Miranda and Brittany glanced at each other warily after hearing my question, but both still looked hesitant to answer it.
Not until I folded my arms in front of my chest, staring at them with a stern expression did Miranda decide to speak.
"Eh... Ma'am? No offense, but we think you aren't... Exactly prepared for this ball." She stuttered, gulping hard. "Don't get me wrong, I'm sure you'll look stunning in that gown. B– But there are certain etiquettes involved in these kinds of events that you aren't aware of. Especially with werewolves involved."
Oh... That was unexpected.
In the beginning, I was expecting they'd use the opportunity to give me a subtle insult or something.
But their observation was helpful... While also adding to my growing anxiety about the ball.
However, I tried being optimistic. "Oh, well, thank you for your concern, girls. But I'm sure the Alpha's mother will be helpful in that regard."
They glanced at each other, not seeming convinced by my words at all.
Heck, even I wasn't convinced, but I didn't have many options at this point. What was the worst that she could do?
.
.
"Have you begun taking drugs, young woman?!" Former Luna Catherine hollered, her eyes shone in a mix of shock and rage when I met her later that day to discuss the ball and my desire to attend.
She was sitting at the dining table having lunch, a magazine in her hands while she took a sip from a glass of wine.
I'd approached her thinking she was in a good mood... But by the moon, was I wrong.
Bowing my head again, I pleaded. "Please, ma'am, Alpha Kaene even got his tailor to come take my measurements for the dress. I don't have much of a say in this matter so I decided to meet you for guidance."
Gosh, where the heck was Kaene?
I didn't even know what his work schedule was like. I couldn't contend with his hellish mother for much longer without snapping at this point.
Suddenly, former Luna Catherine pointed her fingers at me, ignoring the stares from maids in the dining room. "Listen carefully, you wretch. I don't care what drugs or spells you've given to my son to make him so irrational..."
And here she went again with her accusations of me using witchcraft. Could this day get any worse?
Apparently, yes. "... But just know I'd rather die before you befoul our family's name with your wretchedness. That ball is off limits for you as far as I'm concerned."
What the heck was she talking about? A Luna ball without THE Luna?
That was like a birthday party without a celebrant.
It's unfortunate logic and reason didn't seem to be this family's strong suit where tradition and class seemed to be the backbone of their values.
However, instead of confronting the former Luna about her decision, I bowed slightly. "Very well, ma'am. I guess I'll be–"
Before I could leave, a mocking voice chimed in from behind me. "Aunty Catherine. Is someone bothering you? I could hear your screams from upstairs."
Ugh... Not her.
I swerved my head in the direction of the voice only to meet Elsa walking towards the dining table, her hands placed on her waist as she eyed me with disdain.
Here we go... Again.
"Oh, Elsa, my darling." The former Luna waved at her with a smile, beckoning on her to come sit close to her. "Can you believe this pathetic girl thinks she'll stand a chance hosting the upcoming Luna Ball?"
Elsa, who'd brushed past me and got to Catherine's table, gasped in surprise, turning her gaze to me. "Really? Now that's rich. I'd even forgotten all about the ball, especially after the... Unfortunate news of who the Moon's chosen is."
And now they were hurling insults to my face.
Hmph... I should've known this was a bad idea.
Gathering whatever little boldness I had left, I persisted. "The Luna Ball is a tradition that has existed in our pack for decades. I never expected that anyone would cancel it this year simply because of the 'class' of the new Moon's chosen." I shrugged at the end.
However, Catherine had her mouth open wide in shock, glancing at Elsa. "And there's the disrespectful attitude I was telling you about. Such an uncultured little brat!"
The Barbie doll stood behind the former Luna, placing her hands on her shoulders. "I've always seen it, Aunt Catherine, don't worry. From the first moment I laid my eyes on this maid I knew she would be nothing but trouble. It's a pity Kaene isn't taking any actions to banish her."
My brows furrowed into a frown.
Banishment?
That... Didn't seem like a bad fate now that I thought about it.
The only problem would be leaving behind my family to move to another city far away from this one.
Suddenly, Catherine made a promise. "Oh, she'll be leaving this house soon enough. The only marking point would be if she leaves here intact or in a body bag." Her voice became cold toward the end, her equally cold gaze trailing my body.
For some reason, a cold shiver ran down my spine as I remembered Beta Negan's warning about avoiding food from Catherine.
'So she plans to poison me?' I thought to myself, my body shaking with dread.
Dear moon goddess, what sort of situation had I gotten myself into? Why didn't Alpha Kaene let me escape when I had the chance?
No... Fuck his deal! To hell with this Luna ball!
I'll escape this mansion and leave the pack with Caleb and my parents. We would do just fine once we got far away from the city.
Clenching my fists and pretending like I didn't hear a word from their conversation, I made my way to the living room door.
"Where do you think you're going?" Catherine's annoying voice called but I ignored it, strengthening my resolve.
I stepped out of the mansion and walked down the stairs leading to it, thanking the moon that I'd decided to wear a pair of jeans.
However, before I could make it to the compound gate, I heard a car horn, followed by the gates being opened.
A black sedan drove in, the windows being black and making it hard for me to see who was driving.
But I could already make a wild guess as the driver's door flung open.
"What are you doing standing outside?"