The day of the gala, my stomach was a mess of excitement and nerves. Neil, Dominic, and I had spent days alone in my condo. And while we still hadn't gotten past. Feeling each other up over clothing, I was pretty satisfied. They seemed happy as well. Arielle, grandpa, and I arrived together in one of Mountainhowl’s sleek black cars, the city lights glittering in the windows.
Inside, the ballroom glowed with warm gold light, crystal chandeliers casting rainbows over polished marble. The low hum of conversation mingled with the clink of glasses, the scent of perfume, and the faint undertone of magic from the wards humming in the walls.
Arielle made the introductions, weaving me through clusters of donors, pack leaders, witches in shimmering robes, and prominent business owners. It was over
