Vivienne grinned. "Fabulous. Just fabulous. The more hands involved, the more it looks like she was the weak link. I just need to whisper in the right ears. Could you forward me the list of girls?"
Delilah exhaled in satisfaction, the tension in her shoulders easing for the first time all day.
******
Sera spent half the day picturing what kind of décor theme to use for the party. She stood in the massive, echoing community hall, spinning slowly in place as she studied its high ceilings, arched windows, and floors.
Her heart hammered nervously as she tucked a stray curl behind her ear.
This wasn't her world.
But she wanted to do well.
She asked Benedict for help to tell her everything about the last Awakening party.
She spent the next hour bombarding him with questions—traditions, superstitions, pack expectations. Every answer opened five more questions.
The weight of responsibility pressed harder on her chest, but so did a peculiar warmth. She felt… useful. Seen.
