#Chapter 116: Another Way

Chris I sighed as I looked around the Packhouse, watching the servants and decorators scurry about like ants. Garlands of vibrant flowers were being strung along the rafters, tables draped in fine linens, and a large wooden backdrop erected for photographs. Everything was coming together perfectly for the ball—the event that would mark the beginning of my search for a new Luna. A fresh start, as the Elders had so delicately put it. My chest tightened at the thought. A fresh start was the last thing I wanted. All I could think about was Ava, and how desperately I wished she could be by my side that night, beaming at me with that radiant smile of hers as we danced together. But I knew such thoughts were foolish. She had made her decision. Clearing my throat, I turned to the head decorator. “Make sure those flower arrangements are evenly spaced,” I instructed, my voice gruffer than intended. “And have someone start setting up the refreshment tables near the—”