of the conversation with my father pressed heavily upon me as I made my way through the castle's corridors. The emblem he had shown me and the story he had shared about Theon, I still couldn't make sense of it all. Theon had died in the Great War, or so Egon had always believed. But the emblem my father possessed suggested something that neither one of us had ever imagined.
However, I decided not to share my findings with Egon tonight. The evening was supposed to be about celebration, not about painful reminders of the past. The memory of his pained expression when he recounted the events of the war haunted me still, and I didn't want him to revisit those wounds on an evening like this.
With a sigh, I pushed open the heavy door to my chambers, where my gaze was immediately drawn to a large package resting on the bed. Curious, I moved closer. The package was beautifully wrapped, and a small card sat on top, sealed with Egon's crest. My heart fluttered in anticipation as I carefully opened the card.
'Something this beautiful belongs only to someone who is the embodiment of beauty herself.'
A smile tugged at my lips, warmth spreading through my chest as I set the card aside, eager to see what was inside the package. My breath caught in my throat as I removed the lid.
A beautiful emerald green gown lay before me, entirely made of silk and lace. The bodice, a masterpiece of delicate gold embroidery moulded perfectly to the curves of the dress, while the skirt flared out in soft, ruffled layers, all edged with a golden lace. I couldn't tear my eyes away, it was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen.
My fingers traced the soft fabric as I carefully lifted the dress from the box, but just as I was about to marvel at its beauty, a knock sounded from the door.
"Come in," I called, my eyes never leaving the dress.
"Hello, Luna," I heard Ayla's familiar voice as she stepped inside. "Did you have a pleasant day with your father? I've come to help with— Oh, Goddess, what's that?"
I glanced at Ayla, her eyes fixed in awe on the dress in my hands.
I laughed softly, holding the gown up for her to see. "A gift from Egon."
Ayla's eyes grew even wider, her excitement palpable. "Come on, let's get you into it! I can't wait to see how it looks on you."
We quickly made our way to the changing room, where Ayla helped me into the gown. She worked her fingers through the maze of laces at the back of the dress, tightening them until the fabric wrapped around me like a second skin, as if it had been designed for me alone.
Once the dress was on, Ayla moved on to my hair. She brushed gently through the long, glossy waves that cascaded down my back, and when she was finished, she took a step back, nodding with satisfaction as she admired her work.
Just as I turned to look at myself in the mirror, I heard a breathless sigh behind me. "Wow."
I turned quickly and found Egon standing in the doorway. My breath caught in my chest as I met his gaze. His eyes were locked on me. I could see the rapid rise and fall of his chest as though he had forgotten how to breathe, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. From the corner of my eye, I noticed how Ayla stepped back with a respectful bow, but my gaze remained fixed on Egon.
The air seemed heavier, charged with the sheer presence of him. He was dressed in a black suit. Fine golden threadwork that matched the golden embroidery of my dress ran across his shoulders. His tailored waistcoat hugged his chest, emphasising his muscular build. I couldn't tear my eyes away. He was power, grace, and beauty woven into one. He was every dream I'd ever dared to have.

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Shifters - The King of Wolves - Book 1
FantasyShortlisted for the Wattys 2025! Living in a human town, Esmara has little knowledge of the seven kinds of shifters who rule the world outside of her safe walls. The horrific rumours and tales she hears from visiting travellers are enough to keep he...