The room remained hushed as Lady Selene continued to marvel over Raven's transformation. An air of uncertainty settled over Raven as she fought the urge to fidget under her elegant tutor's inquisitive gaze. "Oh, how exquisite, I must say," the Lady murmured, stepping closer to Raven. "You remind me so much of my days of youth." Her touch, feather-light on Raven's cheek, held a hint of wistful longing "Now, let us add one final touch." The Lady’s voice carried a soft enchantment as she traced a delicate pattern on Raven's forehead. A. Raven shivered as a chilly wind flowed gently over her face. “There,” Lady Selene said with a smile. When she withdrew her hand, a tiny crescent moon glimmered under the lights.

Marcellus emerged from behind them, in a deep, regal purple almost bordering on obsidian, adorned with accents of shimmering gold. Intricate patterns adorned the sleeves of his jacket, reminiscent of those along the palace walls but unique in their own right. Lacielle, bearing a weighty chest with effortless grace, approached as Marcellus fastened the final button of his attire.  Lacielle revealed a stunning grey fur trimmed with accents of pristine white, ensconced in a delicate embrace of golden silk. Draping the garment around his broad shoulders, Marcellus dismissed his attendants with a graceful wave and smile. "Are you ready, my sweets? I shall be your escort tonight."

With unparalleled charm, Marcellus led Lady Selene and Raven, each on one arm, through the line of guards.  As they approached the exit, the guards trailed in disciplined formation, their footfalls resonating with the rhythm of a hallowed march. No one spoke as they navigated the changing halls of Amber Palace. Raven had no sense of direction, yet the faint strains of distant melodies and tantalizing aromas were like a guide to their path. Abruptly halting, Marcellus tenderly squeezed Raven's hand, and whispered, "This is it, my dear. Cast your worries onto me, and let your night be filled with joy. I will be your faithful guide. "With a bow, he kissed her hand and stepped away, and a shroud of darkness vanished, revealing an enchanting grand entrance adorned with tendrils of ivy and blossoms woven through gilded arches. Stairs led downward into the crowd, dressed in elegant gowns and traditional attire. A large banquet table stretched across the gathering, with an elevated table where elders were seated. Raven spotted Lord Xion's decorative throne and seats for Lady Armita and Dante. 

Marcellus gracefully advanced, and a resounding trumpet heralded his presence.

"I present to you, Sir Marcellus Regulus Phlox, Chamberlain to Lady Selene of the House of Sedna of the Silver Moon Clan," a regal voice announced, and elegant applause ensued as he descended the stairs.

The melodious resonance of trumpet resounded once more as Lady Selene stepped onto the platform, her long silver gown like cascading water seemed to glow and her black and white fur shawl seemed more radiant with flashes of blue.  "I present to you, Lady Selene Argentius Sedna, Daughter of the Silver Moon," the regal voice sounded, and the air was infused with a shower of silver and azure sparkles, a testament to her majesty. Raven watched in awe as Lady Selene, surrounded by her slew of graceful attendants, began to descend the platform, igniting a chorus of adulation and howls from the members of several of the elite. 

"I suppose it's my turn," Raven swallowed nervously, stepping forward as the next trumpet sounded.

"I present to you our long-lost fitheach, Raven Ryiasi Alistar, Daughter of our Eternal Moonlight. Welcome her home," The trumpet began a long triumphant note and music commenced, and the crowd began to sing in the old language, a melody sad and familiar to Raven. Uncertainty swirled within Raven, but as she glanced into the crowd, her eyes met Marcellus’ and she felt a sense of serene reassurance. With a smile, he extended his hand, signaling her to descend the stairs, each step illuminated with ancient markings, and the crowd gasped at the sight of Raven's radiant descent. Ignoring the intense scrutiny, Raven remained undaunted, she let her heart calm as she descended the stairs with confidence.

 With a radiant smile, he welcomed her, his voice a whisper of approval. "Perfection, my dear. Pure perfection. Now, let us immerse ourselves in splendor.”

As the final notes of the song faded, the announcer seamlessly transitioned to introducing various members from the elite houses as they arrived at the grand event. Marcellus, ever the epitome of grace and charm, led her through the throng, effortlessly exchanging pleasantries with each guest. "Oh! I've already met many of these people," Raven thought with a sense of relief, recognizing several from her long days of tea times and luncheons with Lady Selene. Pausing for a moment, she couldn't shake the sensation of the air humming with an unusual heaviness, as if the room itself pulsed with energy. "What's troubling you, Sweet?" Marcellus inquired, his gaze soft and reassuring.

"It's difficult to say... the air feels... dense, almost alive," Raven murmured, her senses heightened by the unusual ambiance.

"Oh my dear, what you feel is the darling effect of all of this wonderfully old magic being gathered together in one place, Sweet," Marcellus explained with a warm smile, gently urging her to sample a truffle offered by a passing servant.

"What do you mean?" Raven asked, intrigued, as she savored the sweet confection, its flavors dancing on her palate. Its sweet, soft filling flooded her mouth with a wave of flavor, providing a subtle surge of energy.

"No worries, beautiful. Make sure to eat every bite. Each bite holds a touch of the extraordinary. You'll soon find yourself immersed in the wonders of this enchanted feast," Marcellus said with a laugh before presenting a flute of sparkling lily-wolf champagne to complement the rich taste of the truffle. His reassuring words brought a smile to her lips as she sipped the champagne. The bubbly liquid seemed to ignite a spark within her, infusing her with newfound confidence. Marcellus beamed as Raven exuded radiance and poise. "Yes, that's it, Sweet. Let us revel in this wondrous night, for we have all gathered to behold our dear Daughter of Eternal Moonlight,” he declared with a smile, guiding her to meet various honored guests, ensuring she remembered every name and title. Ever the perfect escort, Marcellus ensured every detail was attended to, ensuring not a hair was out of place and not a crumb was left behind as Raven sampled the array of exotic delicacies offered by the attending servants whenever she felt overwhelmed by the dense energy surrounding her.

