9

As the hours wore on, Marissa found herself talking softly to Lana, her voice a soothing murmur in the quiet room. "You have to fight this, Miss Lana. He’s counting on you. We all are."

She recalled the Alpha’s parting words, the way he had spoken to Lana with a tenderness that was rarely seen. "He believes in you, you know. And so do I. Just hold on a little longer."

The night stretched on, and Marissa remained by Lana's side, her dedication unwavering. She knew that tomorrow would bring challenges, but for now, her focus was on the present, on doing everything she could to help Lana recover.

As dawn's light began to creep through the curtains, Marissa noticed a slight change. Lana's fever seemed to be breaking, her breathing becoming steadier. A sigh of relief escaped Marissa’s lips, and she whispered a silent prayer of thanks.

"Rest, Miss Lana. Gain your strength," she said softly, smoothing Lana's hair back. "Tomorrow is a new day, and you’ll need all your courage and resilience."

Marissa felt a newfound determination settle within her. Whatever the event held, whatever challenges lay ahead, she would ensure Lana was ready. She owed it to the Alpha, to Lana, and to herself. The bond between them was unspoken yet strong, forged in these quiet, tender moments of care and trust.

The grand hall buzzed with a frenetic energy as preparations for the evening's lavish party reached their climax. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm, golden glow that illuminated the intricate tapestries adorning the walls and the polished marble floors. The long dining tables were draped in rich, velvet cloths, their surfaces awaiting the final touches that would transform the space into a scene of opulence and elegance.

In the midst of this whirlwind of activity was Lana, her face pale and damp with sweat, her movements steady but strained. Despite the fever that gripped her, she moved with a quiet determination, her focus on the task at hand. She carefully set up plates, ensuring each one was perfectly aligned, the cutlery meticulously placed beside them.

Marissa, the maid, glanced over at Lana with concern etched on her face. “Lana, you should be resting. Your fever is still high.”

Lana shook her head, a weak but resolute smile on her lips. “I’ll be fine, Marissa. There’s too much to be done, and I don’t want to let anyone down.”

Marissa sighed, knowing it was futile to argue. “Just promise me you’ll take breaks and drink some water. You’re no good to anyone if you collapse.”

Lana nodded, her attention already back on the plates. She moved to the next table, adjusting the centerpiece, a stunning arrangement of fresh flowers that filled the air with a delicate fragrance. Her hands trembled slightly, but she ignored it, pushing through the fatigue.

The sound of approaching footsteps drew her attention, and she looked up to see Evelyn entering the hall, her gaze sweeping over the bustling staff. When she spotted Lana, her expression softened with a mix of sympathy and admiration.

“Lana,” Evelyn called out gently, walking over to her. “You really should be resting.”

Lana straightened up, offering Evelyn a reassuring smile. “I’m alright, really. Just need to finish setting up the tables. The guests will be arriving soon.”

Evelyn studied her for a moment, then nodded. “You’re doing an incredible job, but don’t push yourself too hard. Remember, your health is important too.”

“I will,” Lana promised, though the weariness in her eyes betrayed her. “Thank you, Evelyn.”

As Evelyn moved on to check on other preparations, Lana took a brief moment to steady herself, leaning against the edge of the table. Her head throbbed, and her vision blurred slightly, but she took a deep breath, willing herself to keep going.

The grand clock in the hall chimed, signaling that the first guests would arrive soon. Lana wiped her brow with the back of her hand and resumed her work, her fingers deftly arranging the last of the silverware. She moved to adjust the crystal glasses, ensuring they caught the light just right, adding a touch of sparkle to the tables.

As she worked, she overheard snippets of conversation from the other staff, their excitement and nervousness palpable. This was a significant event, one that had required meticulous planning and coordination. Lana knew how much this evening meant to everyone involved, and she was determined to do her part, fever or not.

Finally, with the tables set and the decorations in place, Lana stepped back to survey her work. The hall looked breathtaking, a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. A small smile of satisfaction touched her lips, even as she swayed slightly on her feet.

Marissa approached her again, a glass of water in hand. “Here, drink this. You need to stay hydrated.”

Lana accepted the glass gratefully, taking small sips as she watched the last-minute preparations unfold around her. The doors to the hall opened, and the first guests began to trickle in, their laughter and chatter filling the space with a festive air.

Evelyn caught Lana’s eye from across the room, giving her an approving nod. Lana returned it, feeling a sense of accomplishment despite her exhaustion. She had done it. The party was ready, and soon the hall would be filled with the sounds of celebration and joy.

As the evening progressed, Lana continued to move through the hall, ensuring everything ran smoothly. She greeted guests with a warm, albeit tired, smile, her presence a quiet testament to her resilience and dedication. And though her fever still burned, the light in her eyes never dimmed, shining brightly in the midst of the grand celebration.

As the grand hall filled with the murmur of guests and the clinking of glasses, a hush fell over the crowd, signaling the arrival of Alpha Sahan and his Luna, Maybel. The grand double doors swung open, revealing the powerful alpha and his radiant mate. Sahan, tall and imposing, exuded an air of authority and grace, while Maybel, stunning in an elegant gown and adorned with a delicate crown, walked beside him with a serene smile.