do Isla’s hair when she was little would come in handy with my mate.
Dawn slept so long we had to wake her, and the ceremony is soon. Somehow, Jair and Dume found her something to wear. Griffin helped her bathe, and Aska aided in dressing her, adding jewels and treasures to her frame that someone called Jean Paul delivered. Each one had a story, a tale, and he had to tell her each as he placed them on her body. It took a long time, but we understood. After, he regarded her and declared her the best treasure he has ever found, then he bowed and left her to me to finish off the look and make sure she is ready.
They all seem to defer to me in that way, and I wonder why. I never wanted to lead anyone or for anyone to look to me, yet they do, as does my mate. I hope I am enough. That’s when I realise she must be feeling the same way, and right now she needs me to support her, to comfort her. To be her rock, the man standing behind her.
Every great woman has one. But a woman like this? She has a number of them.
“You are ready, and beautiful.”
She sighs and turns to look at herself in the mirror. This brings back some memories for her, so I wrap my arms around her waist and press my head to her shoulder. “You okay, Little Monster?”
“What if I can’t do it?” she whispers, meeting my gaze in the mirror. “What if I’m not good enough?”
“Dawn, look at me. No one, I mean no one, could have done what you did. You brought this world together, all its monsters and misfits, and got them to not only listen to you, but to fight for you. Look at your mates. They are some of the fiercest, most rare creatures in the world, and you got them to get along and sleep in the same room. You can do whatever you put your mind to. I promise you. And we will be here, behind you, ready for whatever you need. When those stares and stressors become too much, we will block them. We will stop them and give you time to rebuild.”
Tears fill her eyes as she watches me, showing such weakness from such a strong creature. The fact she shares them with me only solidifies my love for her.
“Nos—”
“Always, Little Monster. Now, let’s show this world and your new people just why we love you. It is time you took your place in history.”
“Together,” she whispers.
“Together,” I agree, and take her hand. I kiss her knuckles and raise my eyes to the beauty who is my mate.
The dress they chose is stunning, highlighting the magnificence of her. It’s black, pitch-black like her eyes, but the top of the bodice twinkles with gems, white like my eyes. It’s low cut and skin-tight, bisected right down to her navel where it flows out into a silky gown, which trails behind her on the floor, sparkling with yet more gems.
Her pale skin peeks through the lacy long sleeves, which cut off at her wrists. The lace is not a normal lace, no, it has trees, vines, skulls, and such sown into the fabric. It’s delicate, yet deadly. Like her. The dress is backless, only showing off her perfect, unblemished skin. I want to rip it from her and sink into her wet heat, but I don’t.
Not yet.
Jewels adorn her neck. Black stones with purple highlights, Aska’s touch. There is a choker at the top with one, giant stone in the center, but smaller ones trail down her cheek and between her cleavage.
Her fingers are filled with rings they chose, some red like her mates’ eyes, some golden like her other mates’ features. We dotted more gems, red, black, white, gold, and silver, in her hair. And on her forehead is something incredible.
I don’t know how he found it, but he said he felt the pull of it years ago. Its black beads trail to her forehead where a silver, iridescent crescent moon hangs, matching her wolf’s.
It was meant for her, brought by her dragon.
Her black eyes are kohl lined, only highlighting their starry beauty, with red and purple makeup delicately swirled around them. Her lips are painted ruby, like blood.
She looks regal and monstrous.
Perfect.
“I’m ready,” she declares, her voice strong and confident as she tilts her chin up, a lesson from her dragon.