CHAPTER SIXTY FOUR
ROXANNE
As I stepped out of the dungeon and into the fresh air, the weight of the past days still clung to me. Ryker had filled me in on what had transpired, and although I was grateful to be released, there was something about his story that seemed off. Kara’s words echoed in my mind, mingling with the sorrow of her fate. She had suffered so much to protect me, and it pained me every time I thought about it.
What bothered me was the part where someone shows up looking like me. Something about it just wasn't right.Who could be impersonating me?
Ryker placed a reassuring hand on my back. “Get some rest, Roxanne. I’ll keep a close eye on Selina and Fabiola. I still don’t trust them.”
I nodded, though the theories swirling around us made little sense. New evidence kept surfacing, each piece more baffling than the last. The officials were confused, and so was I.
Ryker sighed, a heavy sound that seemed to carry the weight of his responsibilities. “I’m organising an event in two days. It’s a tradition to honour my parents and past rulers of the Red Moon pack. I’d like you to be there.”
“A tradition?” I asked. I had never heard about such a thing. Maybe it was true. Every pack did things differently.
Ryker nodded, “yeah. It's kind of a Red Moon's thing.”
“Oh Alright. I’ll be there,” I agreed, trying to push aside my doubts. Ryker kissed my forehead gently. “I’ll make sure everything is ready for you.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, watching him leave before heading to my room.
***
A day before the occasion, the pack house buzzed with energy. Everyone was preparing for the arrival of distinguished guests. The grand hall was being decorated with red and gold drapes, symbolising the strength and heritage of our pack.
Flowers were arranged meticulously, and the scent of fresh blooms filled the air. The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity, with cooks preparing lavish dishes that would be served to our guests.
The Beta had delivered my dress earlier, and I had insisted no maid come near me. Trust was a rare commodity now. The dress was stunning—a beige gown adorned with delicate charms. The corset hugged my waist perfectly, and the skirt flowed like a cascade of golden light. It was fit for a princess, and I couldn’t stop myself from trying it on every night, waiting for the day I could finally wear it.
Standing before the mannequin that held the dress, I twirled a lock of my hair, pondering how to style it. My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. A smile crept onto my lips, expecting Ryker. But disappointment quickly followed when I opened the door.
Selina stood there, a box in her hands. “What do you want?” I demanded, unable to hide my irritation.
She smiled and extended the box. “I brought your shoes.”
I took the box and turned to place it on the sofa, expecting her to leave. But she followed me inside.
“I didn’t ask you in,” I snapped, crossing my arms.
Selina ignored my tone. “I let myself in, just like you did in my room.”
“Thank you for the shoes, but you can leave now.”
Selina feigned a hurt expression. “I know we don’t get along, but I want to make things right. I’m sorry for poisoning you. I was bitter then.”
“You’ve apologised. Now leave.”
“I’ll only leave if you forgive me,” she insisted.
“I’ve forgiven you,” I said, though it tasted like a lie.
“Then join me in my room this evening,” she said, her tone shifting to something more insistent.
I frowned. “Why?”
Selina stepped closer, twirling a lock of my hair. I slapped her hand away. She smirked. “I’m hosting a girls’ slumber party. Other girls will be there. If you’ve really forgiven me, you’ll come.”
Her invitation made no sense. Selina had never shown any interest in spending time with me. “Don’t invite me out of guilt.”
“I’m trying to make amends,” she replied, her voice honeyed and false.
“I’ll think about it.”
“It’s not a request,” she said, blowing me a kiss before sauntering out, leaving me more puzzled than ever. What was she playing at? And why now, of all times?
***
I was sceptical about going yet I found myself digging through my clothes. I slipped into my pyjamas, feeling uncertain. Clutching a pillow, I decided to go to Ryker's room first. I needed to tell him about this weird invitation. I knocked, but there was no response. I opened the door and found his room empty.
I sighed. I’d have to do this alone. Part of me didn’t want to go, but I had never been to a girl's sleepover. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.
I walked down the creepy passageway until I reached Selina's bedroom. I could hear loud laughter and music. My stomach churned. Peeking in, I saw the girls drinking and singing in sexy lingerie. I felt so out of place in my pyjamas. I turned to leave, but Selina appeared, smiling.
"Hey, welcome to my party. Why are you in pyjamas?" she asked, taking my hand and pulling me inside.
"You said it was a slumber party," I mumbled.
Selina laughed. "You've never been to one, I guess. It's more fun than just sleeping."
