SAVED BY THE LYCAN KING (Elisa)

ELISE'S POV

The next day, I went shopping for a new dress. The activity felt foreign to me. It had been long since I shopped for something. As Luna, I had people who did this for me. If I needed a dress for a special occasion, a royal fashion designer would be sent to get the designs for the dress I wanted.

Now, that wouldn't be possible. Since I wasn't Luna anymore, I wouldn't have access to the luxurious royal wardrobe anymore. I wasn't even allowed in Jackson's wing of the palace. He made me sleep in the guest rooms with the maids. Now, as I sifted through racks of dresses in the small boutique, I felt a pang of loss.

Being Luna had its perks, and one of them was certainly not having to worry about trivial things like clothes. I would miss being queen but I knew it was for the best. Jackson never appreciated my efforts and he never will. If he believed Gina would do a better job than me then so be it.

While I shopped, I thought of Ferris.

I tried to focus but every single time I closed my eyes, the image of his handsome face would appear in my mind. He was so kind to me. He made me feel safe and protected in ways that I never imagined. I felt attracted to him in a way I never thought was possible.

I was drawn to him, like a moth to a flame. We had a special connection that I couldn't put my finger on. I didn't know how to explain it but I felt it. It was there. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

I shouldn't be thinking of him like this yet I couldn't help it. We just met. Besides, he's the feared Lycan King. He probably doesn't feel the same way about me. I mean, why would he? I wasn't a royal anymore. My parents had disowned me and I was publicly humiliated in the pack.

I was also divorced. Nobody wanted a divorcee I ran my fingers over a soft beautiful blue dress, considering buying it. I was just about to pick it when a loud, angry voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned forward see Helen at the cashier's counter. She was in a heated argument with the cashier.

"You can't refuse me service! Do you know who my best friend is?" Helen shouted. Her expression was filled with annoyance. Her body shook with rage.

The cashier, a young woman who looked barely out of high school, was trying to remain calm. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but your credit limit has been maxed out. I can't extend any more credit." Helen's anger only grew.

"Gina is the new Luna! You can't treat me like this! Do you know who I am?" From what I could hear, it seemed like Helen was trying to buy a dress on credit but she couldn't because her score wasn't good enough. Typical Helen. I always heard rumpus about her bad spending habits. She and Gina had the same attitude when it came to spending money recklessly.

I sighed, feeling a sense of déjà vu. Helen was just as spiteful as Gina, if not

worse.

Part of me wanted to walk away and let her deal with her own mess, but another part of me a part that still held on to the values of being Luna-felt compelled to help.

I took a deep breath and approached the counter."Excuse me," I said softly. "I'lI cover the rest of her bill." Helen turned to me, her eyes narrowing. She clenched her fists.

"Elise? What are you doing here?" she snapped. "I was just shopping for a new dress," I replied calmly.

"I heard the commotion and thought

I could help." Helen's face twisted into a sneer: "You think I need your charity?rd rather get run over by a truck than let you pay for my stuff." I hesitated, taken aback by the anger in her words.

5

"I just wanted to help," I said quietly, stepping back.

"Wait," Helen called after me. Her tone changed abruptly. "Actually, why don't you lend me the money? I'll pay you back." I nodded, reaching into my purse and handing her the money she needed. "Here," I said. "This should cover it."

Helen took the money without a word of thanks and gave it to the cashier. The cashier quickly processed the payment. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I was glad that it was over.

I grabbed my things after paying for them and left the shop. Outside, Helen blocked my path. I was taken aback by her presence.

What did she want?

"Please," she said in a low tone "Don't tell Gina about this. She can't know I needed help." I looked at her.

I could see the desperation in her eyes. I wasn't planning on saying anything anyway.

"I won't tell anyone," I promised. Helen stepped aside, allowing me to leave. Just as I reached the door, a car pulled up outside. Gina stepped out. Gina scowled as soon as she saw me. "What are you doing here, Elise?" Gina asked.. Helen quickly jumped in. Her demeanor changed once again.

"I saw her shopping" Helen said in a teasing tone was talking to her before you came in" Gina frowned "What about?" "Oh nothing. Just making sure Elise knows her place," she said with a smirk. Gina raised an eyebrow, looking between the two of us.

"Is that so?"

"Of course," Helen said with an evil smile "She was just leaving." I nodded, forcing

a smile.

"Yes, I was. Have a good day, Gina." As I walked past them and out of the area. Helen might have tried to turn the situation to her advantage, but I knew the truth. And I had helped her, despite everything.

I grinned to myself as I walked away from them. Life might be different now, but I was still capable of making a difference, even in small ways. And that, I realized, was something to be proud of.noveldrama