The curse of the wolf

Magic and mystery

*Griff*

She looks breathtaking, a radiant vision of allure and elegance that outshines everyone else in the room.

Her dress, a masterful blend of tight-fitting fabric, lace, and pearls, clings to her figure, accentuating her curves while revealing just enough to be irresistibly enticing. The pearls and lace strategically cover her body, teasing the idea of nudity, adding to her magnetic charm. As the one who picked out the dress for her, I can’t help but feel a swell of pride at the stunning result.

Her eyes, brilliant and mesmerizing, peering through the silver mask, seem to glimmer beneath the chandelier’s light. For a fleeting moment, our eyes meet, and a warmth surges through me, kindling emotions I hardly dare acknowledge.

I force myself to look away, attempting to steady the erratic pounding of my heart. Deep down, I know I must maintain a safe distance. She is too fragile, too precious to be drawn into the perilous world that my life encompasses. As much as I long to be with her, I cannot risk exposing her to the dangers that accompany being my true mate. The thought is bittersweet. But her safety is my utmost priority.

Jean suddenly bursts into laughter, drawing my attention to Anaïs’ fiancé, Mathis. Dressed in an elaborate peacock costume, Mathis appears quite out of place among the guests. His outfit, adorned with numerous feathers and vibrant colors, is undeniably eye-catching. As he struts confidently down the stairs, the feathers seem to fan out behind him, mimicking the display of an actual peacock.

Jean, unable to contain his amusement, exclaims, “That’s her fiance? He looks like a walking peacock! I can’t believe he’s actually wearing that!”

I chuckle, confessing, “Well, Jean, I’m actually the one behind his costume choice. I thought it would be fitting for him.”

Jean raises an eyebrow, intrigued by my admission. “Oh, really? Well, I must say, it’s quite the spectacle!”

Together, we share a laugh, both finding a sense of satisfaction in the comical scene. The extravagant peacock costume not only adds a touch of humor to the evening but also highlights the stark contrast between Mathis and the effortlessly elegant Anaïs.

As I turn my attention back to Anaïs, I can’t help but be captivated by the ethereal quality she exudes. The delicate white wings attached to her dress and her innate elegance create the illusion of her floating down the grand staircase, as if she is an angel gracing the earth with her presence. A sense of awe washes over me, and I find myself lost in the enchanting scene unfolding before my eyes.

Edward, clearly unable to resist commenting, leans in and says, “Have you noticed the graceful curve of her neck, Griff? The way her hair is piled up leaves her neck so tantalizingly exposed. A vampire’s dream. It’s quite enticing.”

At his words, an involuntary growl escapes my lips, and my eyes flash luminous green, a sign of my barely contained wolf. I grab Edward by the throat, my grip firm as I hiss, “Don’t you dare consider it, Edward. Don’t even let the thought cross your mind.”

Edward’s eyes widen in surprise, realizing that he may have overstepped a line. He nods slightly, understanding the gravity of the situation and the depth of my feelings for Anaïs. I release my grip on his throat, taking a deep breath to calm the storm of emotions raging within me. The night is still young, and I must ensure that Anaïs remains safe and unharmed, not only from the dangers of my world, but from the desires of others as well.

*Anaïs*

As my hand delicately rests on Mathis’ arm, I can barely contain my excitement. My heart races with every step we take down the Grand staircase. The flickering candlelight casts a warm, golden glow on the polished marble floors, and the ornate chandeliers above sparkle like a thousand stars in the night sky.

The decor is christmassy, yet elegant and I feel as if I have been transported into a scene from one of my favorite childhood fairytales or perhaps a grand musical production.

The soft melodies of the orchestra fill the air, mingling with the laughter and whispers of the elegantly dressed guests. I marvel at the sea of people on the dancefloor, their swirling dresses and tailored suits, a kaleidoscope of colors. Each person’s face is hidden behind an intricate mask, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the already enchanting atmosphere.

I turn to Mathis, my eyes wide with wonder, and can’t help but let out a small sigh of delight. “Oh Mathis, isn’t it wonderful?” The words escape my lips like a whispered dream, barely audible above the music and conversations. His eyes, visible behind the mask, twinkle with amusement as he takes in my awe-struck expression.

The ball is everything I had ever imagined, and so much more. The magic of the evening surrounds us, promising a night of enchantment and unforgettable memories.

“Can we dance?” I ask him breathlessly.

Just as Mathis is about to respond, a man in a sleek black suit and silver mask approaches us. He stands out from the crowd, his confident stride and air of authority catching our attention.

“Mathis Aubert, I presume?” he asks, extending a hand in greeting. Mathis nods, his grip firm as they shake hands.

“Indeed, I’m Mathis Aubert. How may I help you?” he inquires, curiosity evident in his tone.

The man smiles and continues, “I couldn’t help but notice you from across the room. I’m a close acquaintance of a certain very popular TV host who’s currently searching for a talented real estate agent. I have heard great things about your work, and I thought you might be interested in meeting them.”

Mathis’ eyes widen in surprise, and he glances at me, seeking my opinion. I nod encouragingly, knowing that this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him. “Go on, Mathis. This could be your big break,” I whisper, giving him a gentle nudge.

He hesitates for a moment, reluctant to leave me alone in the sea of strangers. But seeing the determination in my eyes, he relents. “Alright, lead the way,” Mathis says to the man, who grins and guides him through the crowd, leaving me to navigate the ball by myself.

As I watch Mathis disappear into the throng of dancers, I can’t help but feel a twinge of loneliness. Still, I remind myself that this is an incredible opportunity for him, and I refuse to let that thought dampen my spirits. I straighten my posture and take a deep breath, ready to embrace the enchanting atmosphere and all the mysterious encounters the evening has to offer.

Just then, the music swells, and the dancing couples around me seem to part as if by magic. From the opening, a man walks toward me with a measured, deliberate stride. He is tall and imposing, wearing a black suit adorned with what appear to be raven feathers on his shoulders. A matching black mask with feathers conceals his identity, giving him an air of mystique.

As he approaches, I can’t help but think it must be Griff, the height fits, the built too. The eyes seem the same, but the mask makes it a bit hard. His hair seems darker, but it might just be the slicked back style and the products used in it. Yet, something feels off about him. He doesn’t speak a word, but merely extends his hand to me, as if beckoning me to join him in a dance.

Trying to make sense of these weird feelings, I muster enough control over myself to speak. “Griff?” I ask, my voice barely audible above the music. The man doesn’t answer, but a subtle smile tugs at the corner of his lips, deepening the mystery.

Hesitantly, I place my hand in his, and the instant our skin makes contact, a shiver runs down my spine. The man’s grip is firm but gentle, and he expertly guides me onto the dance floor.

The music transitions into a haunting waltz, and he sweeps me into his arms.