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In the morning, Harvey and I decided to roam around Azen while Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian had a council meeting at the palace. Some townspeople crowded the streets, parading the signage of the Moonlight Ball in anticipation of the prestigious event. Boutiques were packed, and all I could see through the window pane were racks of suits and mannequins wearing petticoated dresses with intricate designs like they were woven out of the eighteenth century. Some women would gaze at the clothing but would immediately grimace at the price. It wasn't just expensive. Gold was Azen's currency, and I learned that unless you were part of a well-known pack, earning that much was nearly impossible. What could've been more valuable than an arbitrary piece of paper we had in the human world? Gold.

Azen's atmosphere completely shifted from the cold, gloomy dusk to the bright and welcoming warmth of the dawn. The sun reflected more of its beauty––the vibrant greenery stretching from one structure to another. As we passed by the cobbled bridge hanging on top of a running river, the towering palace came into view. Its fortress stood high up the hill, almost disappearing into the sky as the fog covered most of the spires. Despite the kingdom looking straight out of history books, the cars and the touch of modernity helped us to easily connect to this unfamiliar world.

"I wish I could take photos of everything," I said, struggling to take my eyes off the palace from afar. "I wonder how Azen managed to keep things this way."

"As far as I know, most of the werewolves here are from the outside world. The king and queen keep their connection with the other side to maintain the balance. So there won't be a struggle or retaliation from packs that will divide the kingdom. It's a smart way to sustain peace," Harvey explained and I stared at him in awe. He picked a tulip from the sidewalk and handed it to me. "Here. I know you like roses but I don't want to get pricked." It was followed by a chuckle.

I smiled and took the flower from him. He still remembered. "For someone who just arrived here, you surely know a lot."

"I read it from one of the manuals Mom kept."

"Is there something in that manual that gives us an idea of what we're supposed to do at the ball other than drinking champagne and mingling with strangers?" We stopped by a nearby bench to rest our already exhausted legs from our long walk.

"I don't know. But I think it has something to do with the eclipse." He craned his neck to stare at the sun. "I overheard my parents' conversation about it. Something along the lines of w. Like it has to do with werewolves living here."

A lump formed in my throat. Eclipse appeared more than once in one of my dreams. I couldn't remember vividly but the flashes of the moon and darkness colliding caused an unnerving feeling after I woke up. I couldn't put my finger on what was causing it.

"How was their conversation? Was it casual or were they talking about serious matters?"

"I don't think Mom and Dad talk casually nowadays. Everything is suddenly important and needs to be planned. So I think it's the latter." He spread his arms on the bench, his relaxed demeanor made me feel at ease. "Why did you ask?"

They're just some stupid dreams. They're a reflection of our subconscious, I told myself.

"Nothing, just curious." I shook off the thoughts and tried to deviate from the subject. "I think I should rehearse a conversation with you. Like how I'm going to talk to other werewolves. You know... to possibly find a mate. What should I say?"

He laughed, forming crinkles in his eyes. "I think you have a great personality. It won't matter. Just be yourself."

"So cliché. You're just saying that because we're friends."

He then pursed his lips as if finding his words. "After all these years, Ellie, you still don't acknowledge my opinions about you. Unless I tease you about something you're probably going to hate me for. What do you want me to say now?"

"I don't know." I shook my head. "If I will be myself, then I'll be forced to say that I'm not full-blooded. Who would want to marry me right after it?"

"Me," he said in the most even tone I couldn't even tell if it was a tease or not.

"I'm being serious."

"I am being serious. Look, if my parents didn't require me to marry someone having the same rank as me, you're my first choice, believe it or not. I'd rather marry someone I already have a genuine connection with than try my best to be the perfect person for whoever my parents approve of."

I looked away from him, unsure of what to say. His remark was backhanded and his attempt to make the situation seem lighter than it actually was didn't resonate with me. He just shed light on the inadequacy I continuously suppressed. I was an option not because I was wanted, but because it was easier with me. He was comfortable and he didn't even have to try. He grew up appeasing his parents who would constantly reassure him of his value and significance that he perceived me as someone... less. It was the paradox in our friendship that was often overlooked. I didn't need another reminder of why I was just a placeholder in other people's lives.

"I think you just summed up why your parents want you to marry well," I responded with nonchalance.

"We only have a few hours left before the ball. We should get going."

~*~

I gazed at myself in the full-length mirror, having a glimpse of my mom's reflection in front of me. Mrs. Sebastian was right; I looked so much like her. But she would say that I had my father's light-brown eyes. Whenever she would stare at me it was as if he was still there with them. The black gown I wore was enough of an indication of my grievance towards him. If he was still alive, would he want this for me?

I put on the laced gloves and the pair of silver heels before heading out of my room. Just in time when Harvey stepped out, fixing his tie but failing to do so. When his eyes flitted at me, he didn't utter a word, instead, he stopped tugging his tie, hands falling to his sides. His curly hair was gelled to a slicked back and his maroon suit made his tanned complexion appear brighter. His well-kept stubble accentuated his masculine features, and surely he would draw so much attention at the ball.

