(MAYA)
The mirrors in the royal dressing chambers reflect a woman I barely recognize. My auburn hair has been intricately braided with silver threads and tiny moonstone beads that catch the light with each turn of my head. The dress, a creation of flowing silk in midnight blue, hugs my body before cascading to the floor in graceful waves.
Around my neck rests a delicate, silver pendant bearing the royal crest—Griffin's gift, delivered this morning with a note that made me blush.
"Are you ready?" Corrine asks, adjusting the final fold of my dress with practiced hands. Her gown of deep burgundy complements her dark hair and olive skin.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I reply, smoothing nonexistent wrinkles from the silk. "I still can't believe this is happening."
Corrine smiles, squeezing my hand. "Believe it. In an hour, you'll be the official queen of the Human Wolf Kingdom."
