Rise of the Warrior Queen (Kaia and Silver) novel Chapter 30

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CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY

KAIA’S POV

I stood in my room, staring at the dress laid out on my bed like it was my enemy. Which, I guess, it was at this

moment.

It was pale blue, long, and way too flowy for my liking. It even had sparkles, Sparkles! Can you imagine?! Just looking at it made me groan. I wasn’t the kind of girl who wore dresses. I preferred joggers and boots, or jeans and a shirt. Something I could move in without feeling like I was sweeping the entire world behind me.

Something that didn’t make me feel like a stiff, uncomfortable doll.

But no. Tonight was Elise’s mating ceremony. And apparently, I had to “look the part.” I swear, mothers never

know when to stop.

I sighed and rubbed my face in frustration. Why me?

My body ached all over. My legs felt heavy, and my arms were sore. I had been up since before sunrise, running around the training grounds, barking orders, and handling every single responsibility Mia usually managed–plus my own. But Mia was still in the hospital, recovering from her injury, and that meant her work had fallen into my lap.

I didn’t even get a chance to sit today. Not even for five minutes. And I’d barely had anything to eat all day

because there was simply no time. I kept switching between the training ground and every other place you

could possibly think of. By now, I’m pretty sure I’d already toured the entire pack grounds in just one single

day. If I wasn’t out running errands, I was dealing with the trainees–and if not that, then it was something

even more stressful.

And now this.

A freaking mating ceremony that I didn’t even remember until breakfast yesterday.

Don’t get me wrong–I liked Elise. She was sweet and kind, and she deserved a beautiful night. But I didn’t

have to be part of it. Not like this anyway. Not when I could barely keep my eyes open. Not when my body just

wanted to crash and get some much–deserved rest.

My eyes shifted to the drawer where the strange necklace still lay, and I sighed.

I seem to have gotten the hang of it after it slept in my room for two nights straight. It glowed again last

night and then went back to normal as soon as the sun came out. So, if my observations are right, then the

necklace only glows at night. I’m thinking maybe it reacts to moonlight or something–because as soon as

the moon is out, it starts glowing, but as soon as the sun starts to rise, it returns to normal.

There was definitely something up with that necklace. And whatever it was, I don’t think it’s safe not knowing

what.

I walked to the window and pulled the curtains aside. The sky was already getting dark. The ceremony would

start soon.

“Ugh, fine,” I muttered to myself. “Let’s get this over with.”

Dragging my feet, I went into the bathroom, peeled off my training clothes, and took a fast shower. The hot water helped a little. It made my muscles relax, even if just for a moment. I didn’t war jet out, but I forced

< CHAPTER THIRTY

myself to.

Back in my room, I dried off and pulled the dress on. It clung to me in places I didn’t want it to. I tugged at the straps, frowning at my reflection in the mirror.

“This is ridiculous,” I muttered. “Why do dresses always feel like a trap?”

I opened my closet and searched the bottom shelf. My silver heels sat there, gathering dust–just like they

had for goddess knows how long. I hadn’t worn them since the last formal event.. whenever that was.

Probably a year ago. Or maybe even more.

I picked them up, looked at them like they were weapons, then sat down and strapped them on. The second i

stood up, I regretted every life choice that brought me to this point.

“Ow,” I muttered, wobbling a little. “Why do people pretend this is normal?”

I grabbed a silver clutch bag–not because I needed it, but because it made the outfit look more ‘finished.

Whatever that was supposed to mean.

I took one last look in the mirror before heading outside.

My parents were already waiting in the front yard. The second my mom saw me, her face lit up.

“Oh my moon,” she said, grinning. “Would you look at that, darling! Our daughter is actually wearing a dress!”

My dad turned around and burst out laughing. “Are those heels? Who are you, and what have you done with

my daughter?”

I rolled my eyes. “Very funny.”

Mom gasped dramatically. “She speaks! And she didn’t punch anyone yet. That’s progress.”

“You two are impossible,” I said, walking past them.

“You look beautiful, honey,” my mom added, nudging my shoulder.

“That she does,” Dad agreed. “Even though you look like you’re about to stab someone.”

“That’s just my resting face,” I muttered.

They both laughed again as we climbed into the car and headed toward the ceremony venue.

As we drove, I leaned against the window and let my thoughts wander. The moon was just rising above the

trees, and the place was quickly growing dark. The roads were quiet, and the wind outside seemed calmer

than usual. It should have been peaceful, but I was too tense and tired to enjoy it.

My mom turned in her seat to face me. “You okay, sweetie? You’ve been working yourself to the bone lately.”

“I’m fine,” I replied without looking at her.

“You sure? You’ve been carrying too much ever since Mia got injured.”

I frowned. “You said that like it’s been forever. That was just yesterday, Mom.”

Silence filled the car for a moment.

Then my dad spoke. “Just don’t forget you’re allowed to rest too, Kaia. We’re proud of you for stepping up, but don’t burn yourself out.”

I gave a small nod, not trusting myself to speak. I didn’t want to seem weak. I didn’t want them to worry.