"Cora, what the hell is going on?" I demanded, staring at my sister in shock and indignation.

She had just burst into my suite and announced that I would not be wearing the dress Did had especially designed for tonight's ball. She yanked the hanger from my closet and tossed the laundry bag aside as if the dress inside—the most expensive piece of clothing any of us had ever owned—was insignificant.

"Just put on your bathrobe and sit down. The makeup artist arrives any minute," Cora replied, a devious and utterly unrepentant smile on her face. She moved around my dressing room, pulling up a chair in front of the dressing table, making room by moving boxes and suitcases. She moved as if she owned the place. Normally, I wouldn't mind—my sister is welcome to anything of mine—but her sneaky demeanor and knowing glances were driving me to distraction.

"Makeup artist?" I repeated, horrified. I gave up trying to follow her frantic movements; I couldn't keep up, and she wouldn't stop even if I tried. "What are you talking about? I'm perfectly capable of doing my own makeup."

"Sure you can, but there's nothing wrong with a little pampering now and then." My sister replied, offering no further explanation for her strange behavior. She began rummaging through my shoe rack, seeming to eliminate numerous options with a single glance, including the heels I'd bought specifically for this event. I was about to demand answers again when the door opened, and a new voice joined the chaos.

"Don't forget the hairdressers!" Elizabeth sang, entering unannounced and carrying three heavy-looking bags. "They want to start styling before the makeup team takes over." She clearly had overheard our conversation and was clearly involved in whatever plot was afoot.

"Okay, stop!" I cried, throwing my hands up in protest. The two women paused, looking at me expectantly. "One of you needs to tell me what's going on, right now," I ordered firmly, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Don't worry, she's never been good with surprises," Cora said to Elizabeth in a conspiratorial whisper, as if I weren't even there. Luckily, she turned to me a second later. "Ella, all you need to know is that there's been a slight change of plans, and we're here to ensure everything runs smoothly."

"What change of plans?" I exploded, increasingly frustrated. "I've been planning this ball for weeks! I know every detail—the logistics, the decorations, the food! I personally approved every item on the menu, every flower arrangement. I'd know if anything had changed. Do you realize I have teams of people working on this? You can't just come in and change things at the last minute!"

"Take a deep breath, dear," Elizabeth said, setting down her heavy bags. "It's not last minute; we've been working on this for days. Also, Dominic didn't want you stressed; he's just trying to do something nice for you."

I gaped, cradling my belly. My first instinct was to laugh in their faces if they thought a few days was enough time to make major adjustments to this kind of event, but my wolf focused on the second half of Elizabeth's statement. "Did Dominic arrange this?"

"Well, technically, we organized it," Cora corrected, smiling. "But we did it at his behest. We're just fulfilling your wishes. Now calm down and try to have fun."

As soon as I realized my secretive companion was behind this scheme, my wolf calmed down immediately. My shoulders slumped as the tension coursing through my body dissipated as quickly as it had appeared. If Sinclair was responsible, I knew I would like this surprise. At the same time, my mind raced with questions. I wasn't sure where he was, but I reached out to him anyway.

What are you doing? I asked suspiciously.

He must have been close, because as soon as the message left my mind, his warm laughter filled my senses. You'll see, my love. Are you being a good girl and letting Cora and Isabel take care of you?

You mean your evil minions? I snorted. They're taking great pleasure in tormenting me; in fact, they're just asking to be bitten.

No biting, little wolf, Sinclair warned, his tone too forgiving for me to take seriously.

My wolf grumbled rebelliously, a new thought arising. If Sinclair is responsible for this twist, perhaps he is the one who should pay the price. What about you? she asked mischievously. Can I bite you?

Maybe later, he laughed, and I couldn't hide my disappointment. We'll be together soon. For now, relax—I promise you'll enjoy this surprise.

My wolf was still muttering curses in my head when the makeup and hair crews arrived. They bustled in carrying sophisticated boxes of supplies, all bright smiles and squeals of excitement. They were clearly thrilled, but no one was going to tell me what was happening, and it was driving me crazy.

I sat patiently as my hair was styled with meticulous detail, glaring at anyone who looked in my direction. I had to get up twice to use the restroom, but soon my reflection was more glamorous than ever. My golden-pink hair was intricately braided around my head, with long, curly locks framing my face. The effect was ethereal and charming, especially with the pearl pins.

My makeup was impressive but understated, emphasizing my natural features rather than masking them. Smoky shadows created seductive patterns under my well-defined eyebrows, and onyx paint was applied to my long lashes, making my golden irises glow in bright contrast. My fair skin was virtually untouched, with just a touch of blush on my cheeks and pink lipstick on my full lips.

Cora and Isabel came to admire the finished product, both wearing matching emerald dresses. "You look amazing," my sister smiled, shaking my hand.

"It's true," Elizabeth confirmed with her typical indifferent air. "In fact, it's annoying that someone is allowed to be so beautiful. Maybe we should undo some of that—it might cause a ruckus."

"She's not going to cause a ruckus," Cora laughed, shaking her head. "But Dominic will when he sees you."

"And we haven't even put on her dress yet," Elizabeth smiled.

"What dress?" I demanded. "How could you have made another dress without me even trying it on?" I exclaimed, gesturing to my full-length body. While my breasts and belly had borne the brunt of the growing pains in the first two trimesters of my pregnancy, the third was showing me nothing was safe from change. My hips were widening, my backside had gained significant padding, and my feet seemed to have grown. "I've ballooned another inch! Whatever's in that bag won't fit!"

"Honestly, Ella," Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Do you think we're complete amateurs? The seamstress has been working on it since the beginning. She took measurements for her ball gown and duplicate measurements for the royal dress."

My jaw dropped as I stared between the women. "Who are you?"

"So, you love spy movies," Cora replied, ignoring me again.

"If one of you doesn't start talking, I'm going to lose my temper," I warned. "And losing my temper means a lot of tears these days. If you don't want me to ruin this makeup, then tell me what's going on."

"Alright, princess," Isabel laughed humorously. "Why don't you take a look at your dress, so you can decide if you still want to twist our necks."

My jaw clenched, and I balled my fists, moving forward and violently unzipping the garment bag. I didn't want to look at this dress. I wanted the dress I'd chosen with the stylist. Unfortunately, it didn't look like I was going to get the explanations I needed any other way, so I played along.

As soon as the zipper came down, my breath hitched. Opening the waterproof cover, I beheld meters of bright white fabric. I had no idea what material it was, but it possessed a remarkable luminescence, glowing like a ray of pure moonlight. Pearls, like the ones entwined in my hair, were sewn into the bodice and skirt, accentuating the intricate swirling embroidery.

Suddenly, I understood why everyone was behaving so strangely—even before my sister finally had mercy on me.

"Ella, tonight isn't just a ball," Cora told me, her eyes sparkling. "It's your mating ceremony."