Chapter 17

The ballroom is beautifully decorated with swaths of blue, white, and silver decorations. The snow gently falling outside adds the perfect touch to the ambiance.

Families are already there with younger children. They are having a mini dance party before the kitchen staff takes them for an activities night in the conference room. In a couple of hours, we will bring them back so Mom and Dad can pass out Solstice gifts to them.

“Lenora!” Ashley rushes up to me with her jaw dropped. “You look amazing!”

“Thanks. Mom picked out my outfit.” I motion at her dress. “And that little number? You should wear royal blue more often!”

“Come on, let’s dance with the pups.” She gives me an exaggerated smile. “Gamma Carol said it helps them learn to trust us if we spend time with them. They need to be accustomed to our scents.”

“A-alright?” I look at Mom who raises her eyebrows.

“The DJ has a remix of Wiggly Worms that slaps.” She chuckles.

Ashley and I look at each other and burst out laughin