The Luna Queen - Chapter 47: Chapter 47

_Leah's POV_
After breakfast the next day, I followed Susan out of the packhouse and into the bustling heart of town. As we walked along the wide streets lined with high-end shops, my eyes took in the displays through large windows. My unease was growing. The gowns and dresses behind the glass sparkled under bright lights, and every item screamed luxury.
I hesitated and glanced at Susan. "Are you sure we’re in the right place? These shops look… expensive. Maybe we should look somewhere else."
Susan only laughed and waved off my concern. "Oh, don’t worry about the price, dear. It’s all covered. This wedding is important for the entire pack and you should look the part."
I nodded, though I felt my stomach tighten. I forced a small smile, hiding the real reason for my nerves. It wasn’t the cost of the dresses, but the key hanging around Susan’s neck. As much as I wanted to slip away from this outing, I needed to keep my focus on that necklace and on how to get it.
Susan led me into one of the most luxurious stores on the street. A well-dressed store assistant greeted us with a warm smile. "Welcome. Are you here for wedding dresses or evening wear?" the assistant asked, her gaze taking in me and Susan.
“Wedding dresses,” Susan replied and glanced at me with a wide smile. “Something unforgettable.”
The shop was lined with elegant gowns and displays of sparkling jewelry. Each dress was more lavish than the last. Some gowns were covered in pearls, while others had delicate lace sleeves or shimmering layers of silk. One dress, positioned in the center, had a fitted bodice embroidered with tiny crystals that caught the light, sending rainbows dancing across the room.
Susan walked over to a white wedding dress adorned with pearls along the bodice and skirt. It was an off-shoulder design. It was elegant and breathtaking. "What do you think of this one, Leah?" she asked. There was a sparkle of excitement in her eyes.
I forced a smile, but my gaze drifted back toward a simpler dress with soft, flowing lines and a modest neckline. “It’s beautiful,” I said while hesitating. “But I think I would prefer something a little simpler.”
Susan raised an eyebrow. She looked a bit disappointed. "Simple, are you sure? It’s your wedding day, Leah."
I gave a small nod. "Yes, I think it suits me better."
We eventually found a simple dress that fit my vision. I wasn’t even interested in trying it on, but Susan insisted. “Oh, come on, Leah. You’ll want to see how it looks on you before deciding. Humor me, please?”
With a sigh, I took the dress and went into the dressing room. I slipped it on, my mind far from the fabric and lace. Instead, I was running through ways to get the key from Susan’s necklace. As I adjusted the dress, an idea sparked in my mind. I remembered seeing a few high-neck evening gowns on the other side of the store. If I could somehow persuade Susan to try one of them, maybe I could use that moment to reach for the necklace.
Stepping out of the dressing room, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The dress fit me well, hugging my form in a way that was undeniably flattering. I forced a smile as I turned to Susan, who looked delighted.
“Oh, Leah,” Susan said, her eyes bright. “It’s perfect for you. You look stunning!”
“Thank you,” I replied softly, though my mind was still racing. Then, as casually as I could manage, I added, "You know, since you're the groom's mother, you should look your best too. Have you thought about a dress for yourself?"
Susan gave a small laugh. “Oh, I don’t know… I wasn’t planning on anything too fancy.”
I pointed toward a deep blue gown with a high neck, smiling. “But that one would look perfect on you. It’s elegant, and it would match the evening ceremony.”
Susan looked thoughtful, glancing around the store. "Well, maybe. I suppose I could take a look."
I watched closely as Susan walked past the dress, barely glancing at it. I felt my heart sink. Susan didn’t seem interested in the high-necked gowns. I couldn’t let the opportunity slip by, though. I had to keep trying.
“Or what about this one?” I asked, pointing to another gown, a deep purple dress with intricate lace along the neckline and sleeves. “This one’s so elegant.”
Susan paused, looking at the dress with more interest this time. “Hmm. I suppose it does have a certain charm to it.” She turned back to me. “You really think it would suit me?”
“Yes!” I said eagerly. “Why don’t you try it on? It would look fantastic on you.”
Susan finally nodded, taking the dress from the rack. "All right, all right. I’ll try it on, but only because you insist."
I held my breath, watching as Susan disappeared into the dressing room with the purple gown. This was my chance. I had to be ready. I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I prepared for what I was about to do.
When Susan stepped out of the dressing room, I could see that the dress suited her perfectly. Susan smiled, admiring herself in the mirror. “I suppose this does look quite nice, doesn’t it?”
I stepped closer, acting as though I was adjusting the neckline of the dress. "It really does. Here, let me fix this part for you. The lace needs to lay just right."
As I reached behind Susan, my fingers moved deftly to the necklace clasp. I tried to keep my movements steady, my heart racing. I felt my fingers slip around the delicate chain, my thumb pressing on the clasp until it clicked open. Carefully, I slipped the necklace free, hiding it in the palm of my hand. My heart pounded, but I kept my face composed as I continued to adjust the lace along the dress’s collar.
“There,” I said, stepping back with a smile. “Perfect.”
Susan glanced at her reflection, beaming. “Thank you, Leah. You have such a good eye for these things.”
I just smiled, tucking my hand into my purse as casually as possible and letting the necklace slide from my hand. The key was now safely in my possession.
As Susan went back into the dressing room to change, my mind was a whirlwind. I had done it. I had the key. But I couldn’t let my excitement show, not yet. I had to keep up the act until we were back at the packhouse.
When Susan came back out, she hadn’t even noticed the absence of her necklace. “Thank you for your help, Leah. I think this gown might be the one,” she said, looking pleased.
We continued to browse through a few more stores, picking out jewelry and handbags for the wedding. I feigned interest, nodding at Susan’s choices and commenting when needed, but my mind was elsewhere. All I wanted now was to return to the packhouse, to finally unlock the chest and uncover the secrets Tariq and Susan had been hiding.
Every step back felt like a victory. I had gotten the key, and soon, I would know the truth. As we made our way through the last of the stores, I kept my face neutral, hiding the impatience burning within me. Just a little longer, and I would have the answers I so desperately needed.