“I won’t stay in the hall too long,” I murmur aloud. “Being mindful of people all night would be exhausting.” “It’s fine,” Aunt Irene says with a dismissive wave, already gathering the remnants of her tools into a bag along with my previous clothes. “As long as you don’t stay hidden away in here by yourself, I don’t mind.” Her gaze lingers on me a moment longer before she turns and slips out the door. I glance at Darien. He’s already watching me, a half-smile on his lips, and when he offers his hand, I take it without hesitation. His palm is warm, steady. Tonight… I’m going to enjoy myself. Without fear. Without a care. As we step back into the main hall, stares follow us immediately. Aunt disappears to find a staff member to deliver her bag to the car, while Darien and I reenter the swirl of the party. The atmosphere has shifted—most of the senior Alphas have vanished into their summit, leaving the hall lighter, buzzing with youth, betas, and spouses. Laughter rises above the m
I am so going to get an earful. Dragging the door open, I barely had time to breathe before Aunt Irene’s eyes landed on Darien behind me. “Before you say or do anything,” I rushed out, hands raised in surrender, “let me explain.” - “And you didn’t tell me,” she said after my stumbling explanation, voice clipped, “because you thought I’d drag you home and make you abandon the certificate.” I nodded, sheepish. She exhaled slowly, then turned her gaze on Darien. He sat like a student in the principal’s office, but somehow, somehow, still carried the air of someone in charge. His posture was loose, deliberate. Unbothered. “And what’s your reason,” Aunt Irene asked coldly, “for not turning her over to the academy authorities? Or blackmailing us?” Darien lifted a shoulder in an easy shrug. “I have money.” “I have more.” Her tone was flat, dangerous. For the first time, his composure shifted ever so slightly. But then he leaned forward, elbows on his knees, that sly smile tugging a
My head snaps up. What is wrong?! A drunk enchanter stumbled past, his body haloed by floating magic circles that wavered with every sway of his steps. He was completely out of it, mumbling nonsense as he bumped into a passing server, nearly sending another tray of glasses to the floor. I rolled my eyes and looked away. “People sure don’t know how to act these days,” I muttered, pushing back from the table. “Where are you going?” Darien asked without looking up. “I need to use the bathroom. Excuse me.” “Oh no,” he said with mock solemnity. “If we were in a more public setting, I’d have to ask… Which one?” It took me a second. Then I barked out a laugh. “Haha, nice one.” “Take your time. I’ll be here.” He waved me off, still scrolling through his phone like he had all the patience in the world. After getting directions from a server, I slipped into one of the rooms along the left wing of the mansion. “You seem like you’re having fun.” Ezra’s black flame flickered into existen
The answering roar shook the chandeliers. “To the greatness of the werewolves!”The music swells again, violins and soft percussion filling the glittering hall as the festivities resume. Conversation blooms like wildfire, glasses clink, and laughter ripples across the marble floors.When his father steps away, Roman is immediately engulfed. A swarm of guests closes in around him, elders with sharp gazes, young heirs with restless energy, and women drawn like moths to fire. Questions fly in from every direction, ranging from his hunting achievements to academy life… even to his love life.Roman answers them all with disarming ease, his smile polite yet warm. With the older Alphas, he speaks with the steadiness of someone far beyond his years. With the younger ones, he relaxes, matching their eagerness without ever lowering himself. It’s a balancing act, flawless and natural. Admirable… enviable.And then I see her.A woman steps closer than the rest, a blonde with hair cascading like s
It was supposed to be a fun party. Drinks, dances, and laughter… Yes. That’s what I thought. What we all thought. So why is my dress drenched in Roman’s blood? Why is he dying in my arms? - EARLIER THAT NIGHT The golden double doors creaked open and a man in a pristine white uniform marched through with military precision. His voice boomed through the hall, silencing chatter in an instant. “Attention! Introducing… the Vaynes. Alpha Roderick Vayne and his son, Alpha Roman Vayne.” The announcement echoed like a decree. The doors swung wide, and light from the chandeliers above spilled across the threshold in a flood of gold. Father and son stood there, backlit as if carved from legend, every inch of them radiating authority that made the air thrum. They stepped forward. Roderick Vayne was the older, sharper reflection of his son. Both bore the same ink-black hair that seemed to devour light, the same pale, sculpted features that looked cold enough to cut, and those infamous
Inside, the mansion was no less magnificent. Gleaming marble floors stretched beneath our feet, the veins of silver and green in the stone catching every flicker of light. Portraits of Vayne ancestors lined the walls—stern eyes that seemed to watch every guest pass. Crystal chandeliers spilled light like waterfalls from the vaulted ceiling, and the scent of roses and wine lingered in the air. At the end of the corridor, two gilded double doors stood open, spilling laughter and music into the hall. We paused there. Aunt Irene fussed with my collar, even though I knew it sat perfectly. Her hand brushed through my hair as if rearranging a strand that wasn’t out of place. “Are you nervous?” I bent slightly to whisper. Even in her heels, I still had an inch or two on her. “For you? Yes.” she said softly, straightening the nonexistent flaw. “Make sure you mingle. But if you need anything, link me.” I know she dabbled with the idea of whether it was safe to bring me. What if someone reco