“Sister,” Raven’s navy-blue eyes peeked open after hearing her sister’s voice. “It’s time to get ready for the ball.” Claire lightly shook her. “If you don’t hurry, we’re going to be late.” She leaned forward taking sight of the white dress that hung on a rack. Did Lycan buy her that dress for the ball? She climbed out of bed taking the dress off the rack. “I know you hate the guy but still, you’ve got to admit he has great taste.”

“I hate to say it but,” Raven marveled at every inch of dress. She wasn’t too fond of white dresses but for this dress she could make an exception. The dress had thin spaghetti straps with a white lace v cut. There was a sexy lace trim on the side which was cut to show off her beautiful legs. This dress suited her unique tastes. “You’re right.” Claire embraced her.

“I’m going to let you get dressed,” Claire smiled at her. “I have to get ready, I can’t wait to see the look on Jay’s face once he sees me in a dress,” She chuckled. “I’m going to blow his mind.” She rushed over to her tent.

“I wonder if Lycan got the right size,” Raven began to remove her clothing trying on the dress. She stood there in the dress that Lycan bought her. It amazed her how well the dress captured her every curve down to her firm hips to her agile legs. There were a pair of white lace stiletto heels placed beneath the rack. She slipped on the heels which were a perfect match for her dress.

Raven walked over to the mirror to take in her reflection. She could never be more beautiful than she was in this outfit. Still, there was something missing in her reflection. She knew what it was and why she would never be able to see it. This entire ensemble spelled out Lycan’s intentions. He was trying to show her off as if she were some prize that he had won. A mere trophy to be placed underneath his arm. This was a fate, Raven fought so hard to avoid. She was more than just a trophy. Now, here she stood in the mirror representing everything she never wanted to be. She would try to fake it, force a lie, but there would never be a real smile on her face.

The final touch, Raven let out a sigh taking the engagement ring out of her bag. She slid the ring on her finger accepting her role as Lycan’s bride to be. This title she had fought with it for so long and yet. She still failed to find her freedom. No, she couldn’t let it end like this, there was another way out. It was time for a new plan.

“Where is it,” Raven rushed over to her bag reaching into her bag of panties. “There it is,” She pulled a rectangle box that had a sticky note placed on it. The note read: Use in case some guy tries to take advantage of you. Love, Eric. Inside this box is her ticket to freedom, she just had to use it. She opened the box taking sight of the sharp silver edged switchblade her brother had given her as a gift. She could use this blade to slit Lycan’s throat and be free of him forever. No wedding, no child, just freedom. “No more games,” She took the attachable case that could be hidden on her person from the box. She concealed the case on her thigh to where her dress would conceal the blade. “Tonight,” She took a deep breath. “I’ll end this.” She put the switchblade into the hidden case. She put the box back into her bag pulling out her make up kit.

“Raven,” Lycan walked into her tent. She started lacing her eyes with a thin layer of black eyeliner. “Glad to see you’re awake,” She set the eyeliner to the side. Lycan walked up to her, he was dressed in a black suit jacket with white dress shirt and a black tie. He wore black leather belt, slacks, and black leather dress shoes. “You look stunning,” He placed a small gold chain necklace with the pendant of the crescent moon around her neck. The crescent moon was embellished with the sparkles of clear gemstones. “The other women are going to be so envious of you.” He pressed his lips against her neck.

“You made sure of that didn’t you,” Raven grabbed her black cherry lip gloss, lacing her lips with it. “I guess that’s to be expected since you’re a Prince.” She set her lip gloss to the side. “Though,” She picked up her clear glitter nail polish. “I do admit,” She opened the bottle, glazing her nails in sparkles. “In a suit,” Raven blew on her nails to dry them. “You are slightly more attractive but still a pain in my ass.” She reached into her bag taking out her rose scented perfume. “Did you want something from me?” She sprayed herself with the perfume, closing the cap on the bottle.

“Actually,” Lycan placed his hands on her hips. “I came here to tell you that the vampires will also be attending the Lunar Ball.” She wasn’t an expert but, shouldn’t the vampires be trying to take advantage of the ball. “My father made a treaty with them, he offered to put the war aside for one night. If Lord Alexander agrees to do the same, the vampires are permitted to join the ball as a reward.”

“Both sides will be there,” Raven turned to face him. “Doesn’t that increase the odds of there being a cross between the two sides?” She asked. “What’s to stop one of their vampires from coming over to our side?” She ran her hands through her black hair straightening it up for the ball.

“The entire ball room is going to be split in half by a fence.” Lycan answered. “If either a vampire or a werewolf decides to cross it. Lord Alexander and Lord Grimm will see to it that they are killed on the spot. They will be guarding the fence personally.” He crossed his arms. “Hybrids have and will always be forbidden. It is considered a betrayal to the werewolf code and is punishable by death.” He smirked. “Lord Alexander’s rules are much the same. I seriously doubt any vampire would have the balls to cross to our side.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Raven agreed. “It would be foolish of them to cross into enemy territory.” She started packing up her makeup supplies. “Is there anything else I should know about the Lunar Ball?” She closed her bag. “To be honest, I’m not really sure what to expect.”

