Laughter echoed through the empty corridor as Lily, Eliza, and Talia fled from the ballroom. Once safely out of earshot, they collapsed against the wall, barely able to contain their amusement.

"Did you see Victoria's face?" Eliza gasped between fits of laughter, mimicking the woman's horrified expression. "I thought she might faint right there on the spot!"

Talia wiped tears from her eyes. "The way the wine ran down her perfect white dress was priceless!"

Lily's shoulders shook with silent laughter, her hands moved rapidly, 'You're both terrible! But thank you.'

"That woman had it coming," Talia said, straightening her gown. "No one treats our friend like that and gets away with it."

Our friend. The words warmed Lily's heart. For so long, she'd been alone—the unwanted daughter, the rejected mate. Now she had friends willing to defend her.

"We should get you cleaned up before someone notices we're missing," Eliza suggested, eyeing the wine stain on Lily's blue dress. "Elder Princess Tilda might be understanding, but I wouldn't test her patience with a ruined gown."

Lily nodded, worry creasing her brow as she glanced down at the dark stain. This dress was borrowed, and she couldn't bear the thought of disappointing Tilda after all her kindness.

They hurried through the ornate hallways of the royal palace, eventually reaching Tilda's quarters where Lily was staying. Once inside the luxurious bathroom, Talia produced a small pouch from her purse.

"I asked one of the servants for some salt, vinegar, and baking soda," she explained, emptying the supplies onto the counter. "My mother taught me how to remove wine stains years ago."

Eliza helped Lily carefully remove the dress, leaving her in her silk slip. The blue fabric looked worse up close, the deep red wine already setting into the delicate material.

"Don't worry," Eliza reassured her, noticing Lily's worried expression. "Between the three of us, we'll fix this."

They worked together, dabbing at the stain with Talia's homemade solution. The methodical work was soothing, and Lily found herself relaxing despite the evening's chaos.

"There," Talia said after nearly half an hour of careful treatment. "The stain's almost invisible now."

Lily examined the dress, relief washing over her. The dark blue fabric had hidden most of the damage, with only the faintest shadow remaining where the wine had spilled.

'Thank you both,' she signed gratefully.

"What are friends for?" Eliza replied with a warm smile. "Now, let's get you into something else so we can head back to the party. I'm not letting Victoria think she chased us away."

Lily nodded, selecting a simpler but still elegant lavender gown from the wardrobe. She had just finished adjusting the bodice when a sharp knock sounded at the door.

Talia answered it, revealing Ezra standing in the hallway, his chest heaving as if he'd been running.

"Luna Lily," he panted, bowing hastily. "I've been searching everywhere for you. Alpha Zayn requires your presence immediately."

Lily's heart skipped a beat. Was something wrong? Had Victoria said something to him?

Ezra's eyes darted meaningfully between Eliza and Talia, then back to Lily. She understood what he meant. It was a private matter. It must have something to do with Zayn.

'You two head on back to the party without me,' She signed to Eliza and Talia, 'I'll join you later.'

Talia frowned. "Are you sure? We can wait—"

'It's fine,' Lily insisted. 'Please enjoy yourselves. I'll find you both soon.'

After a moment's hesitation, both women nodded. "Don't let Victoria corner you alone," Eliza warned as they departed, heading back toward the ballroom.

Lily watched them go, uneasiness growing in her stomach. When she turned her attention back to Ezra, he held out a hooded cloak for her to wear.

"To avoid detection," He whispered in a hushed voice.

Ezra led her through a series of rarely used corridors, away from the bustling main halls where guests mingled. Lily tapped Ezra on the shoulder to get his attention.

'Where are we going?' she signed.

"An abandoned wing of the castle," Ezra replied quietly. "Zephyr arranged it. No one's used these rooms in years. Perfect for what we need to do."

It dawned on Lily what this was about. She was so wrapped up in what happened that she had almost forgotten about what Zayn had to do. It was time for him to take the concoction Alva had prepared for him.

Since they didn't know what could happen after Zayn took it, it was best to do so away from prying eyes.

Ezra stopped before an ornate wooden door. He knocked twice, paused, then three more times. A coded signal. The door creaked open, revealing a dusty but once-grand sitting room illuminated by several candles.

Zayn stood near a marble fireplace, his powerful frame outlined by the flickering flame. His face brightened when he saw her, relief evident in his features.

"Lily," he breathed, crossing the room in long strides to take her hands in his.

Before she could respond, movement in the corner caught her eye. It was Victoria. She was dressed in a different dress, a black body hugging gown. Her hair was still damp, evidence of her rushed cleaning after the wine incident.

She narrowed her eyes at Lily with undisguised hatred.

"Hmph," Victoria crossed her arms in annoyance.

Zayn was quick to notice Lily's changed attire.

"What happened? You were in a different dress earlier?"

Lily was about to say something, but she stopped herself.

'I spilled some wine earlier, so I changed out of the dress.'

Zayn sensed there was more to the story, but didn't ask further. Right now, he had to focus. So long as Lily wasn't hurt, he didn't mind.

He turned to Victoria with an outstretched hand. "The vial?"

Victoria produced the vial. She placed it in Zayn's palm, letting her fingers linger against his skin a moment too long. Lily bit her lip but remained silent.

"Thank you for arranging this," Zayn told Victoria.

"Anything for you, Zayn," she purred, shooting a triumphant glance at Lily.

Zayn turned back to Lily. She could see it in his eyes. The uncertainty. The worry. She placed her hand on his to comfort him and show her support.

'No matter what happens, I'm here for you,' she signed.

Zayn nodded with a warm smile. He squeezed her hand before uncorking the vial.

"Alva said it should work instantly," Victoria spoke up, watching intently, "You should feel the effects within seconds."

Zayn lifted the vial to his lips, downing the contents in one swift motion.

For a moment, nothing happened. Zayn stood still, waiting, while Lily and Victoria watched with bated breath. Ezra shifted nervously by the door. Each second ticking by felt like agony.

"I don't feel any—" Zayn began, but suddenly cut off with a sharp intake of breath.

His face contorted in agony as he doubled over, clutching his chest. The empty vial shattered on the floor as he fell to his knees, a guttural cry of pain tearing from his throat.

"Zayn!" Victoria screamed, rushing to his side.

She pushed Lily away, causing her to stumble back and fall to the ground. As she tried to get up, searing pain surged through her mind. A familiar voice screaming in her mind, causing her to wince.

It was crying out for help.

Lily…Lily!

Lily squinted her eyes closed, trying to stay strong, but the pain was too much.

'Zayn.' She mouthed his name as she struggled to open her eyes.

The last thing Lily saw was Zayn on his knees, face twisted in torment. Victoria knelt beside him, her hands on his shoulders as she called out to him.