Chapter 33 Free Meal
|| Lilac’s POV ||
The capital was alive with energy, the streets bustling with people and the air filled with the hum of conversation and laughter. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the city as Elara and I made our way to the most exclusive mall in the heart of the capital. The building itself was a marvel of modern architecture, its glass façade reflecting the sunlight like a jewel. Inside, the mall was a labyrinth of luxury, with high–end boutiques and designer stores lining the polished floors.
I wasn’t unfamiliar with luxury, my family’s status as the Blackwoods meant I’d grown up surrounded by opulence, but today felt different. The weight of the upcoming alpha council meeting pressed on my shoulders, and the thought of dressing for it made me feel oddly out of place. Elara, on the other hand, seemed right at home, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she linked her arm through mine.
“Okay, we need to find something formal but not boring,” Elara declared, her tone decisive as she scanned the stores. “You’re going to the alpha council meeting, Lilac. You need to look powerful, confident, and maybe a little intimidating.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Intimidating? I’m not sure that’s the vibe I’m going for.”
Elara shot me a look, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. “Trust me, you want to make an impression. This is your chance to show everyone that you’re not just some beta female or Kael’s ex, you’re a force to be reckoned with.”
I sighed, but I couldn’t argue with her logic. The council meeting was important, and I needed to look the part. Still, the thought of dressing up felt overwhelming. I wasn’t used to thinking about fashion or appearances, but Elara had always had an eye for these things.
As we wandered through the mall, Elara chattered away, filling the silence with stories about her work as a reporter. She was doing well in the field, capturing every bit of flashy news and making a name for herself. But I knew there was more to it than that. Elara was also being trained as a spy, a fact that she rarely talked about but that I couldn’t help but worry over.
“I feel like I never see you anymore,” Elara said suddenly, her tone tinged with frustration as we stepped into a boutique filled with elegant dresses and tailored suits. “You’re always off doing your own thing, and I’m stuck chasing stories and training. When was the last time we just hung out like this?”
I felt a pang of guilt, my chest tightening at the hurt in her voice. “I know,” I said softly, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “I’m sorry. Things have been… complicated lately. But I’ve missed this too. I’ve missed you.”
Elara’s expression softened, her frustration melting away as she smiled. “I’ve missed you too, Lil. You’re my best friend, you know that? No matter how crazy things get, I’m always here for you.”
My throat tightened, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. “I know,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “And I’m here for you too. Always.”
1/3
Chapter 33 Free Meal.
+8 Pearls
For a moment, we just stood there, the bond between us stronger than words. Then Elara grinned, her usual playful self returning as she grabbed my hand and pulled me toward a rack of skirts. “Okay, enough of the mushy stuff. Let’s find you something that’ll make everyone at that meeting regret underestimating you.”
After what felt like hours of trying on dresses, skirts, and blouses, Elara finally held up a pencil skirt and matching blouse, her eyes glowing with excitement. “This is the one,” she declared, her voice filled with triumph.
I stepped out of the fitting room, the fabric of the skirt hugging my curves in all the right places! while the blouse added a touch of sophistication. I turned to look in the mirror, my breath catching as I took in my reflection. The outfit was perfect, elegant, professional, and just a little bit daring.
“Elara, this is…” I trailed off, unable to find the words.
“Amazing? Gorgeous? Perfect?” Elara supplied, her grin widening. “I know. You look incredible, Lilac. Like a queen.
I laughed, shaking my head. “I don’t know about that, but… thank you. For everything.”
Elara waved me off, but her smile was warm. “Don’t mention it. Now, let’s go pay before you change your mind.”
As we approached the counter, the salesgirl greeted us with a polite smile. “Did you find. everything you were looking for?” she asked, her tone cheerful.
“Yes, thank you,” I replied, setting the outfit on the counter. I reached for my wallet, but the girl shook her head.
“No need,” she said, her smile widening. “It’s already been taken care of.”
I froze, my hand hovering over my wallet as I exchanged a confused glance with Elara.
“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice tinged with unease.
The girl’s smile didn’t waver. “The Nightshades said that the Blackwoods can shop for whatever they need. They’ll always be taken care of.”
Elara’s jaw dropped, her eyes widening in shock.
“What?” she exclaimed, her voice louder than intended. “Are you serious?”
I felt a chill run down my spine, my stomach twisting with unease.
“No, I can’t let them do that,” I said firmly, my voice trembling as I insisted on paying. “Please, let me cover the cost.”
But the girl shook her head again, her expression apologetic. “I’m sorry, but it’s against policy. The Nightshades have already taken care of everything.”
2/3
Chapter 33 Free Meal
+8 Pearls
The Nightshades, again. First the restaurant, and now this. What were they playing at? Why were they so interested in my family?
Elara grabbed my arm, her grip tight as she leaned in to whisper, “This is getting weirder by the minute. What the hell is going on, Lilac?”
I shook my head, my throat tight with fear and confusion.
“I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I don’t like it.”
As we left the mall, the weight of the Nightshades‘ actions hung heavy over us. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something bigger was at play, something I didn’t yet understand. The
Nightshades were a mystery, their motives unclear, but one thing was certain, they were watching
- me. And in the shadows, where they thrived, anything was possible.
