*Leah*
Later that afternoon, after Marianne has left for the day, I stand at the counter, going through the mail that has been delivered when a cream-colored envelope catches my eye. My name is inscribed in an elegant script on the vellum.
My fingers are trembling slightly as I turn the missive over, break the seal, and unfold it. The words fly at me, a jumble that hardly makes sense.
Ball.
Fairhaven pack house.
Pleasure of your company.
I stare at the date. At the end of the month. In the evening. Of course, in the evening. Eight o'clock. The Alpha and Luna of Fairhaven request my presence.
I can hardly fathom it. I'm not related to them at all. But here they are, wanting the pleasure of my company.
I remember a time when I would have been overjoyed. Now all I can think is that I