“There is one thing you should be aware of,” Lycan placed his hands on her shoulders. “During the ball, we have this competition,” He massaged her shoulders. “I think you’ll love this,” He smirked. “It’s a singing competition.” Raven’s lips formed a confident smirk. “We chose one werewolf to act as our champion to compete against a vampire of Lord Alexander’s choosing. The winner gets bragging rights and a trophy.”

“I guess a little competition never hurts.” Raven turned to face him. “What’s the trophy look like? Is it fancy?” Lycan replied with a nod. “Well do we have one? Surely we’ve beaten them at this competition at least once.” He didn’t answer. “Wait, you’re saying we’ve never beat them at this.” She raised her brow.

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“Precisely,” Lycan replied. “Lord Alexander sends this vampire by the name of Scythe to act as his champion. He can play the piano and sing a moving ballad. The best we have is,” He opened her tent motioning toward the twins. “They count as one person and all they do is this silly rap routine.” Raven could imagine their routine and even in her head. It was more comedic than anything. “This time,” He brushed her hair back. “I’ve chosen you as our champion, I think you have a better chance of bringing us that trophy.”

“Well,” Raven shrugged. “You wouldn’t be wrong.” She crossed her arms. “I was once a famous singer at the peak of her career. It’s going to take a lot more than a fancy ballad to defeat the infamous Erika Ravenheart.” She pointed out. “So, I just write a song and sing it or is it like a cover song that I just perform?”

“Whatever you decide,” Lycan kissed the side of her neck. “Just get us that trophy.” He walked out of her tent. “Twins,” Jay and Jayson faced her tent. “You’ve been replaced.” Raven stepped out of her tent. In an instant, she had captured their full attention. The mere sight of her beauty had the boys left speechless. “Raven is going to sing in your place.”

“Wow,” Jayson ran his fingers through the short spikes of his light blond hair. “Raven,” He walked up to her giving her a hug. “You look fucking amazing.” Raven caught the masculine scent of his cologne as he embraced her. He was dressed in a black single-breasted suit jacket with a nice red button-down dress shirt. It was hard to believe that this handsome man standing before her is the same immature Jayson from Nightshade. “Well, how do I look?” He put his hands in the pockets of his black slacks.

“I have to say,” Raven stepped back, placing her hands on his strong shoulders. “I’m impressed, I mean,” She chuckled. “You’re wearing a shirt.” She emphasized. “You look great Jayson,” His cheeks reddened a bit.

“Thanks, but, compared to you,” Jayson ghosted his hands down her edges. “I look terrible, I mean come on,” He stressed. “How is any guy supposed to compete with that?” Raven chuckled. “Seriously though,” He rubbed the back of his neck. “You look amazing.”

“Thanks,” Raven noticed a solid black tie he had shoved in his jacket pocket. “Here,” She took the tie out of his pocket. “Let me help you with that,” She adjusted the tie to his figure, tying it for him. “There you go,” She brought the tie to his neck, hiding the thin flap inside the tag. “Much better, you look handsome.” Jayson turned his head, blushing slightly. “Are you taking a girl to the Lunar Ball?” She asked. “Surely the bad boy Jayson has hooked himself a date by now.”

“No,” Jayson answered. “It’s more fun going without a date.” He smirked. “Trust me before this ball is over, I’m going to be surrounded by all the ladies. Why date one girl when you can have them all?” His voice filled with confidence. “Once these hips start moving,” He pushed his hips toward her. “It’s game over.”

“Okay you can stop doing whatever that is,” Raven traced his figure erratically with her finger. “I don’t want to throw up on my nice dress.” She ran her hands down her dress, Jay busted out laughing. He had his shoulder length ash blond hair tied up in a ponytail, his bangs rested just before reaching his dark amber eyes.

“I would like to second that,” Jay held up his finger. “I don’t want my brother pushing his hips toward anyone in my presence.” He was dressed in black suit jacket with a nice blue silk dress shirt underneath. “It’s kind of disturbing, so,” He tucked his hands in the pockets of his black slacks. “Please stop.”

“Oh really,” Jayson started moving his hips toward his brother. “You don’t like that,” Jay shielded his eyes. “What’s the matter bro, we got the same goods.” Raven busted out laughing. This is so wrong, poor Jay. “Come on, bro, it’s all good, I’m just dancing.”

“Quit it,” Jay shielded his eyes. “Save your dick shaking for the ball.” He turned his back toward his brother. “Dad, please, make him stop.” A small pebble darted through the air like a bullet striking Jayson in the back of his head. The pebble moved so fast, Raven had no idea where it came from.

“Ou,” Jayson rubbed the back of his head. “Alejandro, dude,” He turned to face him. Raven followed his line of sight. She couldn’t believe just how handsome Alejandro was in a suit. Here, she thought he couldn’t be any hotter.

