Chapter 8

Katherine Lark's POV:

I could still hear the other elders arguing with Alpha Harrison.

"But this is for the future of the Darkblood Pack!" another elder argued.

"No." Alpha Harrison replied. "You are all just being fussy without a reason."

His voice was firm and left no room for argument. Soon, the doors closed and I finally let out a slow breath I didn't realize I was holding. I knew Alpha Harrison had noticed me but he didn't say anything about it.

Once the room was empty, I stepped back and returned to the courtyard.

So they wanted Alpha Harrison married and the elders already had someone in mind, huh?

I guess it was no longer a surprise since an Alpha really needs a Luna to help him lead a pack. But for some reason, that thought stung a little.

I closed my eyes and shook my head.

"It's just the bond reacting. It means nothing at all." I whispered to myself.

I took another deep breath and walked back to the courtyard. By the time I arrived, the food was already served. The long tables were filled with warm dishes and the smell of stew and bread were spreading through the air. I could hear the others starting to call out to one another and telling them to come and eat.

"Big sister!"

I turned around just in time to see Elina running toward me. I did not expect to see her again soon. But before I could say anything, Elina grabbed my hand without hesitation and pulled me along.

"Come on, big sister!" she happily said. "You will eat with us."

"Huh? Ah!"

Before I could reply, Elina had already led me to one of the tables.

"Mama! Mama! This is her!" Elina proudly said while pointing at me before turning to the woman beside her. "Mama, this is the big sister I was talking about earlier!"

The woman looked at me with careful eyes. This must be her mother. She studied me for a moment.

"You were that person yesterday, right?" she carefully asked.

"Yes." I replied. "But Alpha Harrison allowed me to get out of my room."

"...I see."

Maybe because I told her their Alpha had given me his permission, the woman finally gave me a small nod.

"I'm sorry for my late introduction. I'm Fiona, Elina's mother." she said.

"I'm Katherine Lark." I replied and lowering my head in greeting.

Soon, Fiona's gaze softened just a little while looking at me.

"You should eat too." Fiona said. "The food here tastes good."

"Thank you." I quietly said.

I took a seat when she gestured to the space beside them. Elina quickly sat down next to me. Her feet swung under the bench while smiling at me.

But soon, I could feel eyes on me. Most of them were looking in my direction while softly whispering with each other. But there was no hostility in their gazes. There was only curiosity.

So I kept my hands still on my lap and calmed myself. For now, no one seemed to do me any harm.

Soon, the three elders arrived at the courtyard. Their presence silenced the table a little while others made space for them. While looking at them, Elina quickly leaned closer to me.

"Those are the elders, big sister!" she whispered while pointing at them one by one. "That's Elder Yaren, Elder Morthom and Elder Veyra."

"Mhmm. I see." I said.

Then Elina paused and smiled wider.

"Also, Elder Morthom is my grandpa!"

Before I could respond again, Elina stood up from her seat while the elders approached the table. I watched her move forward to welcome them. Elder Morthom gave her a gentle pat on the head and laughed. Then Elina gestured to me and spoke happily to him.

I couldn't hear what they were saying. But Elder Morthom's eyes moved toward me. When I felt his gaze on me, I slowly lowered my head to greet him. Elder Morthom studied me for a moment before he lowered his head just a little.

It was a small gesture but it still surprised me. I did not expect him to return my greeting.

After the elders moved, Elina returned to her own seat with a happy smile. This little girl was clearly pleased with herself as if she had just done something important.

"Don't worry, big sister!" Elina happily said. "Elder Morthom is always a nice grandpa to me! You don't need to be scared of him!"

I just smiled at Elina and gave her a gentle pat on her head.

Just then, the most important person had finally arrived.

Alpha Harrison stepped into the courtyard. He was moving with calm authority but there was something easy and natural about him. The courtyard felt quieter for a moment when he walked past the tables. But soon, the others started greeting their Alpha until he sit on a center spot that the others saved for him.

After Alpha Harrison took his seat, our eyes suddenly met across the table. And all of a sudden, a strange feeling tightened in my chest. But it only lasted a second before he turn his gaze back on his pack and slowly lifted his hand.

"Go ahead." he said. "Enjoy your breakfast, everyone."

Everyone thanked their Alpha and followed it with their small thanks to the Moon Goddess. And soon, people began to reach for the food. While eating, I quietly noticed how organized it all was.

All of them was smoothly moving around the tables. They was no pushing or jostling happening either. No one also cared about their ranks here. I was surprised to see the higher and lower members talking and laughing together. Their plates were also politely passed to each other. Even the elders quietly waited their turn before taking anything.

It felt unusually fair and calm.

Suddenly, I noticed Elina was looking at my plate. Then she leaned over with a big smile and happily put more food on it.

"This is my favorite, big sister!" she said. "You should try it!"

But before I could answer, Fiona also handed me a bowl of stew.

"Eat this while it's hot." she said.

I nodded my head and took the bowl. I was feeling grateful for their thoughtfulness.

While I was eating, I felt eyes on me. When I looked up, I saw Alpha Harrison was subtly staring at me. But I did not look away. When our eyes met, it felt like the room had disappeared for a moment.

It was weird but I didn't feel wary of him anymore. If anything, I felt a little curious toward him.