CHAPTER 7

Valerius POV

The main hall was bright, filled with the loud chatter of the Moonstone Pack.

At the head of the long dining table sat the highest-ranking members. Alpha Silas sat in the middle, with Lady Lyra right beside him. Valerius and Commander Vance sat across from them, while Beta Kaelen, Gamma Damon, and old Beta Jonathan took the remaining seats near the center. Further down the table sat the lower-ranked wolves and their mates.

The initial treaty papers had already been signed in Alpha Silas's office earlier that evening. Now, the feast was underway. Large silver platters of roasted meats, fresh bread, and rich side dishes were already laid out across the long wooden tables.

As the guests ate, a line of pack omegas entered the hall carrying heavy glass pitchers of wine and water, moving quietly between the chairs to fill everyone's glasses.

Valerius kept his posture relaxed, barely touching the food on his plate. His sharp eyes scanned the room until he caught sight of a familiar figure walking into the hall.

It was Eliana.

She kept her head lowered, her eyes fixed on the floor as she moved carefully from person to person with a pitcher of red wine. Her small hands were visibly trembling under the weight of the glass.

Valerius watched her every move, his heart heavy as he noticed how thin her arms looked beneath her faded omega dress.

When she finally reached his spot at the table, she leaned in quietly to pour wine into his glass. She didn't look at his face. Her entire body was stiff with tension, clearly desperate to finish her task and leave the hall.

Valerius had his hand resting flat on the wooden table, right near his glass.

As the stream of red wine filled his cup, his long fingers shifted slightly, gently brushing over the back of her hand.

Eliana flinched.

She froze mid-pour, her eyes wide as she looked down at his fingers on her skin. She yanked her hand back so fast that a few drops of wine spilled onto the white tablecloth. She looked around in a sudden panic, checking to see if Alpha Silas or Lady Lyra had noticed.

Seeing how terrified she was, Valerius immediately pulled his hand back, keeping his face completely expressionless.

Eliana gave a quick, nervous bow, set the pitcher down, and practically fled toward the kitchen doors.

Beside him, Commander Vance kept his face neutral, but his voice suddenly cut straight into Valerius's mind through their private link.

What was that about, Alpha? Commander Vance asked mentally, his eyes darting toward the kitchen doors before shifting back to Valerius.

Valerius didn't look at Commander Vance. His eyes stayed locked on the doorway where she had vanished.

Nothing, Valerius replied through the mind-link, his voice cold and firm. Just make sure she comes home with us.

Commander Vance's mind-link vibrated with shock. What? Why? Who is she?

Later, Valerius linked back simply, closing off the mental connection before Commander Vance could ask anything more.

Before Commander Vance could process the order, Lady Lyra leaned across the table toward him, her bright blue dress rustling loudly as she placed a charming smile on her face.

"Commander Vance," Lady Lyra chimed, her voice sweet and high. "We hope the wine is to your liking! It is imported directly from the southern vineyards. Only the absolute best for our northern guests, of course."

Commander Vance instantly focused back on the room, putting on his smooth, political face without missing a beat.

"It is very fine wine, Lady Lyra," Commander Vance replied politely, giving her a short nod. "Your pack's hospitality is appreciated."

"Oh, it is our pleasure!" Lady Lyra cooed, leaning in a little closer, clearly trying to build a strong political connection with the Northern commander. "We take great pride in our traditions here. The Moonstone Pack believes in strong alliances, especially with powerful leaders like yourselves. Don't you agree, Alpha Silas?"

Alpha Silas offered a stiff nod, taking a slow sip of his drink. "Indeed. A strong border benefits both our territories."

Lady Lyra smiled wider, turning back to Commander Vance. "Exactly! Which is why I personally made sure your delegation received the absolute best care tonight. If there is anything else you or your men need during your stay—anything at all—you only have to ask me."

Commander Vance smiled smoothly, seizing the opening in an instant. "Actually, Lady Lyra, now that you mention it... I couldn't help but observe how well-trained and organized your omegas are. They know their duties well and move with great care."

Lady Lyra puffed her chest out with pride. "Of course! I oversee their training personally."

"It would be a true honor," Commander Vance continued smoothly, "to have one of your omegas come to the Northern Pack to help teach our staff how you handle guest care."

Lady Lyra's eyes brightened at the flattering proposal. "Hmm... that is a very interesting idea. Whom do you suggest?"

"The omega who just poured our wine," Commander Vance said casually, leaning back in his chair. "I believe she would be perfect. I heard she was the one who prepared our guest suites today, and the room was set up beautifully."

Lady Lyra scoffed lightly, a calculating look crossing her face. "Oh, you mean Eliana? Well, she is just a quiet maid, but if you truly think so..." She waved a dismissive hand, already liking the idea of sending away an omega she disliked while looking generous to the Northern guests. "I think that would be perfectly fine."

Beside her, Alpha Silas suddenly froze.

Valerius's sharp eyes caught the exact moment Alpha Silas's jaw tightened. Alpha Silas's fingers gripped his silver fork so hard his knuckles turned white against the metal.

"I don't think we should decide that right now," Alpha Silas cut in, his voice unnaturally tight and cold.

Lady Lyra blinked in surprise, turning to look at Alpha Silas. "Why not, Alpha Silas? It's just an omega, and it shows great goodwill to our northern neighbors."

"We can discuss pack staff later," Alpha Silas insisted sharply, not meeting anyone's eyes as he stared straight ahead.

Commander Vance's mind-link immediately pinged inside Valerius's head. Did you notice Alpha Silas's reaction to Lady Lyra's suggestion?

Valerius didn't answer through the link. He simply sat quietly, his dark, calm eyes shifting slowly between Alpha Silas's tense grip on his fork and Lady Lyra's confused face.

Very interesting..., Valerius thought to himself, a cold, dangerous resolve settling deep in his chest. Alpha Silas was hiding something about Eliana—and whatever it was, it only made Valerius more determined to take his mate away from this place.