Page 21 of Wolf Queen Ruin
I didn’t recognize my reflection in the full-length mirror.The woman staring back at me looked elegant, powerful, and completely unlike the person who crawled through ancient tombs in cargo pants and climbing gear.
The dress Damien had chosen hugged my body in all the right places before flowing to the floor in a cascade of fabric that seemed to capture and reflect light from within.It made my honey-blonde hair look richer, my skin more luminous, and my eyes—just a boring light brown—glow with something almost supernatural.
Amber, the stylist Damien had sent over, made a final adjustment to my hair, which she’d curled in an intricate updo with a few strategic tendrils framing my face.
“You look perfect,” she said with a smile.“The gown’s protective enchantments are fully activated.They’ll repel minor curses, prevent most forms of magical tracking, and make you resistant to glamour.”
“Can’t it also make me invisible and bulletproof while we’re at it?”I asked, only half joking as I adjusted the small silver dagger concealed in a custom thigh holster.
Amber’s lips twitched.“Mr.Cross considered those enhancements, but they would have created a magical signature too distinctive for a stealth operation.”
Of course he had.Why was I not surprised?
“How many weapons are you carrying?”Dr.Felix asked from the doorway, where he’d been watching the last few minutes of my transformation.
He’d be attending Selene’s gala as well, though apart from us to avoid any obvious connection.
“Only three,” I said defensively.“The silver dagger, a small iron blade for fae, and something special in case of emergency.”I tapped the ornate hairpin securing my updo, which contained a hollow needle filled with a rare paralytic potion.“Standard tomb raider formal wear, right?”
Felix chuckled as he fussed with his bow tie.“I’ve known you for years, yet I’ve never seen you so gussied up.”
I grinned.“That’s my advantage.”
“So it is.But remember,” he cautioned, “Selene’s domain operates under old magic.Promises made there can be binding.Words have power.Be precise in what you say and agree to.”
“So basically, don’t accidentally sell my soul for canapes,” I summarized.“Got it.”
“I’m serious, Luna.”Felix’s weathered face creased with genuine concern.“Many of Selene’s guests attend specifically to make deals with the desperate or unwary.And you, my dear, are both desperate and occasionally unwary.”
I turned to face him, touched by his worry.“I’ll be careful.Promise.No soul selling, no blood oaths, no drinking anything that glows unnaturally.”
“Your fiancé taught you well, it seems.I’ll meet you downstairs,” he said, turning.“I’ll bet he’ll be here for you any second.”
“Before I go, I should take a selfie for Jade.”I spun around to look for my phone and spotted it on my bed.“And I should check on—“
A knock sounded from below.
“Speak of the devil,” I muttered and took a quick photo of myself.
The Repository’s grand entrance hall echoed with my heels as I descended the staircase—unnecessarily dramatic, but Amber had insisted I practice “making an entrance” for tonight’s event.
And there stood Damien.He wore a tailored tuxedo in black so deep it seemed to absorb light, making the white of his shirt almost startling by contrast.At his throat gleamed a midnight-blue tie that matched my dress.He’d slicked his raven curls back, which somehow made his blue eyes even more electrifying.
He looked…breathtaking.
For a moment, he simply stood there, his eyes widening as they took in my appearance.Something flickered across his face as his lips parted, something I couldn’t name, while he just stood there staring.
A swarm of doubts suddenly plummeted my gut to my knees.Was he disappointed that I couldn’t even pretend to play the part of his fiancée?Was he expecting something more?Did I have a booger?What?
“You’re staring,” I blurted.“Is something wrong?I’m not used to dressing like this.”
“I…” He shook his head as if to clear it, his loose curls flirting with the collar of his tux.“Nothing’s wrong.You look…formidable.”
I smiled.“Formidable?That’s your go-to compliment?”
“I meant it as the highest praise,” he rushed to say.“You look like exactly what you are, someone no one should underestimate.”
Oh.Okay, then.Well, if he thought that, then maybe I really could do this.
