CHAPTER 4

Valerius POV

The heavy iron gates at the entrance of the Moonstone Pack house slid open smoothly as a convoy of three sleek, midnight-black SUVs rolled up the paved driveway. The tinted windows were dark, and the low rumble of their powerful engines echoed through the quiet afternoon air as they pulled up to the front entrance.

Outside the grand front doors, a receiving line was waiting to welcome the visitors.

Silas stood right in the center, wearing a dark, crisp suit. Standing on his right was his Beta, Kaelen. On his left stood his Gamma, Damon—a tall warrior who kept his hands loosely folded in front of him, his eyes scanning the blacked-out glass of the vehicles.

Behind them stood the older generation: Beta Jonathan—Lyra's father—and Lyra herself. She wore a bright blue silk dress, her blonde hair arranged in perfect curls. Her hand was wrapped tightly around Silas's arm as she watched the luxury cars glide to a stop.

The rear doors of the lead vehicle opened, and two men stepped out into the crisp afternoon air.

A sudden hush fell over the welcoming line. Both men were remarkably tall, broad-shouldered, and carried themselves with an unmistakable, silent air of authority. They were both in the absolute prime of their youth, moving with the calm, relaxed confidence of men who owned every room they walked into.

The first man wore a sharp dark coat over a tailored suit, his dark hair trimmed neatly.

The second man stood slightly taller, dressed in a simple dark jacket over a dark shirt without any gold pins or ornamental crests. Yet, his raw physical presence commanded immediate attention. He moved with a slow, fluid grace—every step measured, every movement carrying the quiet weight of elite power. His sharp, intense eyes swept across the mansion, taking in the perimeter, the guard towers, and the people on the steps in a single, effortless glance.

Silas straightened his posture, stepping down the stone stairs with his hand extended.

"Welcome to the Moonstone Pack," Silas announced, his voice ringing across the driveway. "I am Alpha Silas. Beside me are my Beta, Kaelen, and my Gamma, Damon. Behind us is my senior advisor, Beta Jonathan."

The first man stepped forward and met Silas's grip with a firm, practiced hold. "Alpha Silas. I am Commander Vance." Vance turned slightly, gesturing toward the tall, dark-haired man standing beside him. "And this is Valerius. He is one of the representatives sent by the Northern King, and he will be overseeing the signing of the treaty alongside me."

Silas blinked, his eyes shifting briefly to Valerius. He took in the plain jacket and simple attire, but the sheer, unyielding authority radiating off the man forced Silas to nod with noticeable respect.

"Valerius," Silas said, extending his hand. "It is an honor to welcome representatives of the Northern Crown to our lands."

Valerius stepped forward, his grip cool, brief, and steady. "Alpha Silas," he replied. His deep, rumbling voice carried a low frequency that seemed to vibrate off the surrounding stone pillars, quiet yet utterly dominant.

Behind Silas, Lyra stepped forward, her silk dress rustling as she detached herself from Silas's arm and smoothed her skirts. Her bright smile locked straight onto Commander Vance.

"I am Lady Lyra," she declared, her tone high and sweet. "Daughter of Beta Jonathan, and future Luna of the Moonstone Pack. We are absolutely honored to host such distinguished guests from the North!"

Damon's jaw tightened slightly at the immediate interruption, while Beta Jonathan offered a slow, approving nod.

Valerius's gaze shifted to Lyra. He didn't speak. He simply looked at her—a single, sharp glance that lingered on her forced smile and the hand she immediately placed back onto Silas's chest.

Silas cleared his throat, adjusting his jacket as he addressed Vance again. "We trust your drive through the southern mountain pass was smooth?"

"Very smooth, Alpha," Vance replied smoothly. "Your highways are well-maintained."

"We made sure of it!" Lyra added, her voice chiming in before Silas could respond. "We have prepared everything for your arrival. The grand guest suites on the top floor have been opened for your group. They are fully heated, stocked with hot water, and prepared according to the highest standards."

"You are very hospitable, Lady Lyra," Vance said with a polite nod.

"It is only right," Lyra said, her eyes briefly skimming over Valerius. She took in his simple jacket and plain clothes, her smile dimming into a polite, cool nod before she turned her full attention back to Vance. "We want our guests to see how organized and wealthy our pack is. Dinner will be served in the main hall at seven."

Valerius tilted his head ever so slightly, his expression remaining completely unreadable as he watched her turn away.

"If it pleases you, Alpha," Vance said, turning back to Silas, "my men would like to settle into our quarters and prepare before we begin reviewing the trade and border documents."

"Of course," Silas said, making a sweeping gesture toward the grand entrance doors. "Beta Kaelen and Gamma Damon will show you to your floor."

"Right this way," Kaelen said, stepping ahead with a polite smile, while Damon gestured for the rest of the northern guards to follow.

The delegation moved up the wide stone steps. Valerius fell into step beside Vance, his dark boots making almost no sound against the hard floorboards.

As they stepped through the double oak doors into the main foyer, the air changed. The grand hall smelled heavily of rich cedar, imported floral oils, and roasted meats.

Halfway across the foyer, Valerius slowed his pace slightly. His nostrils flared as he caught a subtle scent cutting through the heavy perfume—the sharp, chemical bite of cheap bleach, cold water, and raw physical labor.

He glanced toward a narrow, unlit corridor tucked beside the main staircase. Through the shadowed doorway, a faint figure retreated into the dark, pulling a heavy metal bucket across the floorboards.

Where she had stepped, a secondary scent lingered—faint, delicate, and entirely distinct. It smelled like fresh summer rain over crushed wildflowers.

"Is something wrong?" Damon asked, stopping two steps ahead on the stairs and turning back to look at Valerius.

Valerius turned his gaze back to the young Gamma. The shift in his eyes was so sharp and intense that Damon involuntarily took a half-step back before catching himself.

"Your hall is very large, Gamma," Valerius said, his voice smooth and low.

Damon swallowed, steadying his breath under the heavy weight of the guest's eyes. "Three generations of structure," Damon replied, offering a quick gesture up the stairs. "The suites are right through here."

Up on the second floor, Kaelen led Commander Vance down the left wing, gesturing to a set of polished double doors. "Commander Vance, this will be your main suite," Kaelen said politely, opening the door slightly. "It connects directly to the private meeting hall."

"Thank you, Beta Kaelen," Vance said, bowing his head slightly before stepping inside to let his guards unpack.

Meanwhile, Damon led Valerius further down the quiet, carpeted hallway toward a private, corner suite at the far end.

"And this room is reserved for you, Valerius," Damon explained, stopping in front of the heavy oak door. "It's one of our most private suites. Lady Lyra made sure the fireplaces were lit and fresh linens were brought up earlier. If you need anything at all, just inform the guard stationed at the top of the stairs."

"Thank you, Gamma," Valerius replied in his deep, calm voice. "That will be all."

Damon gave a quick, respectful nod, turned on his heel, and walked back down the long corridor toward the main staircase.

Valerius stood alone in the hallway for a moment. He reached out, his long fingers wrapping around the cold brass door handle. He pushed the heavy door open, stepping quietly across the threshold into the dimly lit room.