No one noticed when Katherine walked in, and by the time they did, she was already among them.
But that wasn't why they were shocked.
The Katherine they expected and the Katherine before them were two completely different people. Sure, the face and body were the same, but her demeanour was not.
And then there was the dress.
They had expected her usual cheap gowns.
They were wrong.
Katherine's gown was a vision of opulence, fit for the occasion. Made from fine silk, it flowed elegantly to the floor in soft, layered cascades. The bodice was adorned with delicate embroidery and beadwork that shimmered subtly with every movement.
The colours blended softly pastel purples and blues that seemed to shift with the light. The skirt was lined with lace and floral patterns, adding an ethereal touch.
But it was the jewels that drew the eye.
Gemstones, diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, were woven seamlessly into the fabric, catching the light in a quiet but undeniable display of wealth. Pearls and crystals adorned the lower layers, giving her a soft glow with every step.
She didn't wear much makeup, allowing her natural beauty to stand out, her pale skin and silver hair perfectly complementing the gown.
The attention that had been on Rose and the crown prince shifted instantly.
"Oh my, Lady Katherine," Lady Aurora spoke for the first time, her voice calm yet clear. "What a beautiful dress. So, this is what you meant by fashionably late. I didn't know rags could look this stunning… though now I wonder what that makes the rest of our dresses."
Silence.
Those who had mocked Katherine felt their faces heat with embarrassment.
And surprise.
Lady Aurora never involved herself in conversations at her own gatherings.
"Katherine… who is she, and why is she helping us?" Ker asked suspiciously.
"From the way everyone reacts to her, I'd say she's the duke's daughter," Katherine replied quietly.
"But hey, I'm not complaining," Ker added. "In a place where everyone is against us, I'll take it."
"Yeah."
"Lady Aurora," Katherine said politely. "I apologize for arriving late. My carriage broke down."
Her gaze briefly flicked to Rose as she said the last part.
Rose looked away.
"It's nothing to worry about. Please, enjoy the party," Aurora replied. "The first activity will begin shortly, so everyone, make yourselves comfortable."
The first activity was poetry recitals by some of the kingdom's most talented poets.
Katherine wasn't interested.
She found herself a seat near the food table and quietly enjoyed the delicacies, completely unbothered.
Which disappointed quite a few people.
They had expected drama.
After all, her sister had arrived with her ex-fiancé.
"What's your game here?"
That irritating scent came first, then the crown prince's voice.
"Is ignoring me your new way of trying to get my attention?"
"Who the hell gave this guy that idea?" Ker scoffed.
"You know, Your Highness," Katherine said calmly, "if I didn't know better, I'd say you're the one trying to get my attention."
"Rose told me what you did. Are you now bullying your sister because I chose her over you?"
Katherine blinked.
"When did I bully Rose?"
"Don't play dumb. I know you asked for the treasury seal just so she couldn't afford a dress. Luckily, I stepped in."
Ker burst out laughing. "Is he stupid or pretending to be? What does that even have to do with anything?"
"I'm starting to understand why you don't like him," Katherine muttered.
"What are you saying under your breath?" the prince snapped.
"You dare ignore a royal?"
"Your Highness," Katherine said smoothly, "don't you think my sister would be lonely if you kept me company like this?"
Now everyone was watching.
Was this… unresolved feelings?
Rose's nails dug into her palm.
Was he… paying attention to Katherine?
"Darian, try this... it's really good," she said sweetly, calling him by name.
Not just to share food... but to make a statement.
She was the one closest to him.
She was the one he chose.
And when he accepted the cake from her, her smile turned triumphant.
"I really don't like her."
Katherine turned, slightly startled, to find Lady Aurora beside her.
If she were still Ciara, she would have sensed her approach long ago.
Now, her senses were dulled.
Wolves had sharp sight, smell, and hearing. Strength. Speed.
Royal wolves… even more.
And she had lost most of it.
"Anyone in their right mind wouldn't," Katherine replied.
That was all it took.
Shared dislike turned into conversation.
Magic. Politics.
They spoke easily... naturally.
And that shocked everyone.
Lady Aurora had never engaged like this before.
"Would you like to see the library?" Aurora asked.
"Sure."
They left the garden together.
Inside the mansion—
The hallway leading to the library was long and elegant, lined with marble columns and lit by warm, filtered light from stained glass windows. Portraits of ancestors watched over them as they walked.
"Are you sure it's okay to leave your own party?" Katherine asked.
Aurora smiled faintly. "I'm sure you've noticed... the main attraction today isn't me. It's your sister and the crown prince." "What is a man even doing at a women's gathering?" Katherine added
A servant approached.
"My lady, the duke requests your presence."
"Now?"
"Yes. It concerns the Magic Tower."
Aurora nodded. "Tell him I'll be there."
She turned to Katherine. "The library is at the end of the hall. I'll meet you there."
Katherine nodded.
At the end of the corridor stood large mahogany doors.
She pushed them open...
And stepped inside.
The scent hit her instantly.
Familiar.
Too familiar.
"…He's here."