Alejandro had his dark red hair tied up in a ponytail that reached his shoulders. The bangs on the right side of his face stopped just before reaching his eyes. His blood red eyes were covered by black shades. He dressed in a black suit jacket that hugged his shoulders. Underneath, He wore a solid black tie with a silk dark red dress shirt and a pair of black slacks. He reminded her of a powerful bodyguard. It was quite fitting, Raven couldn’t see Alejandro being the type of person that would enjoy the Lunar Ball. She figured he would stay by Lycan or Lord Grimm’s side for the entire night.

“Listen here, dad,” Jayson picked up the pebble that was thrown at him. “You can’t just throw pebbles at-,” He stopped mid-sentence, Alejandro tossed a pebble in the air catching it with little to no effort. “Um,” He forced a swallow. “Never mind,” Jayson dropped the pebble that was in his hand. “You can throw as many pebbles as you want.” He faked a laugh. “I was just messing with you, that’s all.” Alejandro patted him on the head. “For a minute there,” He gulped. “I thought I was going to get my ass kicked.”

“Father,” Jay walked up to Alejandro. “Could you ugh,” He reached into the pocket in his suit. “Help me with this.” He placed a solid black tie in Alejandro’s hand. “I was trying to tie it in my tent but,” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I couldn’t figure it out.” He chuckled. “It’s odd considering I’m usually good at figuring things out right?” Alejandro fixed Jay’s tie for him, patting him on the head. “Thanks, you’re the best.” He jolted back. “Oh shit, I totally forgot to get Claire flowers.” He raced off into the forest to find flowers.

“Where’s Jay?” Claire stepped out of her tent. Raven’s eyes shifted toward her. She was caught in amazement by her sister’s appearance. She came out in a royal blue dress that was cut above her knees. Her nails were painted blue with sparkles of glitter. She had on a pair of blue ankle strap high heels. Raven couldn’t deny it anymore. her sister has grown into a fully realized young woman. They stood here now as equals. “I thought that he’d be out here waiting for,” Jay emerged from the forest dropping the roses he had picked for her.

“Claire,” Jay’s cheeks reddened. “You look,” He forced a swallow. “Well ugh,” He picked the flowers up off the floor. “Um, you ugh,” He handed the roses to her. “You are without a doubt the most beautiful woman here.” He finished. “I mean, look at you, you’re amazing.”

“You’re sweet,” Claire sniffed the flowers. “Look at you though,” She tugged at his shirt. “You got on a nice suit, a tie, and that dress shirt.” She sniffed him. “Wait, is that, do I smell cologne?” Jay blushed. “You were aiming to impress.” She pulled him close. “I’ve got to admit, you have captured my full attention.”

“Are you sure?” Jay asked. “It’s just compared to you.” Claire kissed his cheek. “You really like it,” He put his hands in his pockets. “You can tell me the truth, if you don’t, I can change clothes real fast. I just want tonight to be perfect.”

“It will be,” Claire assured him. “This already feels like it’s going to be better than prom.” She turned toward her sister. “Raven, you look amazing, Lycan picked out the perfect dress for you.” Yeah well, it’s nice to see her sister was able to compete with her. She looked just as amazing.

“I couldn’t let you upstage me,” Raven embraced her. “I can’t believe you’ve grown so much.” Her eyes traced her sister’s figure. “One minute, we’re playing dress up together and now, you’re all grown up.” She hugged her. “It breaks my little black heart.”

“Stop it,” Claire ran her finger along the side of her eyes. “You’re going to make me smear my eyeliner.” She took a deep breath. “I’m not going to cry, nope, not going to do it, we owe it ourselves to not smear our eyeliner.” Right, Raven worked too hard on this ensemble to ruin it with tears.

“I’m sorry to do this but,” Jay got between the sisters. “Tonight, Claire is all mine,” He pointed at himself. “I’m going to spend the entire night dancing with this beautiful woman until she falls head over heels for me.” He pulled Claire to his side. “Raven,” He shifted his gaze to her. “You can have her when I’m done.”

“Okay you can have her,” Raven allowed. “Just remember,” She stared deep into Jay’s dark amber eyes.” If you break my younger sister’s heart,” Her eyes formed a menacing glare. “I will find you and there will be bloodshed. Massacre level bloodshed. I will paint this entire campsite with your blood.” Jay gulped. “I’m so glad we had this talk.” She patted him on the shoulder.

“Enough,” Lycan draped his arm on Raven’s shoulder. She cringed the moment he touched her. “It’s time we left.” He started walking toward town. Alejandro walked beside Lycan’s right shoulder. Claire and the twins stayed close behind them. She couldn’t bring herself to like Lycan’s arm on her shoulder. Still, she’d try her best to pretend. For tonight, Raven’s lips formed a smirk. When the Blood Moon fades and The Lunar Ball ends. She will be free and Lycan will be dead at her feet.