Chapter 8

It was a cool evening in the Greyer Pack. The sky was a deep blue, dotted with the first stars of the night. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees around the palace, carrying the scent of pine and something sweet, like blooming flowers. Inside

In Cassie's room, time seemed to slow down. She was still trying to understand what had just happened with Daisy. Daisy had asked to be friends, and Cassie, almost without thinking, She had said yes. Just a simple "sure."

“Thanks Cassie, sorry we had a rough start," Daisy had smiled, and then walked out of the room, leaving Cassie alone again.

Cassie was stunned. She sat on the edge of the huge bed, her mind racing. She went over the conversation again and again.

Was Daisy really sorry? Or was it all an act? She just couldn't figure it out. Maybe having a friend in the pack won't hurt so bad? She might also be sincerely sorry,” she thought to herself

Suddenly, a soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts."My lady," the maid said, her voice polite and respectful.

"It's time for dinner. A young maid, dressed in a simple but elegant uniform, peeked respectfully. I'm here to take you to the dining room."

Cassie took a deep breath, trying to push aside her confusion about Daisy. Dinner. She had to face the Alphas again, and this time, it would be in a more formal setting. She stood up, smoothing down her dress.

She took another glance at the mirror.

“Perfect," she muttered to herself.

She was wearing a black silk casual dress. To her, it was the perfect choice of dress for the cool evening.

She followed the maid out of the room. The maid led her through more winding corridors, each one more grand than the last. Finally, they reached a set of large, double doors.

As the maid opened them, Cassie gasped. The room was enormous. It wasn't just a dining room; it was like a large banquet hall. Long tables stretched across the room, covered with white cloths and glittering silverware.

"Are they having some kind of banquet?" she asked the maid, her voice filled with awe.

Food of all kinds was lined up in a dazzling display: roasted meats, colorful vegetables, bowls of steaming soup, and platters of sweet-smelling desserts."No, my lady. The air was filled with the delicious aroma of spices and cooked food. Cassie had never seen anything like it.

The maid smiled gently."No, my lady. "No, my lady. This is the Alpha's dining room. They eat like this every night."

Cassie's eyes widened. Every night?

It was hard to imagine living in such luxury.

Not like the Alpha’s Palace back in her pack wasn't luxurious but this was another state.

It had the same look like the wedding banquet in her pack but here, it was just a dining room.

As she walked in, her long strides ate up the distance. Mark looked at her intensely with admiration written all over his face.

He couldn't help but notice the way her hair swayed gently with each step, or the confident smile that played on her lips. Her eyes sparkled in the sunlight, and he felt his gaze drawn to hers.

For a moment, their eyes met, and he felt a flutter in his chest. She looked away.

Cassie could feel her legs shaking in the silhouettes as she moved closer.

The hall was conditioned but she felt really hot.

The gazes on her was what she couldn't handle.

“Did I pick the wrong choice of cloth?” She wondered trying to figure out what caused the attention.

The maid led her closer to the head of the room, where Mark and Lark were standing. As they approached, the maid bowed deeply and then quietly left.

Cassie felt a bit awkward standing there alone. She wasn't sure what to do.

“Should I bow too?” She pondered. Confused on what to do, she bowed her knees slightly, about to prostrate into a bow, Lark's voice cut through.

"You shouldn't do that," Lark said, his voice cold and sharp. "You're not a maid.You're one of us now."

His words surprised Cassie. She wasn't sure if he was being sarcastic or serious.

“One of them," a sense of belonging surged into her, she couldn't help it but smile.

"Please, sit," he said, his voice kind.

Cassie sat down, feeling a little more at ease. Mark sat beside her, while Lark took the chair opposite. He was so hard to read.

Mark, on the other hand, seemed much warmer. He smiled at her and pulled out a chair for her at the head table.

Mark started a conversation, trying to make her feel comfortable."So, Cassie," he said, "tell us about your family. Where are they?”

Cassie's smile faded. The question brought back painful memories."They...they're dead," she said, her voice quiet and sober."They died in a war."

Mark's face softened with sympathy. "Oh my, I'm really sorry," he apologized.

He didn't want her to feel sad. The conversation continued, with Mark asking her about her life before she came to the Greyer Pack.

He seemed genuinely interested in getting to know her. Lark, however, didn't say anything. He was quiet and cold, focused on his meal.

He didn't look at Cassie, didn't ask her any questions. He just ate, his movements precise and controlled.

"Why is he acting this way?" Cassie thought to herself. She couldn't understand Lark's behavior. He was so different from Mark.

Despite his coldness, Cassie found herself stealing secret glances at Lark. She couldn't help but notice how handsome he was.

His sharp jawline, the strong veins in his hands, the way he chewed slowly and deliberately – everything about him was attractive to her.

She was almost drooling over him.

Suddenly, it happened. Lark looked up from his plate, and his eyes met hers. Time seemed to stop. His gaze was intense, piercing, holding hers captive. Cassie's heart started pounding heavily in her chest. She felt a strange heat spreading through her body. It was like a physical pull, a connection she couldn't explain.