"The car is waiting outside." I walked past him and ignored whatever he was about to say. This night might alter our relationship forever.

The way to the palace was rough. Azen was built on steep hills and underdeveloped roads so every time the car would go down a slope, we held our breath and prayed to Goddess Selene for a safe trip. After getting through the dark forest was the mountain shielding the palace from the whole town. It served as the border of the land of the royals––an indication of their superiority over other werewolves. As we sighted the light casting in the dark sky, we knew we were nearing our destination.

The gate of the palace looked like the larger version of the one we saw before entering the kingdom––golden with ornaments crawling around the railings. We drove past the vast parterre, an intimidating sight that looked surreal. The bushes stretched along the driveway that led to the huge marble fountain standing just in front of the entrance. People in their gowns and suits ventured to the main hall, their faces showing excitement, and their demeanors reflected their rank in their packs. Suddenly my heart beat at an uncontrollable pace and my palms began to sweat.

I wasn't used to attending large social functions; I preferred hiding in the confines of our house. I felt more locked up and contained, waiting for the perfect moment where I could exit without anyone noticing. But inside the palace, my attention wasn't on the people crowding the large foyer, rather I focused on the incandescent chandeliers, the Corinthian columns attached to the massive walls, and the tapestries draping to the side of the overlooking windows. Everything seemed larger than life––more than I deserved to experience.

"Goddess Selene built this for the Azenthars," Harvey pointed out, taking in the view. "Having the royal blood must've already made them closer to the gods."

I grabbed a glass of champagne from the tray when a server walked in front of us. I drank the entire glass and took another one before I could collapse from overstimulation. Harvey frowned at my thirst and snatched the flute from my hand.

"The chosen ones, as they say," I responded. "I wish I was too."

Harvey's eyes searched the crowd, his index tapping the flute, and he seemed fidgety.

"I'll be right back. I need to find Mom and Dad." He strode away from my vicinity and disappeared in the swarm of people. I was about to follow him when I realized he was okay with leaving me alone.

Just great. But there was nothing a little bit of alcohol couldn't fix. So long as I kept my head down while chugging glasses of champagne, I would be alright without company.

I followed a group of girls climbing the wide staircase and tried to blend in. But their pastel ball gowns contrasting the darkness of my dress didn't help my situation. They glanced at their peripherals with disgusted looks on their faces, whispering to each other, and giggling right after. Humiliation surged in and my last resort was to disappear in thin air.

Cold wind wafted against the draping curtains and I flicked my eyes in its direction. The moon peered through the opened door of the archway, causing the marble to glimmer under its gaze. It led to the balcony overlooking the endless sky that was spattered with stars like dust. I stepped in, wrapping my arms around my body because of the breeze. The place was so quiet I'd just regained myself for a moment.

"Mom, I wish you were here," I whispered to myself, tears daring to escape my eyes.

I was about to drift to my thoughts when a stench of tobacco suddenly lingered in the air. I wasn't alone on the balcony; a man was sitting by the edge of the banister. His porcelain skin glimmered under the moon, his eyes distantly stared at the void, and his raven hair flowed with the wind as if he was under the water. All I could see was the side of his face, his jaw clenching from the cigarette. I couldn't dare to look away; I hadn't seen someone like him before.

"I didn't ask for anyone's company." His rich, baritone voice was laced with indifference. "I prefer to be left alone."

"Sorry, I was just finding a quiet place to stay. The crowd inside––"

"You shouldn't have attended if this occasion doesn't appeal to you," he cut off. His legs which hung thousands of feet from the ground terrified me. But he seemed unbothered by his position. Was he trying to die?

"I was forced to attend. I'm new here."

He turned to face me, and his piercing, electric-blue eyes met mine. I held my breath for a moment; no coherent thought formed in my head.

"You're from the other side, I suppose." He blew out the cigar smoke. "I wasn't informed that Azen welcomed new werewolves."

"Aren't most of the people here from the other side?"

"Not that I'm aware of." He tossed the cigar in the ashtray and turned his body to me, analyzing my presence. "The kingdom is beautiful, isn't it?"

"It's beyond imaginable. Nothing like this exists in the human world."

"It's deceitful." His face remained stoic and the intensity in his eyes made me look away. "Azenians cling onto their supernatural ability to claw their way up the hierarchy. They either eat or they'd be eaten."

A pit formed in my stomach. "I hope you don't mean it literally. I just got here, and I don't want to cause any trouble." I tried to shake off the nervousness in my voice.

"Then why are you still standing here having a conversation with me?" His blank face and even tone appeared robotic, devoid of any emotions.

"Look, I don't know who you are. I'm just here to get some air because it's suffocating inside. Have you seen how many werewolves attended this event?" I said, trying to ease my anxiety and half-thanking the alcohol for not making me fumble over my words.

"Are you intentionally acting like a fool? I'm in no mood for entertainment."

"I'm sorry. You misunderstood me. What I mean to say is that––"

Before I could even continue, Harvey's voice rang in my ears. "Ellie. I was looking everywhere for you."

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