Page 10 of Knot Their Arrangement

"I doubt it." I'm already pulling out my iPhone, mentally cursing its limited capabilities. I long for a professional camera – something that could truly capture the artistry before me.

Astraea offered to buy me one once, a six-thousand-dollar DSLR that made my heart skip, but I couldn't accept.

Not after everything she's already done for me.

Maybe someday I'll earn it myself.

"Stand over near the window so we can get some good sunset lighting on you," I direct, already seeing the shot in my mind. The golden hour light will create the perfect ambiance, especially with her new hair color. "And with this new movement trending, maybe coming out as a seven-figure Omega can be beneficial."

"Movement?" she questions, but I'm too focused on creating the perfect setup to answer. I move around the room, adjusting things here and there, even putting on some soft background music to set the mood.

While she checks her reflection one last time, I notice the nervous energy radiating from her. She's thinking about that Alpha from the gym – I can tell by the way she keeps smoothing down her dress, checking angles that would normally never concern her.

Man, must be nice…

To have an Alpha’s interest enough that you start questioning all the little things that would ruin your idea of “perfection”.

Tonight's government Meetup has her more worked up than usual.

When Velvet mentioned it –supposedly some exclusive event at Sacred Divine on Deviante Avenue– I knew Astraea would need to look her absolute best. The club sits in the heart of our city's wealthiest district, where even the rose bushes are imported and the nearby lake requires a credit check just to look at it.

The same world I ran away from.

I watch as she takes in her reflection, and I can't help but admire how the investment in her appearance has paid off.

The lavender dye job alone cost five grand, but the way it creates an ombre effect with her natural silver is worth every penny. Her pale skin glows with the aftermath of that ridiculous 24-karat gold facial, and even with minimal makeup, she looks like she belongs on a magazine cover.

The dark red dress –another piece I helped choose– hugs her curves perfectly, and those limited edition Tainted Crimson Louboutins add a perfect touch of luxury. Her Judith Leiber Crystal bag —a cool ten grand— matches perfectly with her Swarovski jewelry set.

She looks like old money but earned every bit of it herself.

I know she's secretly hoping to see that mysterious Alpha again, even though she won't admit it.

The way she described him –this huge, muscled god who looked like he could be Knox's relative– made even my jaded heart flutter a bit.

"Let's get snapping before the sun leaves," I urge, hiding my own melancholy behind enthusiasm. Photography has become my escape since running away from my arranged marriage. Through my lens, I can create beauty instead of being sold like cattle for it.

Watching Astraea pose naturally by the window, I feel a mixture of pride and sadness.

Pride because my best friend has built herself into something remarkable – a secret musical genius who can afford five-thousand-dollar hair treatments without blinking. Sadness because I know how lonely she is, how much she yearns for real connection in a world that only sees Omegas as decorative pieces.

At least she got away from her toxic mother. I just ran from mine...

But I push those thoughts aside.

This isn’t the time to think about my regrets or the family that would trade me for business connections.

Tonight is about capturing my best friend in all her glory, about documenting this moment before she steps into that elite world of Sacred Divine, where perhaps fate has something special waiting for her.

Or someone.

Finally satisfied with the photos I've captured, I lower my phone and watch as Astraea examines herself one final time in the mirror.

The golden hour light streaming through our window makes her look almost ethereal like some ancient goddess descended to grace us mere mortals with her presence.

"So this movement?" She prompts, adjusting one of her perfectly styled curls. "You got fifteen minutes to bless me with your acquired knowledge before I get my alter-ego out and attempt to not come home with a pack of crazed Alphas."

Her comment makes me lose myself in laughter, though there's a hint of anxiety beneath my mirth. Even the idea of her encountering some of the Alpha types I've met makes my skin crawl.

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