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Chapter 9

I was starting to dread nightfall. It was a haunting reminder that the day had ended and a new one would appear as soon as I opened my eyes. I used to be grateful for it. It was a time I would never be bothered. I didn't have to fear. Now, it only meant I was running out of time.

Two days.

The Celestial Ball was in two days.

Packs from all over the world would gather here for one grand night and I would finally be face-to-face with my mate. No more running and hiding.

I stared restlessly at the ceiling above me, my hand crossing above my belly button with my baby wolf in between. Raelyn was curled into my left side, the fabric of my shirt scrunched in her fists. Karter was at the foot of the bed rolled in a tight ball, and Millie snored quietly on my right, shifting ever so slightly in her sleep.

I debated waking her up to get things off my mind, but I quickly dismissed the thought. She needed her rest. Our daily schedules were chaotic enough with the pack frantically preparing for the event, and because of my training sessions, she and my family had to work twice as much to make up for the work I couldn't do.

When Helios was done with his official sessions with the pack, he would join Alana and me in the meadow by the southern border. From there, I would learn various fighting skills at an intense pace. Helios demonstrated different techniques to me and then I would utilize them in practice against Alana.

I was amateur at best. I lacked a lot of physical strength in my muscles and my moves were sloppy, but I was quick on my feet and my endurance was growing more each day. My body struggled to keep up with the rapid change. Some days, it felt like I was suffocating and my body burned with pain even as I lay in bed. I forced myself to endure it though. I wouldn't break.

Sometimes before we retired for the night, I would teach the things I learned to my siblings. It helped me gain more practice and I also enjoyed sharing with them. It reassured me that they had a chance to defend themselves if something ever happened here.

There were very few people who cared what happened to them. Others would rather turn the other cheek than save people like us. So, I gave them everything I knew. I would protect them if no one else would.

The sun was quick to rise. I didn't get a wink of sleep. I hadn't the day before either. My stomach was in turmoil thinking of what would occur tomorrow night. I gently moved out of the bed, trying my best not to wake the others. I nearly tripped on my face, but I managed to get down without breaking a limb.

I dragged myself to the bathroom and started to get dressed. I felt like a zombie as I stared in the mirror while brushing my teeth. I was exhausted.

When I walked back into the room, the alarm sounded for everyone to get up. Millie rose quickly, rolling out of bed and heading straight to the bathroom. Reagan and Karter sat up as well, but they were lucky to have free schedules for the next few days. All of the pup classes were on pause until after the Celestial Ball.

When I stepped outside of the room, Alana was already waiting for me against the hallway wall. She looked unimpressed, looking me up and down before shaking her head.

"Marielle, you need to sleep." She demanded. "Do you want to show up tomorrow night looking like that?"

"No." I ran a hand over my face," It's just so hard."

She sighed, shaking her head once more," Good thing we aren't training today. You wouldn't see a rock flying at you if someone told you."

"What will we do?" I wondered with a small frown.

"I doubt you have anything to wear."

A new wave of panic washed over me. I forgot I didn't have a dress. The only dresses I owned were our uniforms and old ones that were too small. I wouldn't even make it into the party if I showed up in any of those.