Chapter 2 Ethereal Echoes

I sprinted the last stretch of the two-block run, my breath coming in quick gasps as I spotted Susan waiting in front of our favorite ice cream shop. She leaned casually against the pastel-painted wall, scrolling through her phone, her fiery red hair catching the sunlight.

The moment she looked up and saw me, her lips curled into a smirk. "Why are you panting like a dog?" she asked, wrinkling her nose in mock disgust.

I bent over, hands on my knees, catching my breath. "Well," I said, straightening and flashing her a cheeky grin, "to be fair, we are part of the dog family."

For a beat, we stared at each other, the corner of her mouth twitching. Then we both burst out laughing, the sound echoing off the quiet street.

"Okay, fair point," Susan conceded, still chuckling. "But seriously, why the cardio?"

"I ran two blocks to meet you here," I said, brushing stray hairs from my face. "And yeah, I know I shouldn't be this out of breath, but cut me some slack-I'm still wolf-less for a few more hours! Come on, have a heart for this birthday girl."

It was true. Before turning eighteen and getting our wolves, we were basically humans with a bit more strength, speed, and stamina. But Susan, having turned eighteen two months ago and bonded with her wolf, was already leagues ahead of me.

She gave me a smug look, clearly enjoying her superior status. "You'll get there soon enough. Come on, though, we're late as it is."

Late was an understatement. By the time we reached Ethereal Echoes-the most popular boutique in Moonlight-the place was packed. The storefront was as dazzling as ever, its sleek glass windows showcasing glittering gowns that practically screamed sophistication.

Ethereal Echoes wasn't just a shop; it was the shop. Prom dresses, evening gowns, wedding attire-if you needed a show-stopping outfit, this was where you went. The name suited it perfectly.

We pushed through the crowd, weaving past shoppers as excitement bubbled in my chest. Tonight was my night, and I needed a dress that would match the occasion.

"Alright," I said, glancing at Susan as we stepped inside, "time to find the perfect dress."

Her eyes gleamed with determination. "Let the hunt begin."

And with that, we dove into the racks of fabric and sequins, ready to make magic happen.

~~~~

After what felt like hours of scouring the racks, we each finally settled on three dresses we admired. The anticipation bubbled in my chest as Susan and I headed to the changing area, each disappearing into our booths.

Ten minutes later, I stepped out just as Susan did, and we turned to face each other.

Susan looked stunning in her first pick: a long, sunshine-yellow A-line gown with a plunging V-neckline and a daring slit in the front. The soft fabric flowed like liquid sunlight, complementing her fiery hair perfectly.

I smoothed my own dress nervously, stepping into the light. My first choice was a long, sapphire-blue A-line gown with delicate spaghetti straps and a matching front slit. The rich color made me feel regal, though I wasn't sure it screamed "birthday girl."

We admired each other's looks, sharing a laugh before heading back to try on our second choices.

Susan was already waiting for me outside her booth, casually texting on her phone. When she finally looked up, her eyes widened in stunned approval.

"Wow," she breathed.

She wore a bold, crimson one-shoulder maxi dress with a lace-up back and a front slit that gave it a sultry elegance. Her fiery aura matched the dress perfectly.

I twirled slightly in my lavender off-shoulder gown with a lace-back detail. It was soft, romantic, and undeniably beautiful. I liked it-a lot-but something didn't feel quite right.

"You should go for this one," Susan said, her tone decisive.

I bit my lip, running my fingers over the intricate lacework. "It's gorgeous, but..." I hesitated, unable to explain why it didn't feel like the one. "Let's try the last set."

This time, I finished changing first. As I turned to face the mirror, my breath caught in my throat.

The dress was perfect.

An emerald-green halter-neck satin gown, with a flowing, backless design that shimmered with glitter in the light. It hugged me in all the right places, the silky material draping elegantly around my frame. It wasn't just a dress; it was a statement.

Susan stepped out moments later, dressed in a neon-pink Caribbean-style gown with playful balloon sleeves. Her eyes landed on me, and her jaw dropped slightly.

"This is it," she said with a firm nod. "You look lovely, Nessa."

I turned back to the mirror, my lips curving into a smile. "Thanks, Suz. Alright, this is the one. What about you?"

"I'm going with the red one," she said confidently.

After changing back into our normal clothes, we paid for the dresses and stepped out into the bustling streets. Time had slipped away from us, and my stomach growled in protest. It was already three in the afternoon, and we were starving.

"Good thing there's a restaurant nearby," Susan said, leading the way.

We found a small table for two, ordered some food, and settled into easy conversation.

"Oh, Nessa," Susan teased, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. "Your dress is stunning. Too bad Lucas isn't here to see it."

Her words hit their mark. My cheeks heated instantly, and I ducked my head to hide my blush. Lucas. The boy who had stolen my heart years ago, the one I secretly hoped would be my mate.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about," I stammered, my voice betraying me.

Susan wiggled her brows knowingly, her grin widening. Just as I was about to retort, the restaurant door swung open, the sound of laughter drifting in.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I glanced toward the entrance. My mood soured immediately.

Of all people.

I rolled my eyes, slumping back into my chair as Lillian strolled in, her arrogant smirk firmly in place. If there was anyone who could ruin a perfectly good day, it was her.