**~Gabrielle's POV~**
No way… Absolutely no way! That's the Gorgeous Monster.
As I fixed my gaze on him, I noticed the obvious yet subtle differences. He had smooth jet-black hair, perfectly combed, instead of long silver hair. His siren eyes replaced what I had previously called hunter eyes. There was also a hint of facial hair along his jawline, which added to his undeniable masculine charm.
What's going on? They looked so much alike, and yet the differences were there.
Perhaps they're brothers, I thought, turning around in hopes of catching a glimpse of him. But he was gone.
My attention was drawn back to the center of the gathering.
"Give him back his speech, Lady Arielle," the Alpha commanded.
Mother threw a small bottle to Elder August, who immediately gulped it down as if he had been thirsty for years. Once he finished, he tossed the empty bottle aside and glared at my mother.
"Curse you!" he exclaimed as he took his seat.
Mother muttered under her breath, "Mind your words… I used to be a White Wolf, remember?" All attention shifted back to the hot Alpha.
"Why have you called for a ball, knowing you've lost your rights, Lady Arielle?" he asked, turning to face her.
"Oh, Your Highness, I didn't realize I needed my daughter before I could call for a ball," she replied, feigning surprise.
"Why did you even call for one so suddenly, without notice? I assume there's something important you want to tell us," the Alpha continued.
Mother waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, I just noticed it's been ages since the Forbes hosted a ball... hasn't it?" she said casually.
He took a deep breath. "Indeed, Lady Arielle. But I must say… the ball cannot proceed, as you do not have your heir with you. Isn't that correct?"
Mother nodded. "Then the ball is canceled unless one of the elders here chooses to help you host it. Only then will I grant it," he declared and turned toward the elders.
"Is there anyone here willing to help Lady Arielle host her ball?"
None of them raised their hands. The entire crowd gasped, whispers spreading like wildfire through the hall, but Mother remained composed.
"You failed, old lady," Elder August mocked, and the rest of the elders laughed at her.
Then the Alpha paused and turned to my mother. "Lady Arielle, if your two daughters are here… then who is in your carriage?" the Alpha asked.
I panicked. He saw me?! But how? I had hidden by sitting the moment I noticed him.
Everyone turned toward the carriage. I could feel a million eyes on me.
Mother smirked and whispered something to my sisters. They rose and walked toward the carriage immediately. Confusion weighed heavily on everyone's faces as they kept their eyes fixed on us.
My heart pounded so loudly I was sure every wolf with heightened senses could hear it.
"My long-lost daughter… Your Majesty," Mother announced.
Everyone gasped, including the Alpha. He turned sharply toward the carriage, stunned.
"Your daughter…?" the Alpha asked, and Mother rose from her seat.
"Just yesterday, my Gabrielle was found by my royal guard, Levy, at the water's edge. I thought I should share the good news with everyone as soon as possible to celebrate my daughter's return!" she declared, glaring at the elders, whose mouths hung open in shock.
"Bring her," the Alpha commanded.
My stomach flipped. No! I wasn't ready to face everyone here… I had never even been in the presence of a crowd before. What if I tripped or fell and embarrassed my mother?
My sisters opened the door, and everyone stood up to get a full view of me, including the elders.
I took a deep breath, lifted my blue gown, and stepped out. The moonlight illuminated me, and gasps filled the air.
"All hail, Lady Gabrielle Forbes, White Wolf of the Riverdale Pack, as she graces us with her presence," the guards declared.
"All hail!" everyone chanted repeatedly. Then my sisters began pouring white flowers over me.
I took another deep breath, clenched my hands around my gown, and started walking.
Mouths were agape as I passed by. A lady dropped her hand fan. Male wolves ignored their partners to focus on me, and the she-wolves didn't even notice because their attention was solely on me.
I walked straight to my mother, who was already smiling.
My sisters continued pouring flowers, and I felt like a bride walking down the aisle. I reached my mother and took her hand as she helped me climb the platform to stand beside her.
"Everyone, meet Gabrielle, my lost but found daughter. Our White Wolf. The reincarnation of the Moon Goddess herself," she announced.
Everyone bowed slightly, except the Alpha and the elders, even my sisters. I was shocked. A common prisoner in her own home—now being treated like royalty?
"Reveal her face," the Alpha ordered.
My mother stepped in front of me and gently removed my mask, revealing my face to everyone. Just when I thought the expressions on their faces couldn't intensify… they did.
The disgust on the elders' faces vanished, replaced by awe.
"Oh my, she's beyond beautiful…"
"She's extremely gorgeous…"
"She looks like an angel… such a pretty soul…"
I heard a flurry of compliments, which only increased my anxiety. I knew I was beautiful, but not the kind that elicited this kind of reaction from people.
"Impossible! This cannot be Gabrielle. She was blind the last time we saw her. This is a trick! And she thinks she can deceive us with a beautiful face?" Elder Grayson barked, and gasps filled the hall once again. The other elders nodded in agreement.
"Are you sure this is your daughter, Lady Arielle?" the Alpha asked my mother. "Elder Grayson is right; Lady Gabrielle was blind before she went missing."
"You are correct, Your Majesty. My darling daughter was blind before the unfortunate incident. But just yesterday, she returned with her eyesight restored. Isn't that wonderful?" Mother exclaimed joyfully and turned to the elders. "Also, my daughter has always been beautiful. She was blindfolded due to her blindness, so her face was always covered."
"Lies!" Elder Grayson shouted. "Absolute lies!" Elder August supported him.
Then Mother raised her hand, showing her mark. "This is my mark from when I was the White Wolf," she said, turning to me and grabbing my arm to reveal the same mark on my skin.
"She is the White Wolf—my daughter," Mother declared proudly.
But another elder yelled again, "That mark can easily be forged! I say we test her abilities!" Elder Grayson demanded.
"YES!" the elders all shouted in unison.
"She is my daughter, you fools! Can't you see the resemblance? The mark? What more do you need?!" Mother yelled at them.
The Alpha replied calmly, "We need proof that cannot be faked. All of those can be manipulated. I suggest we test her with the White Lantern. The lantern can only be activated by the White Wolf. If she can light it, then we will all agree she is your daughter."
I noticed my mother shiver slightly.
I almost crumbled on the spot. The White Lantern? But I had lost my powers along with my memories. They would only return when my memories returned, which I didn't think was happening anytime soon...
"Get the White Lantern!" the Alpha commanded.
A guard rushed out.
Oh no! I need help!