The Red That Runs Like Rivers

Playing Dress-up

Fresh iced coffee in hand, their chauffeur, Tony, drove them downtown towards the boutique. Ashley and Alina riffled through pictures of dresses, sorting through and making piles of which ones Ashley would be trying on. Alina observed the scenery here and there, admiring their pack's prosperity. Well-manicured lawns and opulent houses dotted the suburban area. As they entered the heart of the city, luxury apartments and office buildings stretched over the busy sidewalks, glittering in the early morning sunlight. The streets were clean and bustling, with cars driving, and people strolling on their way to work. At almost 9:30, the children were already in their classrooms. A typical Wednesday morning for most. Despite the hustle, we would likely have the boutique all to ourselves, privately booked with all hands on deck. Ashley did not like to be kept waiting.

The Lunar Blood Moon pack boasted almost 800 wolves strong. However, several humans called our pack home as well. Filling in positions the alfa deemed too low for his people. Positions like the estate's maid staff were made up of human drifters and the weakest of omegas cast out of nearby packs. People that no one would notice if they were to disappear. People who were desperate enough for the opportunity not to question why new positions were opening up so often.

This brought territory numbers up to around 1200. They were not the largest pack by far but were a prosperous one. Despite the alpha's rigid and domineering exterior, you could tell that he took pride in his people. He held them to high standings for sure, but the pack was thriving due to this.

Every wolf from ages 14-18 was required to undergo physical training in the wee hours of the morning, with few exceptions. At 16, they held a test, to determine who would join the warrior rankings. It would be a great honor if you were chosen and the positions were limited. This meant fierce competition, and drawing blood was encouraged. But only during the few weeks of selection. However, underhanded methods were against the rules.

If selected, the pups would undergo something similar to the basic training of human soldiers. This helped weed out those not fit for combat and sort the pack based on their skills. After all, not everyone was cut out to be a warrior. Yet if you didn't make it this year, you could retry next. The system was fair, for the most part, and hard work did not go unnoticed. Incentives, bonuses, and opportunities to rank up were often given throughout the year. But slip up and the punishments could be equally cruel.

Pulling up to the curb, Tony exited the vehicle and opened the door for Ashley and Alina. After giving him instructions for when to pick them up, Ashley linked arms with Alina and happily pulled her into the boutique. The staff were fully prepared, with large smiles on and their best sales voices ready. Rows of racks filled with gorgeous gowns were lined up on the sales floor, all radiating out from a mirrored platform that had lights at every angle. Everything was set up for the one-woman fashion show that was about to commence.

Ashley walked the floor, pointing to dresses and making comments, slowly filling the arms of the waiting employees. Alina also scanned the dresses, picking out ones she knew would flatter the Alpha princess. Mermaid cuts with deep plunging necklines and high slits. Dresses with tight bodices that accentuated every curve and would highlight Ashley's best assets. Dresses that would never suit someone such as herself with her short legs and boxy frame. Nonetheless, she was somewhat enjoying herself as she watched Ash try on dress after dress.

Finally, Ashley modeled a dress that Alina had picked out for her. A beautiful blue number that faded to silver as it trailed to the floor. It shimmered like gossamer starlight as it was covered in thousands of tiny crystals that sparkled in all the right ways. A slit ran up her right thigh to her waist. The fabric fitted to mid-hip and then flared out like a trumpet flower. It had short draping sleeves that hung off her shoulders and the neckline dripped low, showing off her collarbones. This dress looked made for her, and honestly, it was. Alina had secretly put in the order for this dress months ago in anticipation of this day. Sure there was a chance she wouldn't pick this one, but Alina knew Ashley well. "Liiiinnnaaaa!" Ashley fanned her face with her hands excitedly and squealed. She looked about ready to cry, and Alina wore a smug and satisfied smile. She won brownie points for this one for sure.

Ashley scooped Alina up in a big hug and spun her. "You always pick out the best dresses for me!" she exclaimed. Alina made a little bow, swooping one arm out, the other tucked behind her back, "Of course, it's what I live for, Milady," both girls giggled, and Ashley went back to admiring herself in the mirror.

Alina contemplated how true her statement actually was as she watched Ashley make final remarks about the dress. She stretched and eyed the clock on the wall. It had been a few hours, but not nearly as long as she expected. Thankfully, it would soon be time for lunch, and she'd be able to relax a bit this afternoon as the most arduous task was now complete. Her stomach rumbled slightly as she remembered the breakfast she had missed out on that morning.

She watched Ashley talk animatedly with the shopkeeper and then skip off to the changing booth to redress. Alina slumped on the bench she was sitting on and began admiring the yellow flowers on her socks. Exhausted, she sighed, not wanting to look at any more dresses she'd never try on, much less have anywhere to wear.

Several minutes later, Ashley came bounding out of the dressing rooms, the store owner following behind her with a broad smile. She was carrying something with her and before Alina had a moment to process what was happening, Ashley thrust a bundle of fabric into her lap. She looked at it puzzled, then up at Ashley and the store owner. It was a dress, but not the one they had just picked out. No, this one was much more flowy and not as fancy, but it was a beautiful olive-green color. Ashley was looking at her expectantly, but Alina just sat confused. "I thought you had decided on the blue one?" Alina was a bit disappointed, she was so close, but Ashley was known for her fickleness.

"Ashley yanked the girl up and pulled her to the mirrored platform, "It's not for me silly, it's for you!" she thrust the dress in front of Alina. "Tada! Happy Birthday! Or almost birthday, but that's not all!" a sense of dread washed over her as Alina listened to her words. " Daddy said to bring you along to this year's ball! I know it's always landing around your birthday, so you often have to spend it alone, but you only come of age once! And what better way to spend it than living it up, right?" Alina began to feel a cold sweat forming on her brow as Ashley's words sank in. Saturday, the day of the ball, would be her 19th birthday.

Alina's nerves were setting in as she struggled to gain composure. This went unnoticed by the other young lady who shoved her into a dressing room, too excited to have any awareness of the turmoil in Alina's mind. Why would Alpha Elric want her to suddenly attend the alpha ball after keeping her hidden from other packs all these years? She just couldn't wrap her head around it. I mean it wasn't actually her real birthday that day. That was just their best guess. The pack doctor who had examined her after she had been found abandoned had predicted she was a couple of days old at the time, so that day was just the day they picked to mark her age.

An attendant began helping Alina dress, and she vaguely felt the cinching of the corset on her waist before stepping out of the dressing room in a daze and being lead to the platform.

Suddenly Alina saw herself in the mirror, snapping her out of her stupor. With Ashley's announcement, she hadn't really looked at the dress in detail. It was a dark olive that complimented her hair and skin tone. The cut was a flowing Aline that went to the floor. The sweetheart neckline flattered her modest chest and the translucent, puffy sleeves ended at her wrists. For once in her life, Alina looked to be her own age. For the first time, she felt beautiful, like a princess. Alina pushed the dark thoughts from her head, for now, she would relish this moment. She would figure out how to escape going to the ball later. Perhaps she could make a mild mistake, not one that would result in too much of a beating, but maybe one that could at least get her grounded to her suite for the weekend. That would be preferable. That would be safe.