Omega's Christmas Ball

Lilac

The carriage slowed as it approached the grand, towering gates of the castle. River’s heart raced, not just from the whirlwind of emotions storming within her, but from the sheer awe of the scene unfolding outside the window. Massive gates, intricately detailed with swirling patterns of wolves and the moon, loomed above them, flanked by stone columns that seemed to scrape the night sky. Beyond the gates lay the castle, a vision of unparalleled splendor with its high, glimmering spires and sprawling architecture. Lights twinkled in every window, casting a golden glow that rivaled the stars above.

River’s breath hitched. She had heard tales of the royal palace, but no amount of imagination could have prepared her for this. Even her heartbreak momentarily quieted as she drank at the sight.

“Why have we stopped?” she whispered to herself, craning her neck to see.

Looking out, she realized they were in a long procession of carriages, each awaiting its turn to drop off its passengers at the grand entrance. The line moved slowly but steadily, the soft crunch of wheels on gravel and the murmured voices of other guests filling the air.

As their carriage drew closer, Luna Cara spoke, her voice calm but commanding. “River, the return time is set for around 1 a.m. Alpha Taylor will send a general mind-link to everyone present when it’s time to gather at the entrance. All carriages will leave together for safety, so you need to respect the call and head immediately to the entrance. Do you understand? You shouldn’t miss the return.”

River nodded quickly. “Yes, Luna.”

When their turn came, the coachman halted the carriage, and Alpha Taylor stepped out first. As he exchanged brief words with the coachman, Luna Cara turned to River, her eyes softening slightly as she handed her a delicate silver mask. It shimmered faintly in the light, and as River took it, she noticed that every guest was wearing one.

“River,” Luna said, her tone firm yet kind, “tonight will not be easy for you, I know. But remember, you are stronger than you think, and a man does not define you. Who knows? Perhaps the Moon Goddess has other plans for you. You might find your mate tonight, even if he is not the one you expected. Keep your mind open.”

River blinked at the unexpected words, her emotions swirling in confusion and surprise. Before she could reply, Alpha Taylor returned, his presence commanding. Luna Cara gave River a small nod, signaling for her to follow, and together, they stepped out of the carriage.

The air was crisp, and the soft hum of excitement buzzed all around as guests ascended the grand staircase leading into the castle. River’s nerves were frayed, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusted her mask. She felt Luna Cara’s reassuring gaze on her but dared not meet it, afraid her own turmoil might spill out. She fell in step behind the Alpha and Luna, her head bowed as they made their way inside.

The moment River crossed the threshold, she froze.

The interior of the castle was breathtaking, a vision pulled straight from the pages of a fairy tale. High, vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes soared above her, glittering chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow over the opulent hall. Lavish tapestries and paintings lined the walls, each one a masterpiece in its own right, and the scent of fresh flowers mingled with the faint aroma of polished wood and candle wax. Guards stood at attention, their polished armor reflecting the light, adding a layer of gravitas to the scene.

The guests were just as dazzling. Everywhere she looked, wolves dressed in finery mingled, their laughter and conversation echoing through the space. The women wore gowns of silk, velvet, and lace in every color imaginable, but she noticed that red was predominant, while the men were dashing in tailored suits and regal uniforms. River’s head spun as she tried to take it all in. It was unlike anything she had ever seen.

Her chest tightened as she remembered Damon, but she pushed the thought aside. Tonight, she resolved to focus on herself, to stay strong as Luna Cara had urged her to do.

Adjusting her mask, she realized she had lost sight of the Alpha and Luna. She looked around, hoping to find her best friend Carmina. But the crowd was a sea of unfamiliar faces, and the sheer number of people made the task feel impossible.

She smoothed her light pink dress nervously, silently thanking Luna Cara for the garment. It was simple compared to the gowns around her, yet its elegance made her feel almost...worthy of being there. The light fabric swayed gently as she moved, the pale hue flattering her complexion. The only drawback was the fit around her chest. It squeezed uncomfortably, a reminder of her naturally heavy frame. Also, her shoes were a number too big, which made her be slower than usual in her moves.

Still, she couldn't help but feel grateful. For once, she wasn’t dressed in rags or uniforms. For once, she could feel like part of something bigger, even if her heart was fractured.

As she wandered further into the hall, River noticed something striking. The number of women vastly outnumbered the men. She knew tonight’s ball was a special occasion, one meant to celebrate Prince Thas and help him find a mate.

She glanced around, wondering who he might be. River had never seen him before, but she had heard whispers of his charisma and power. Some said he was the most eligible bachelor in all the kingdoms. Others claimed his aura alone was enough to command any room. In the end, he was the future king.

Her curiosity burned, but she quickly reminded herself of her place. She was just an omega, here by sheer chance. The thought was sobering, yet it didn’t stop her from stealing another glance around the room.

--

River moved cautiously through the bustling ballroom, her eyes darting between masked faces as she searched for Carmina, or even … Damon. The masks made recognition nearly impossible, adding to her frustration. The crowd pressed around her, a whirlwind of silk, lace, and whispered conversations. Her nerves were stretched taut, but the sweet, tantalizing aroma of food wafting through the air momentarily distracted her.