The girls stared at me, not looking happy. Selina told them to welcome me. “You all, meet Roxanne. She will be joining us tonight.”
They grudgingly pulled me to the side, trying to get me to change into something more revealing. I refused because of my scars but I didn't tell them that.
Finally, they gave up.
Selina began pouring a liquid inside everyone's cup and from the strong scent, I recognised it. It was spirit.
She handed me a glass. “Have one, princess.”
"I don’t drink," I said, feeling awkward.
"Come on, have fun for once. Stop being a baby," she insisted.
With no way out, I took the glass and drank. The alcohol burned, but I kept drinking as they refilled my glass. Soon, I was laughing and singing with them, feeling the room spin.
I closed my eyes, trying to stop the dizziness. Everything felt fuzzy and distant. I stumbled, trying not to fall but my eyes betrayed me. They closed, slowly dragging me into the deep end.
***
I stared at my reflection in the mirror as Portia tucked in the last bit of hair. "They’re so pretty," she said, admiring her work.
"Not too damaged, yeah?" I asked, feeling a bit insecure.
Portia shook her head. "Just perfect. You look adorable, like a princess."
I took a small bow and patted my hair, but Portia scolded me. "You’ll ruin the style if you keep touching it."
The curls looked soft and pretty, feeling like cotton candy to my touch. I had to force myself to stop fiddling with them.
I placed a kiss on Portia’s cheek. "Thank you for helping me."
"It’s nothing," she replied with a smile.
The soothing sounds of the instruments played throughout the hall, easing my tension. I walked into the hall, and the room fell silent. People stared at me, not in a weird way, but like I was a rare gem. I lowered my head slowly, feeling self-conscious.
Had I overdressed? Did I look bad?
Ryker approached, looking perfect in his black tuxedo and pants. His black shoe glistened in the light. His hair fell to his face without the usual gel, and I liked it that way. He smiled at me. "Hey."
"Hi, handsome," I replied, beaming at him.
He leaned in and whispered, "You’re one of the most gorgeous girls in the room tonight. Have fun, I need to attend to the ministers.”
"I will," I assured him.
His expression shifted to concern. "Are you sure you’ll be fine by yourself?"
"I’ll be fine," I promised, though part of me wasn't entirely sure.
“I'll see you later.” He squeezed my hand and quickly walked off, so as not to attract more stares. I sighted Selina at the far end. She had on a simple dress which I will consider classy. But I still had no idea why bad people liked to wear white. For me it was a colour for peace.
I took a glass of wine from the tray and sipped as I tried to piece yesterday night's event together. I had woken up in my bed of vomit. How I got to my room, I had no idea.
Selina approached me with a look of disdain on her face. Speak of the devil, they say.
"How did you get such a lovely dress?" she sneered. "This isn’t even a ball, just an old plain event.”
So I shouldn't dress properly because it was an old plain event?
I smirked and took a sip of my wine, staring her down. "Why do you sound bitter?"
She shrugged. "A slumber party doesn’t make us friends, okay? So back off."
"I’d rather spend the night on the rooftop than attend another slumber party with you," I shot back.
"That’s better than throwing up in my freaking bed!" she snapped.
I froze. So I had actually vomited on her bed. I’d warned her I wasn't good with alcohol, but she hadn't listened.
The people around me started to tour the pack house, so I joined in, pretending to be interested. What I wanted was to be away from Selina.
As I walked down the hallways, I noticed pictures on the walls that I was sure hadn’t been there before. Maybe they were put up for the event. People gathered around each picture, whispering amongst themselves.
I squeezed into one of the circles and saw the man in the first picture. He looked familiar. The name inscribed read: Finny Wade. Ryker’s dad.
I moved on to the next picture, seeing that most were of his family tree. They looked like a lineage of vampires with those piercing red eyes but they were fine.
I saw nearly everyone’s picture except his mother’s, and it bugged me. Why wasn’t she included? Was it only Alphas?
As I walked further down, I came across a picture that was set apart from the others and it was the painting of a woman.It seemed more like an altar
As I took in the details of the art, I wondered why this was the only picture that no one neared. A shiver ran down my spine, and a cold feeling wrapped around me.
The more I looked, the more real she seemed. It was as if the painting was pulling me in, drowning me in its colours.
My head began to whirl, and the world around me started to fade. I dug my nails into my palms, trying to ground myself, but it didn’t work. The music and voices became distant, like whispers. Why was everything so silent? What was happening?
The eyes in the picture blinked and I tried to tell myself it wasn’t real, that I was hallucinating. But she felt so real, like a presence standing before me.