“Mom, can I take Dorothy with me instead of my security? We’re just running errands. I promise we’ll be careful! Please, mommy?” Serena begged, her eyes wide with exaggerated innocence.
To my surprise, her mother smiled softly and nodded. “Alright, but be back before dark.”
As soon as we passed through the mansion doors, Serena squeezed my hand and winked playfully. I couldn’t help but smile, shaking my head at her antics. What a silly heiress.
Serena and I had been close ever since I started working at the mansion. Perhaps it was because we were the same age, or maybe because she had no siblings. Despite the differences in our social status, Serena never seemed to care. She once told me it was my attitude she admired, and from that point, she treated me as her equal—eventually, as a sister.
A short while later, our horse-drawn carriage arrived at the town square. The streets were alive with activity—the air filled with the enticing aromas of food stalls, the vibrant colors of gowns and fabrics on display, and the chatter of townsfolk hurrying about their business. I’ve always loved coming here. It felt like an escape from the chaos of life, a brief relief from everything weighing me down.
As we walked deeper into the bustling market, a few pack members recognized Serena. She was well-known in Amber Stone Pack, and most mateless wolves dream of being her mate. For she-wolves, they admire her beauty and social standing. A few of them politely asked for a picture, and Serena, ever the gracious woman, happily obliged. Afterward, we resumed our stroll through the busy streets.
“This is exciting, isn’t it?” Serena asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“It really is. Thank you for bringing me here every now and then,” I replied gratefully.
“You deserve this, Dorothy. Now, let’s find the perfect gown for you! And don’t hold back—choose the one you love, okay?” Serena insisted, pulling me toward the rows of booths.
We wandered through the market, admiring the elegant gowns on display. They were stunning, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder, imagining what it would be like to wear something so beautiful. Serena made me try on several gowns, and eventually, we settled on one called the “Frost Gown.” It was breathtaking, with shades of pale blue, silver, and white, cascading through its layers like a frozen mist.