6: HIS AREA

TSIREYA’s POV

***

Alpha Gage’s voice was low and calm, but there was a playful edge to it that made the hair on my neck stand up. I looked at him, my heart pounding fast.

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “I mean… I am already here. Alpha Kai promised he would discuss the details of this case tonight, including my f*e.”

I met his eyes directly. “I know you are smart. You must understand that I need this job.”

He was silent for a moment. His lips curved slightly, not a smile, but as if he was weighing something in his mind. Then he slowly shook his head, the movement elegant and full of authority. “In that case, wait patiently until Kai comes home.”

His tone was flat, yet there was a softness beneath it that made it hard for me to hate him.

“You may ask the servants to bring you anything you want,” he continued. “Food, drinks, anything.”

Before I could respond, his hand had already reached for a small bell set into the corridor wall. The bell rang clearly, not harsh, like the gentle sound of an old church bell.

In less than ten seconds, two female servants appeared from the end of the corridor. Their steps were quick but controlled, their heads slightly bowed in respect.

Alpha Gage only nodded in my direction. “Serve her.”

That was all. Two words. No further explanation, no harsh command. Yet the two servants nodded at the same time, their eyes turning to me with full attention.

Alpha Gage then turned away. His steps were calm and steady, his broad back disappearing around the corner of the dark corridor. I was left behind, standing alone in front of Kai’s empty room.

I watched his retreating figure, and somehow, something felt heavy in my chest. More like… a curiosity I did not like. He was not rude. He did not chase me away as he easily could have. Instead, he made sure I was taken care of. Gentle. Commanding.

“Miss Tsireya?” one of the servants called softly, her voice full of respect. “Please come to the waiting room. What can we prepare for you?”

I gave a small smile, trying to hide my awkwardness. “Just a glass of water first. And… maybe some warm tea?”

They nodded together and guided me into a small sitting room in Kai’s wing. The room was luxurious, but cold. Black leather sofas, a glass table, crystal lights that were a little too bright. I sat down, hugging my work bag on my lap, staring at the wall clock ticking softly.

The servants returned with a small silver tray. A clear glass of water and a cup of warm tea, steam rising gently. The scent of chamomile filled my nose, calming my tense nerves just a little. I smiled at them, trying to look relaxed even though my heart was still racing with thoughts of Alpha Gage.

“Thank you,” I said softly. “Um… may I walk around for a bit? I would like to look around this mansion. It has been a long time since I saw a Gothic style building like this.”

The older servant smiled and nodded. “Of course, Miss. If you need anything, just call us.”

I nodded and stood up from the sofa. At first, I only wanted to ease my boredom while waiting for Kai, wherever he was. But the more I walked, the more this mansion pulled me in.

Long corridors with shiny black marble floors, dark wooden walls filled with detailed carvings, and high ceilings that made every step echo.

Ancient statues stood at every corner. Stone gargoyles with folded wings, marble angels with cold and unfriendly faces, large bronze vases darkened by age. Wall lamps shaped like old torches, though powered by electricity, gave off a dim yellow light that made everything feel mysterious.

I wondered to myself. How could three Alpha brothers who hated each other live in the same mansion?

Greywil’s Mansion was too grand, too connected, for people who did not get along. Did they really never meet? Or was this some strange agreement that bound them together?

I kept walking, my hand brushing the cold wall now and then. Without realizing it, the corridor began to narrow. The lights grew dimmer, and then… suddenly everything went dark.

The last wall lamp went out without warning, leaving me in thick darkness that made my heart jump.

“What is going on?” I murmured softly. “A power outage? In a mansion this big?”

I reached into my bag, searching for my phone.

But damn it, the battery was dead. The screen was completely black. I steadied my breathing, trying to remember the way back.

“Okay, Tsireya, calm down. You just passed that corridor, turn left, then straight…” But the more I walked, the more I realized I was going the wrong way. The walls felt different, more damp, and the air was cooler. I was lost.

Until my feet carried me into a wide open space.

I sensed emptiness ahead, then saw a faint blue reflection coming from below. It was an indoor swimming pool. The water glowed softly blue from underwater lights, creating beautiful ripples on the surface. And in the middle of it, someone was swimming.

Suddenly, that person stopped. A head emerged from the water, wet black hair clinging to his forehead.

“Who is there?” A man’s voice, deep and heavy, and full of caution.

I stammered. “I am sorry… I got lost. It seems the power went out, everything was dark. I just… ended up here by accident.”

He was silent for a moment.

Then he stepped out of the pool, wearing only wet black shorts clinging to his skin. No shirt. His skin looked pale under the blue pool light, and as he came closer, I saw his irises were pitch black, like a starless night.

He picked up a small remote from the table beside the pool and pressed a button. The pool lights grew brighter, followed by several wall lights.

“The power is not out,” he said coldly. “Because you crossed the boundary, so the lights automatically turned off. This is the right wing. My area.”

I swallowed hard. His face was sharp, high cheekbones, thin lips that did not smile at all. His black hair was still wet. A cold aura radiated from him.

“Who are you?” he asked, his black eyes narrowing with suspicion.

My mind made the connection instantly. From what Alpha Gage had said, the right wing belonged to Alpha Rhys.

“You are… Alpha Rhys, right?” I asked to confirm.

He was silent, then slightly raised an eyebrow. “Yes. But you are not my guest. Why are you here?”

“I am Alpha Kai’s guest,” I replied quickly, trying to keep my voice calm. “I am sorry for crossing the line. I was just walking around, then got lost when it went dark.”

He let out a quiet scoff, his expression turning sour at once. “Oh. So you are the lawyer Kai ordered.”

I nodded slightly, not daring to say more.

He grabbed a white towel from a chair and rubbed his wet hair roughly. Then he looked at me again, this time with a truly cold gaze, like ice. “Leave this place now.”

“Or… I will hurt you,” he added.