The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 100: Chapter 100

~THE MASK CEREMONY~
"Are you attending the ceremony?"
Lylah asked as she struggled to put on a gown, feeling awkward in it. It wasn't her style. She had worn trousers all her life-femininity wasn't her thing, unlike her sister. Sometimes, people even mistook her for a boy, and she never minded it.
"I don't think so," Brigid replied from where she lay on the bed behind Lylah, absentmindedly playing with a small hairpin.
"Why not?"
"Because celebrations like that aren't my thing. They bore me... I only looked forward to the combat trial-the blood spilling and all. And I've had my fill."
Lylah sighed. "Me too." She groaned in frustration as she struggled with the zipper of her dress. "Why won't it... go up?"
"Let me help you." Brigid stood and pulled up the stuck zipper.
"There," she muttered once it was done.
Lylah turned to the mirror, studying herself. The gown was midnight blue with a touch of violet. It was off the shoulder with a high slit, and a belt cinched her small waist, accentuating her curves.
"You look good. Who would've thought you had this much breast and backside? You look more of a lady now."
Lylah shook her head. "I can't wear this. It's... it's too formal, elegant, tight, and itchy. Not my taste."
"But it's beautiful," Brigid said with a smile. "Just a few touches on your face, and you'll be good to go."
Lylah shot her a look.
"Sit," Brigid ordered, and before Lylah could argue, she pressed again. "Sit. Lylah."
Lylah obeyed, taking a deep breath as Brigid began working on her appearance.
After a while, Brigid smirked, crossing her arms over her chest before winking at Lylah.
"Now I'm wondering who's more beautiful-you or your sister. Your mate will be lucky in a few days."
Lylah giggled. "Let me see." She stood and walked to the mirror, only to gasp at her reflection.
The makeup was light, accentuating her features. Her jewelry was subtle yet elegant, matching her dress. Lylah felt like she was staring at a different version of herself. Her long hair cascaded down, reaching slightly below her shoulders.
"It's really nice, but... it's still not me," Lylah said with a bright smile. "Thanks a lot, Brigid."
Brigid shrugged. "What are friends for? Besides, the dress really suits you. Did your sister give it to you?"
"No. It was the Grand Handsome Lord. I found it in my chamber last night. He asked if I was attending, and I told him no and gave him an excuse that I had no dress. It's unbelievable that he actually gave me one."
Brigid's expression changed as she bit her lip. "T-the Beta?"
Lylah nodded, then spun to face Brigid. "I have to go find my sister first-we've got some plans to handle. Bye, Brigid."
"Bye," Brigid said, forcing a smile.
As the door closed behind Lylah, Brigid's fists clenched at her sides.
The dress was from him?
The cold Grand Lord gave Lylah a dress? What did that mean? Did he like her?
Relax, Brigid. Lylah is just a seventeen-year-old kid, yet to have her wolf.
A kid? Or a lady? She's practically eighteen.
The Grand Lord would never take an interest in a girl like Lylah.
...Right?
•••••••••••••••
Beta Lucas was in his study, attending to some political affairs before joining the masked ceremony. His gaze was serious as it swept through the details.
After a while, he finished up and began packing, as his presence would soon be needed.
A knock sounded on the door behind him, and without glancing in its direction, Lucas permitted, "Come in."
The door cracked open, and a figure stepped in. Her scent-though faint-caught Lucas's attention. He turned slightly, his eyes settling on Lylah, who stood nervously by the door.
"My Lord," Lylah cleared her throat to steady her voice. "Um... I came to thank you for the dress. That was very kind of you."
Lucas stared at her for a moment before a small smile tugged at his lips.
"I almost didn't recognize you, little wolf. If it weren't for your scent, I'd have taken you for someone else. You earned that dress," he said, returning his gaze to his desk. "Take it as a gift for being a good student."
Seriously? No words about how she looked? Wait why was she even expecting a compliment anyway?
"Do you need some help?" Lylah asked.
"No. You should head to the hall. I'll be there soon-I just need to get dressed."
"I'll wait for you," Lylah shrugged, and Lucas raised a brow at her.
"I mean... I... I'm going. Right now." She took a deep breath and turned to leave, but his voice stopped her.
"Lylah."
She halted, glancing back at him. The way her name rolled off his tongue stirred something within her.
"Your dress looks good on you," he said, offering the softest smile she'd ever seen from him.
"Thank you, my Lord," Lylah replied, quickly leaving before the heat rising to her cheeks became visible. She quickened her pace through the hall and found an empty corner, resting her back against the wall.
He complimented her. That was new.
"I guess he's not as cold as he seems after all," Lylah whispered to herself, smiling as she thought of him. Then, all of a sudden, she shook her head.
"What the hell, Lylah," she mumbled, pressing her lips together-still smiling-and began hopping her way to the Grand Hall.
Brigid, who had witnessed Lylah leaving the Beta's chamber with a smile, clenched her jaw.
"God, what is wrong with me?" she muttered under her breath, then turned to leave.
Since her mind was disoriented, she wasn't watching where she was going. As she turned the next corner, she bumped into a chest and stumbled back.
Her eyes met Toran's-his usual crazy smirk already in place, the one that annoyed her to no end.
"Hello, Brigid," he said, his smirk growing wider.
Brigid scoffed and began to walk away.
"You're crushing on Beta Lucas," he said, and she froze mid-step. "Too bad Arianna's sister might be stealing your chance."
Brigid rolled her eyes, then spun around and walked back to Toran. Without warning, she threw a fist, connecting it to his face-hard enough to burst his lip.
"You're the most annoying stalker I've ever met. Stay the fuck away from me," she warned, her eyes burning with rage. "Or I'll cut your balls off."
As she stormed away, Toran let out a soft, amused laugh, wiping the blood from his lip, a crazy grin lingering on his face.
He muttered, "She's perfect."