As the last of the familiar guests were greeted, the resonant fanfare of trumpets filled the air, signaling a shift in the crowd's movement toward the grand staircase. Amidst the swirl of anticipation, Raven found herself drawn to the staircase. She stood transfixed as the regal voice began to speak.

The room seemed to shiver with each echoing note of the regal voice, casting a spell of anticipation over the assembled guests. “I present to you, the esteemed leaders of our sacred Western Pack Alliance, our Alpha, Lord Xion Elsion Hyruvious of the Dark Moon Clan, Head of the House of Fireleaf,” the announcement echoed, sending ripples of excitement through the crowd. In a breathtaking display, the ambient light danced and flickered, and in an instant, all light seemed to swirl and vanish, replaced by a burst of red and orange lights that danced around them like flames, casting illusions of smoke upon the ground. Under the reddish glow of the moon, the crowd erupted into a chorus of howls as the drumbeat intensified and the band launched into a captivating melody. Amidst a swirling vortex of black and red smoke, Lord Xion made his grand entrance upon the stairway, clad in a black suit adorned with golden accents and a fiery red fur cloak billowing around him. His hair, akin to a dark flame, swirled amidst the smoky haze.

The trumpet sounded once more and the voice heralded, “I present to you, our Luna, Lady Armita Deleoa Sedna of the Dark Moon Clan, Lady of the House of Fireleaf,”  As Lady Armita materialized amidst a swirling vortex of smoke and light, the crowd's howls reached a crescendo. Her graceful form seemed to glide effortlessly, an embodiment of elegance. With a graceful gesture, she and Lord Xion joined hands, disappearing into a wave of smoke before reappearing at the high banquet tables.

As the atmosphere crackled with anticipation, once more, the trumpet resounded, and the speaker began, “I present to you, the honored son, Dante Cornelius Ero of the Dark Moon Clan, Heir of the House of Fireleaf,”  Raven's heart raced in her chest as she watched a cloud of smoke materialize, revealing Dante in all his regal splendor. Gasping, she found herself ensnared by his intense gaze, frozen in place as he stood poised on the stairs. As she contemplated moving towards him, the enchanting sound of a gong filled the air, accompanied by the return of light.  Then a familiar tune began to play. The crowd seamlessly retrieved their partners and handed off their furs to the attendants, as if rehearsed.

In a commanding voice, Lord Xion stood at the head of the banquet tables and declared, “Allgante!!”. A gong rang out, signaling the first dance of the night. Raven watched with uncertainty as people continued to pick their partners.  Marcellus materialized at her side, his presence an instant source of reassurance. With a gentle touch, he guided her onto the dance floor.

“Don’t worry, Sweet. It’s just like we rehearsed so many times, but remember darling, it is showtime,” Marcellus whispered before bowing to her as those around them bowed to their partners as tradition calls.  Raven smiled, but she could still feel Dante’s eyes on her from afar. She couldn’t resist glancing at him as he escorted Lady Armita onto the floor. She continued to watch him until he was out of sight as they stepped down into the crowd. “Focus,” she thought, “I do not want to fall.” Placing her hand out for Marcellus to receive, he smiled and pulled her close as the music began.

As they moved gracefully across the dance floor, Marcellus's whispered guidance felt like gentle magic guiding Raven's every step. “Yes, yes, good, sweet. Just let the music guide you,” Marcellus whispered as they danced. Amidst the swirl of elegant dancers, Raven's senses were heightened, her heart beating in sync with the rhythm of the music. “Yet, I warn you, the ritual began the moment the gong rang. Everything that happens now is up to fate and prophecy. Do not think. Have fun and dance the night away.” On cue, the partner switch began, and Marcellus was no longer her dance partner but another young man.

“Oh, you are so beautiful. The prophecies could not have foreseen such loveliness,” her partner said with much charm as they began the dance. His beautiful strawberry ringlets complemented his bright green eyes, and Raven blushed at his handsomeness, almost blundering a dance step.

“Thank you,” she smiled shyly. She could feel herself relax and with each partner change, she found herself drawn deeper into the dance, each encounter a fleeting yet intoxicating moment of connection. Her heart began to race as the band began to quicken the pace. “I really am having fun,” she thought as her heart pulsed in her chest. She felt waves of joy and pleasure as she was swept across the dance floor, the music quickening, the dance floor becoming a blur.  The compliments from her partners made her heart flutter with excitement, adding to the enchanting atmosphere enveloping them. Suddenly, she felt entranced by her partner who seemed to glow before her. A delicious shiver of excitement tingled down her spine as she watched him take a deep bow, his long white hair falling forward in front of him like a fountain of snow. His white suit with sparkling blue accents intrigued her. She felt the burning desire to look upon his face, so she quickly extended her hand to receive him as a partner. As he lifted his head, his long tresses fell backward, revealing the most striking blue eyes. He grinned once her face showed signs of recognition. “He saved me from the lake,” she thought, remembering the day her horse Ghea ran out of control, forcing her to be confined to the palace.

When he finally took her hand, the gong rang again and the band began to play a different melody, signaling the next dance, which was much slower and did not involve partner changes. He pulled her closely and began the steps of the “Moonlight Waltz”.

“This is perfect,” he whispered in her ear, his warm breath caressing her ear. “I've been dying to speak with you since I first saw you.”