chapter 7: Meeting at the Silver House

Orion – POV

When I woke up the next morning, the light pouring through the windows felt harsh. My body ached. My thoughts were heavy.

I dressed in silence. My usual outfit: grey suit, silver pin, black gloves. Everything clean and tight. Everything Beta. Everything fake.

Nora knocked twice before entering. "Sir, the board meeting has been moved to eleven. Your uncle will be attending by holo."

I nodded, adjusting my cuffs. "Anything else?"

She hesitated. "He also sent a driver. He wants you at the Silver House for dinner tonight.

I froze.

He hadn't summoned me in months. Not unless something was wrong.

A chill crawled down my spine, slow and deliberate, like icy fingers trailing my skin. My mind went blank for a second, then flooded with one terrifying thought:

He must have found out what happened at the gala.

I knew what kind of eyes followed me — not just strangers or curious nobles. His spies. Always watching. Always reporting. I had felt them on my back even when I was alone. I had learned to smile through the weight of it.

I cleared my throat, and tried to look normal. "Did he… say anything else?" I asked, my voice a little lower than I intended.

"No, sir. Just that you should come. And look... presentable."

Presentable. Right.

Translation: Look like the perfect Beta heir he molded from lies and fear.

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Cassian – POV

I stood alone in my office, arms folded, eyes closed.

My wolf was restless again.

Ever since I saw Orion’s true self at that gala, something had shifted. I felt drawn to him in a way I couldn’t explain.

But still—no confirmation.

I had waited sixteen years for this.

Since I turned eighteen, I had searched for my mate. Traveled to every region. Met every royal Alpha and dignitary. But the bond never sparked.

And now, at thirty-four, I had a strong suspicion.

But my wolf was confused. Slowed.

Orion's scent was off. Like it had been soaked in chemicals. Not just masked—muted.

I clenched my fists.

If he truly was mine, I needed proof. Not politics. Not guesses.

My wolf had to feel the bond. To recognize it.

But for that to happen, Orion had to stop hiding.

I clenched my fists.

"Come out of the dark, Orion," I whispered. "Show me who you are. So I can stop wondering. So I can know."

He had to stop using those suppressants. Let his wolf rise—even just for a month..

Until then, I was stuck in this silence.

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Orion – POV

By nightfall, I was sitting in the back of the black car, watching the buildings turn into trees.

The city gave way to winding roads and stone gates. We passed guards. Tall iron fences. More guards. And then finally, the Silver House appeared, lit by gold lamps and moonlight.

It was beautiful. And terrifying.

Nora wasn’t allowed in. The driver disappeared as soon as I stepped out.

Inside, everything was silent. Polished. Cold.

My uncle, Sebastian Drevenhart, waited in the main hall, seated on a long leather couch with a glass of dark wine in his hand.

"Orion," he said without looking up. "You’re late."

"By two minutes."

"Two minutes is enough to lose an empire."

I didn’t answer. I sat across from him, perfectly still.

He studied me.

"You met with the Northern Prince."

I tensed. "Briefly. It was business."

"Everything is business," he said sharply. "And yet, you looked rattled afterward."

"It was a long meeting."

"Don’t insult me, Orion. You think I don’t know what happened?"

My breath caught. Just for a second.

He set the wine down.

"I know everything that happened at the meeting. 50/50 isn't a good deal, Orion." He angrily said, " Send a contract to the North proposing 70/30."

"I'll do just that." I replied.

"And be careful around that Northern Prince. He's very cunning. He shouldn't suspect your identity, or he will go to any length to find out who you are."

"He thinks I’m a Beta. Just like the rest of them."

He leaned forward. His eyes were like ice.

"If he finds out what you are, everything we’ve built will collapse. The board will revolt. The other heirs will circle like vultures. And your life, what little of it I’ve allowed you to keep, will be worth nothing."

"Then why keep me at all?" I asked, tired.

He didn’t blink.

"Because you were useful. Until now."

Something flickered in his expression. A warning. A threat. A promise.

I stood.

"Is that all, Uncle?"

He smiled faintly.

"For now. But know this, Orion: If that Alpha even sniffs the truth, I’ll put you back in the box I found you in. And this time, I won’t leave the lid open."

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