"So, you've forgiven him?" I tease, holding the rose just out of her reach as she stretches for it with an exaggerated huff.
"I've always forgiven him," Cassidy replies, finally managing to pry the delicate flower from my fingers. "I just didn't want him to have it easy."
"And he bribes you with a rose?" I arch a brow, folding my arms as I watch her twirl the stem between her fingers.
"A pink rose. Difference," she says, grinning as she holds it up like it's a trophy.
"A rose is a rose."
"No, this is my favorite of all flowers," she coos, her tone bordering on dreamy as she gives the petals an affectionate sniff.
I roll my eyes, laughing softly. "You're so predictable."
"And you're just jealous because no one's giving you roses," she fires back with a smirk.
"Touché," I admit, though the banter makes me feel lighter.
We settle into the cozy corner of her room, and as the laughter dies down, my mind drifts to the encounter in the hallway.
I don't mean to bring it up, but the words slip out before I can stop them. "So... I ran into someone called Eden earlier."
Her face freezes mid-smile. The pink rose lowers from her nose, and the lighthearted energy from moments ago disappears.
"She's back?" Her voice is sharp, her expression clouded.
"She is. I didn't know who she was until... well, she made it very clear she wasn't someone I'd want to cross paths with again."
She groans, burying her face in her hands. "Of course, she's back. Just my luck."
Curiosity piqued, I tilt my head. "You don't like her?"
"'Don't like' is putting it mildly." She sits up straighter, her hands gripping the rose as though it's the only thing keeping her grounded. "That woman is pure venom. She made my life miserable before she left for Russia. Bullied me endlessly. Called me ugly, told me I was a freak for having green eyes. Green eyes!" She gestures wildly at her face.
I frown, confused. "But your eyes are beautiful. Who would think otherwise?"
"She didn't care. She was envious, obviously. My blonde hair, my pale skin, my eyes...everything I bet she wanted—she found anything she could to tear me down." Her voice cracks slightly, but she clears her throat and continues. "She's possessive, too. Always hovering around Prince Caspian trying to stake her claim, even though it's obvious he's not interested in her."
Hearing this only solidifies my earlier impression of the woman. "That explains a lot. She acts like she owns this place."
"She wishes she did," she mutters bitterly. "The pack house is going to be a madhouse with her around. I can't deal with her again. I just... can't."
There's a long pause before she looks at me, her expression softening. "You know, my parents' house isn't far off from here. Just towards the estate gates. I've been thinking about going back there for a while now, and with Eden here, I should definitely. You should come with me."
I came to realise that unlike in moonhaven where only the Alpha and Beta's family live at the pack house, here it's a bit different.
Anyone can stay at the pack house. Maybe because it never runs out of space, or because they're just more friendly here.
Cassidy has been living here since she turned seventeen, and there a tons of others like her. Most of which, their families live outside the estate, unlike Cassidy's.
The suggestion catches me off guard. "Me?"
"Of course. Do you really want to stay here under the same roof as her? Because I sure don't."
I hesitate, chewing on the inside of my cheek. The idea of leaving is tempting, but... "Would there even be space for me?"
She scoffs, rolling her eyes. "It's a six-bedroom, dummy. And I'm the only kid. Of course, there's room for you. But no pressure. Whenever you're ready."
Her words are genuine, and I can see how much she wants me to say yes. But I need more time to think.
"I'll consider it," I say finally, earning a small smile from her.
Changing the subject, she sighs. "The king's addressing the pack tonight. We'll need to prepare for that."
"Oh?"
"He has been absent for months doing goddess knows what, so he's gotta tell us what he's been doing in Spain."
"Just chilling? Should that count?" I offer and she tosses a pillow at me.
"He's King Damon, Delilah. He doesn't just chill. Maybe Queen Amber would, but not him."
Damon and Amber...fancy names, eh?
"Afterward, I'm packing up and heading to my parents' place. You'll help me, right?" she continues, moving to her dresser.
"Of course," I reply without hesitation.
We spend the next hour going through her closet, searching for something suitable to wear for the evening.
She's surprisingly meticulous when it comes to picking out dresses, muttering about color schemes and what compliments which features.
"You'll wear this one," she says finally, pulling out a flowing blue dress and holding it up to me.
I eye it skeptically. "Isn't that a bit... much?"
"Not at all. It'll look perfect on you. Trust me."
With no second for argument, she pushes me toward the mirror. I slip into the dress, smoothing it down as I glance at my reflection.
For a moment, I don't recognize the person staring back at me.
The fabric hugs my figure in all the right places, the color bringing out the vibrant blue of my eyes.
My waist-length blonde hair falls in soft waves down my back, almost shimmering under the light. My skin looks flawless, glowing even.
It's crazy how just an outfit change can bring out a perspective you've never seen of yourself.
She steps up beside me, a satisfied grin on her face. "Told you. You look beautiful."
I swallow hard, emotions swirling in my chest. "I... I don't think I've ever felt this way before."
"What way?"
"Beautiful," I admit quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.
She places a hand on my shoulder, her smile softening. "You are beautiful. Don't let anyone, especially what your former pack members did to you, make you think otherwise."
I nod, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill. My mother used to say I had my father's eyes, and seeing them now, so bright and alive, I can't help but feel a small connection to her.