“What do you mean?”
“You’ll see.”
She turns around to head to the exit, ready to leave. But just when she’s about to go out, Nathaniel suddenly appears at the entrance of the salon. When he sees Elena, his face has a stunned expression I’ve never seen him make before. She clearly didn’t expect to run into him either.
They stare at each other for a few seconds, in awkward silence. He seems confused, but she’s very calm while facing Nathaniel.
“Elena... What are you doing here?”
“I came to see Bobo.”
“Bobo?”
He looks in our direction, and Bobo immediately nods. Nathaniel stares at me, too, but I act innocent. I don’t know if he buys it, but his eyes go back to the pretty blonde, with an angry expression this time.
“You’re not supposed to be here.”
“Are you going to kill me then?”
Her straightforward question clearly destabilizes him, and he drops the hostile act. I’m amazed by how composed Elena is, compared to Nathaniel. They stare at each other for a while. Their eyes express so many things, I feel like I’m eavesdropping on a private exchange. They might be mind-linking, but I can’t tell. After a while, Nathaniel silently steps aside, letting her leave without another word. He watchesher figure go, and I can’t help but wonder once again what’s between those two...
Once she’s out of sight, Nathaniel turns to us, frowning. This is the first time I’ve seen him looking annoyed.
“Boyan, what was that?” He asks in a cold tone.
“Just as she said.”
I feel bad for letting Bobo handle Nathaniel alone, but I remember Elena’s words. Nathaniel and Bobo stare at each other for a few seconds, and I wonder if the Alpha will interrogate him again... Against my expectations, he doesn’t ask anything else. Instead, Nathaniel breathes in, regaining his composure, and turns to me.
“Sorry about that, princess. Anyway, you look beautiful, and I hope you have a great date tonight with my brother. Enjoy your birthday.”
His words sound a bit empty, and I can’t help but think that his mind is somewhere else. I had almost forgotten about the salon’s staff around us during my talk with Elena. They quietly and swiftly resume working, and Nathaniel leaves. I wait a bit before turning to Bobo.
“That scared me...”
“Don’t worry. I doubt he would do anything to Elena, but let’s be more careful next time. It might not be Nathaniel that shows up.”
I nod. It usually doesn’t end well for a werewolf trespassing on another Clan’s territory. Elena did seem pretty confident, but I still wouldn’t bet she was totally out of danger by coming here. The lady behind me clicks her tongue when I turn my head to talk to Bobo again, but I ignore her.
“Is the Opal Moon territory far from here?”
Bobo shakes his head and scratches between his dreadlocks while thinking. “Not really... They are mostly located in the Art District and around the University Campus.As I said, they’re part of the White Moon Clan, which is even bigger, so they can walk freely on most of North End. They have good bars with live music. They are tolerated on the Blood Moon turf, though, as long as they don’t push it...”
Of course. If the other packs’ members weren’t tolerated on the Blood Moon Clan’s turf, a third of the inhabitants wouldn’t be able to take a step in the city. Usually, everyone tries to stay on their own land, but we all live in Silver City. There has to be a bit of tolerance between most packs, or it would be impossible for other werewolves to even go downtown. What could raise suspicions is if a strong wolf adventured too far alone and unannounced on another territory like Elena did today. Basically, once on another pack’s turf, any wolf is at the mercy of that pack. They don’t need a reason to attack; they make their own rules on their domain.
This makes me wonder how Elena will be able to meet me again...
I get lost in my thoughts while another lady comes to do my makeup. As my preparation goes on, Bobo asks if I want a cup of tea, but I politely refuse. I know he is just trying to help me ease my mind, but I still have a hard time processing everything I learned just today.
The child of a Royal? How could that be...? I look at my reflection in the large mirror facing me. Is it even possible? Until now, I didn’t even know the Royals still existed in this day and age. Now Elena comes in and states that I am related to such a legend. As a mixed child. Did my father know? If so, why did he take me from my mother? Was she killed along with that family?
Somehow, I feel a hole in my heart whenever I think of my birth mother. Is it because I never really got along with the one who raised me? I wonder if she looked like me. Shewas probably the one with blue eyes. I want to know more about her, but where to start? And what about Damian? Elena advised to not tell him a thing, but why? If I really am the child of a Royal, I think I should tell him. I want to ask Bobo, but there are too many ears around us for now, so I hold it in. Anyway, this is all too sudden. I need to think about it.
I get lost in my thoughts and forget about the time. When my makeover is finally done, Tonia comes back just in time to witness it. I’m standing in the middle of the salon wearing the beautiful winter dress she gave me as my birthday present this morning, with Nathaniel’s shoes. To be quite honest, I love what I see in the mirror, though I can barely recognize myself. With the heels, I don’t look so petite anymore, and the dress fits me perfectly, making me more feminine than ever. It is sea-blue, with a silver ribbon and beads around the waist, and stops at my knees. My hair was very nicely done as well, giving my dark curls an elegant but natural look. The makeup is light, too, with a bit of blush here and there, a touch of mascara, and camellia-pink lips.
This girl facing me is beautiful, and I feel a bit embarrassed, staring at myself. Behind me, the siblings are both smiling.
“Very pretty.”
