Bab 20: The Girl in Flowing White Gown
They had no choice but to accept the authority of the new Alpha who would guide them forward.
Theron, in his undying spirit, made a valiant attempt to rise, but his strength failed him, and he eventually collapsed.
Slowly, the transformation back into his human form took place. His eyes, once fierce and commanding, now gazed upon Xander's retreating wolf form with a faded and wistful light.
His era had indeed come to an end, a poignant testament to the ever-turning wheel of leadership within Moonshadow.
***
Time line: flashback
A sleek, metallic black limousine glided to a luxurious halt beside the secondary entrance of the Moonshadow pack's grandiose mansion. As the chauffeur opened the door, a young man, seventeen years of age, emerged with an air of innate authority that matched the regal setting.
"Is my father currently within the mansion?" Arion inquired, his voice carrying both the weight of his lineage and the expectancy of his role, while an attentive assistant trailed just a few respectful steps behind him.
"Yes, young alpha," the assistant confirmed, his deference reflecting Arion's status as the sole heir to the Moonshadow pack. "This gathering has been orchestrated to celebrate the alliance with our new pack partners. It would be fitting for you to make an appearance later."
Arion nodded in acknowledgment, ever mindful of his duties as the future leader of the Moonshadow pack.
Yet, amidst the formality and expectations, Arion's purposeful stride slowed as a peripheral glance snagged on something entirely out of place.
His attention shifted abruptly, a mix of curiosity and intrigue taking hold as his eyes settled on an unexpected scene: a young woman, draped in a flowing white gown embellished with intricate floral patterns, diligently navigating a set of stairs that appeared to lead to nothing but a solid wall.
Assuming her to be the offspring of one of his father's distinguished guests, Arion altered his course to approach her.
He harbored concerns about her safety, hoping to prevent any untoward incidents that might sour relations between her father and his own.
With a subtle upward tilt of his head, Arion addressed the girl, who clung precariously to her climb.
"Hey, please don't attempt to climb there. It's quite perilous on the other side," Arion offered his polite warning, his voice carrying the warmth of concern.
However, his sudden voice caught the girl off guard, causing her grip to falter and sending her slipping downwards.
Panic flashed across her features as she struggled to maintain her balance on the precarious stairs. "Aah!" she cried out in fear.
Arion's instincts kicked in. Acting swiftly, he extended his arm, his strong fingers closing around her delicate wrist just in the nick of time.
His heart raced as he caught her, a surge of relief washing over him as he prevented her from colliding with the unforgiving ground.
However, a strange sensation rippled through him, one he couldn't quite identify. It was the thrill of a first-time encounter, the palpable nervousness of being in such close proximity to a young woman.
"I'm sorry; I startled you," Arion apologized sincerely, his voice softening with regret. He slowly loosened his grip, allowing the girl's feet to touch the ground once more.
The girl tilted her head up, meeting Arion's eyes. With their faces now just inches apart, he couldn't help but notice the captivating almond-shaped eyes that held a hint of mystery and the full sweet red lips that seemed almost too perfect.
Her eyes were a striking shade of bright blue yet slightly greenish, a striking feature that added to her allure.
Her dirty blonde hair fell in soft, thin waves, giving her an otherworldly appearance, like a princess from a distant realm. Arion mused silently to himself.
"Thank you," Lily uttered in a soft voice, her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink. She took a subtle step back, creating a bit more distance between them.
Indeed, this young girl was Lily Evans, determined to break free from the clutches of Moonshadow Mansion.
But more importantly, she aimed to shed the role of being the Alpha's cherished pet, a fate she had grown to detest.
Although she couldn't deny a sense of irritation towards the individual who had unwittingly thwarted her escape attempt, Lily also couldn't dismiss the fact that he had saved her from a potentially perilous fall.
This created a perplexing mix of emotions within her, leaving her in an uncomfortable state of gratitude and resentment.
Lily bowed her head, her long hair cascading like a veil to shield her face. She desperately wished to avoid being recognized.
She couldn't bear the thought of returning to the life she had been trying so hard to escape. Her mind raced, contemplating her next move.
Should she attempt to deceive the young man standing before her?
Could she trust him enough to share her predicament?
These questions swirled in her mind, but the answers remained elusive.
The young man before her was a striking vision of handsome youth, radiating an air of innate goodness and moral integrity.
Arion's features were finely chiseled, his dark hair perfectly coiffed, framing a face that exuded an irresistible charm.
The young man's eyes, a mesmerizing shade of bright brown, held both warmth and kindness, akin to the comforting embrace of a gentle sunbeam. They seemed to penetrate Lily's defenses, inviting trust and drawing her closer.
Arion's physique was equally captivating. He stood tall and lean, his broad shoulders hinting at his strength. His well-defined features added to his magnetic presence.
Though his attire wasn't overly formal, it exuded elegance and refinement, showcasing a young man who carried himself with poise and dignity, leaving an enduring impression.
As Arion snapped out of his own trance, he cleared his throat gently, his voice soft and reassuring. "You don't need to be curious and climb the wall. On the other side, there's just pet alligator sanctuary. It's extremely dangerous."
"A-a pet alligator sanctuary?" Lily stammered, her voice betraying her disbelief.
Hadiah
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