The Sickened Luna's Last Chance novel Chapter 523

I barely had time to process what was happening before Anya was whisking me back to the dressing room.

“We’ve got maybe twenty minutes,” she said, already working to undo the buttons on the back of my coronation gown. “The officiant needs time to set up, and people need to get seated, but after that-”

“Twenty minutes?” My heart was hammering. “That’s not enough time to get ready.”

“It’s plenty of time.” Anya pulled the blue gown off and carefully hung it on a hook. Then she turned and reached for the garment bag she’d brought with her. The one containing the other gown she’d been working on, which I was told multiple times that I wasn’t allowed to see. “Trust me. I’ve been planning for this.”

She unzipped the bag, and I gasped.

The wedding dress was beautiful. It was ivory with long bell sleeves and a flowing skirt. The fabric was soft and silky, with an unstructured waistline that was cut on the bias to make room for my belly. There were tiny pearl beads sewn along the neckline, catching the light.

“Anya,” I whispered, staring at my friend. “This isn’t at all like the one we were working on.”

She grinned. “I know. This one is better.”

I took a step forward, brushing my fingers across the fabric. It really was perfect. Far better than I had previously envisioned.

“With twins in your belly, you’ve been growing a lot quicker than a regular pregnancy,” Anya explained. “I figured the structured bodice we were planning before would be uncomfortable. I hope you’re not upset.”

I shook my head. “No, I’m not. Not at all. Anya, this is stunning.”

Anya’s smile turned radiant as ever. “Thanks. I think it’s my favorite piece I’ve made yet.” She reached into the bag and pulled out a white fur stole that she draped over the shoulders of the gown. “Perfect for a winter wedding, no?”

I nodded. “Perfect.”

With that, Anya helped me slip into the dress. It fit perfectly, and didn’t feel restrictive at all. With the fur stole and a pair of white heels, I felt beautiful. Even more beautiful than I had felt in the blue dress.

I had just finished with my hair when there was a knock at the door, and Liam poked his head in. “Is it safe to come in?” he asked, eyes shut.

“Just a second!” Anya called. She finished the last button at the back of the dress and stepped back to look at me. Okay. Now you can come in.”

Liam entered, and his eyes went wide when he saw me. “Oh, Wow.”

Anya squeezed my shoulder. “I’m going to go make sure everything’s ready outside. You two take a minute.” She slipped out of the room before I could protest. Liam followed her with his eyes, and she ducked her head as she passed, blushing.

When Anya was gone, Liam and I stood there in silence for a moment. He looked good–he’d dressed up for the coronation in a dark suit, and his hair was combed back neatly. The wound in his side had healed well, although he still looked a little tired. He’d been through a lot. We all had.

“So,” he finally said, clearing his throat. “You’re really doing this.” I wanted to feel confident and strong and worthy of the title I was about to claim. But all I could think about was my mother. About how she should have been here for this. About how she should have been the one wearing this gown, reclaiming her pack after all these years.

“She would be proud of you,” Alexander said, as if reading my mind. Maybe he had. The crystal still baffled us sometimes, and it was difficult getting used to the stronger bond it had formed.

He pulled me into his arms then and just held me. I rested my head against his chest and breathed in his scent. Finally, after so long without it, it wrapped around me like a favorite coat. It was comforting.

After a moment, he pulled back. “Ready?”

I nodded, and we headed out.

The ceremony was being held in the main square of Stormhollow territory. When we arrived, I was shocked by the sheer number of people who’d gathered. There had to be at least a thousand pack members, maybe more. They had filled every available space, some standing on rooftops or balconies to get a better view.

A stage had been erected in the center of the square. Hunter was waiting there, along with the woman who’d given me the deed–her name was Clara, I’d learned. She was one of the few who had remained loyal to my mother even after her death.

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