CHAPTER 209: CHAPTER 209

Lily’s POV Everything was set. Prom night had finally arrived! Guests from the allied packs began arriving. Kyle, our half-brother who was closer than blood, showed up with his beta, Logan. The Bloodfang pack brought their young alpha, William. Just sixteen, he’d recently taken over from his father. His face still held traces of youth, but his demeanor was remarkably seasoned, reminding me of Xaver and Ethan when they first became Alphas years ago. The Star Clan sent a steady, thirty-year-old male Alpha named Wesley. For a clan Alpha, he was in his prime, radiating dependability and warmth. Gathered together, the conversation inevitably turned to business. Werewolves were all worried about the increasingly frequent and aggressive actions of hunters in recent years, but it was still our few groups that had truly made up their minds to sit down and discuss countermeasures. Ethan and Xaver, as Alphas and Betas, were busy entertaining the male leaders and warriors of our allies. Naturally, I took charge of welcoming their female companions. Luna from the Star Clan, the mate of the steady Alpha Wesley, was named Amota. Tall with fiery red hair, she was undeniably a cheerleader-level beauty, her personality as warm and generous as her husband’s. She wore a simply designed evening gown that made her look sharp and decisive. She was thoroughly impressed by our meticulously arranged ballroom, generously complimenting our beautiful attire and specifically noting the floral basket Celena had arranged. When I introduced the young wolf girl to her, she warmly greeted Celena with a friendly cheek-to-cheek kiss. The young Alpha of the Bloodfang Clan had yet to find a mate, but he brought his own sister, a girl the same age as Celena. The girl was slender and graceful, wearing a charming white dress adorned with tiny jewels, looking like a little fairy. I adored her and couldn’t resist hugging her and showering her with compliments. To liven up the atmosphere, I had prepared plenty of wine, soda, and champagne. The effect was immediate. Soon, the entire venue buzzed with excitement. The men gathered in groups, chatting animatedly and bursting into laughter now and then, while the women flitted about like butterflies, mingling and exchanging pleasantries. Everyone seemed genuinely happy. Even Celena appeared to be smiling more. But as the hostess, I simply didn’t have much time to focus on her specifically. I’d asked the thoughtful Melissa beforehand to keep an extra eye on the girl for me. Celena’s POV The dance party tonight was so lively. There were so many strangers here, but everyone looked at me with friendly eyes and would smile and greet me proactively. I was a little shy at first and didn’t know where to put my hands and feet, but I was soon infected by the cheerful atmosphere on the spot. And when I slipped into that red gown, carefully styled and standing before the mirror, I was stunned by my own reflection. The girl in the mirror, she was beautiful and almost unrecognizable. Was that really me? I never imagined I could look so radiant. I noticed many eyes on me, filled with admiration, astonishment, and of course... unabashed admiration and desire. Several unfamiliar young men stared at me intently, seemingly wanting to approach. But they usually didn’t follow through. Melissa, like a dutiful guardian angel, always appeared beside me at just the right moment. With a glance or a subtle gesture, she deflected those unwanted, uncomfortable social advances. Still, I couldn’t ignore that particular gaze, the one from Jacob. He was sitting on a chair not far away. It seemed that the doctor had forbidden him from dancing. He was holding a glass of soda in his hand. I guessed the doctor wouldn’t let him drink either. He stared at me without blinking. That look was too complicated, filled with pain, remorse, deep affection and longing... It was so intense that it almost overflowed, like a net, almost dragging me in, making me unable to resist softening my heart and wanting to forgive him for everything in the past. No, Celena. Calm down. I said to myself. It must be that the champagne I secretly drank just now is a bit addictive. I shouldn’t have forgiven him so easily. But... who cares? Lily said a dance was all about having fun. So, while Melissa turned to talk to someone else, I grabbed another glass of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray and took a big, secret sip. What happened next was a bit hazy and disjointed. I only remembered laughing especially loudly, feeling incredibly happy. In the crowded dance floor, I moved wildly and exaggeratedly to the upbeat music, dancing the steps Jacob had taught me before. That girl laughing freely in the crowd, seeming to have shed all her burdens, felt like the real me, yet also strangely unfamiliar. But who cares? A good mood was what matters most!