Silver trays piled high with an assortment of delicacies were being carried into the room, and as soon as they were set down, the attendees swarmed the tables like, well, … hungry wolves. River hesitated for a moment, overwhelmed by the frenzy, before weaving her way to one of the tables. By the time she reached it, however, most of the food was already gone. All that remained were a few desserts and scattered crumbs.

Suppressing a sigh, River grabbed what little she could, a couple of small, delicate pastries, and backed away from the table. Her stomach grumbled in disappointment, but she reminded herself to be grateful for even this small luxury. The desserts looked exquisite, far better than anything she’d ever tasted in her life.

Looking around for a place to sit, River’s frustration grew. All the chairs were taken, and the painful blister forming on her foot from the oversize shoes was becoming unbearable. She bit her lip to keep from groaning as she shifted her weight, trying to ease the discomfort. Desperate for relief, she decided to leave the crowded ballroom and search for somewhere quieter.

Her search led her through winding hallways, past groups of laughing guests, an army of staff and the occasional stern-faced guard. The deeper she ventured into the castle, the fewer people she encountered. Just as she began to fear she’d gotten herself hopelessly lost, she noticed a staff member exiting a room, leaving the door slightly ajar.

River hesitated. She knew she wasn’t supposed to wander into private spaces, but the throbbing pain in her foot outweighed her better judgment. She peeked inside and, seeing no one, slipped in quietly.

The room was dimly lit, with a soft, golden glow emanating from a single ornate lamp. To her immense relief, there was a couch. Letting out a long, shaky breath, River hurried to it and collapsed onto the cushions. A moan of relief escaped her lips as she removed the offending shoes and flexed her sore feet.

This dress is killing me, she thought. The tight fabric around her chest had been suffocating her all night, and now that she was alone, she took the opportunity to adjust it. Sliding her hand into her cleavage, she tried to shift the constricting material and her big bosom, letting out a soft sigh when she finally managed to ease the pressure.

Feeling slightly more comfortable, River turned her attention to the desserts she’d taken. The first bite was heaven, the sweetness melting on her tongue in a way that made her hum softly in appreciation. The second pastry was even better, a delightful blend of spices and cream that made her momentarily forget her troubles as she let another moan.

As she reached for the third, a deep, gravelly pissed voice cut through the quiet, startling her so badly that she nearly dropped her plate.

“If you’re going to sneak into someone else’s room, at least have the decency not to act like a wanton woman.”

River froze, her heart pounding as her eyes darted toward the source of the voice. A tall, shadowy figure stepped into the faint light, his presence commanding and intimidating.

“Touching yourself and moaning,” he continued, his tone harsh and cruel. “You couldn’t wait until you were home to do this?”

The heat that flooded River’s face was a mixture of embarrassment and fury. No one had ever spoken to her like that. Gathering her courage, she snapped back, “How dare you speak to me that way? You don’t even know me!”

The man stepped closer, his imposing frame casting a shadow over her. “I know your kind,” he said coldly. “Spreading your legs for anyone who might offer you something in return. Don’t think you can fool me. Your actions just show it.”

River’s breath caught in her throat. She wanted to lash out, to defend herself, but her words died on her lips when she finally got a good look at him.

He was enormous, towering over her with broad shoulders and a powerful build. The tailored suit he wore did nothing to soften his intimidating presence. His dark hair was cut short, and his sharp, masked eyes seemed to pierce straight through her. Though the mask obscured most of his face, what she could see suggested a dangerous, almost predatory handsomeness.

His aura was unmistakable, … Alpha. A powerful one. The kind of presence that commands respect and fear in equal measure.

River felt small, vulnerable, and out of place in his presence, but she refused to cower. Summoning what little courage she had left, she straightened her spine and glared at him.

“You don’t know anything about me,” she said, her voice trembling slightly but firm.

The Alpha’s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile as he leaned closer, his dark eyes glinting at something she couldn’t quite place. “Perhaps not. But I’ve seen enough to know exactly what you are.”

River’s face burned with humiliation and fury, but she refused to let the stranger’s harsh words defeat her. Straightening her spine, she narrowed her eyes at him and retorted, “For someone who claims to know my kind, you’re surprisingly clueless. I don’t need to spread my legs to get what I want, I prefer hard and honest work…unlike you, hiding in the dark, throwing baseless insults. Maybe next time, you should try manners before making assumptions.”

The stranger’s dark eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by her sharp tongue. Before he could respond, River picked up her plate, her movements brisk and purposeful. She shot him one last withering glance before rushing out of the room, her heart pounding in her chest.

As the door clicked shut behind her, Alpha remained standing where she’d left him, his gaze fixed on the spot where she had just stood. Slowly, his lips curved into a faint, intrigued smirk.

Turning toward the faint trail of her departing scent, he took a long, deliberate sniff. The aroma of lilac lingered in the air, soft and sweet, yet with a hint of something deeper, something that stirred an unbidden curiosity within him.

He shook his head, irritated by his own reaction.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. A butler stepped in, carrying a tray with a steaming teacup. Bowing deeply, he announced, “Your Highness, your tea for your headache.”

The stranger said nothing, merely nodding as he reached for the cup. The butler stepped back and exited silently, leaving him alone once more. He gulped down the tea in a few large, impatient sips, the strong, bitter flavor grounding him, praying to the Moon Goddess for this night to pass without incident.