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I waited until the dining hall had emptied before I allowed the smile to disappear from my face.The servants had cleared most of the dishes, leaving only a few glasses and plates on the long table. I sat there with my fingers wrapped around the stem of my glass, staring at the doorway where Xavier had disappeared after Aria, and the longer I stared, the more my anger grew.Nyx shifted inside me, her presence brushing against my mind like a cold hand. " You sAriaThe reception hall had been transformed for the evening, with golden lights reflecting off the polished floors and soft music filling the space between conversations. Blackwood was hosting another formal gathering for Alec's delegation, this time with the intention of maintaining goodwill after the uncomfortable exchanges of the previous day. I had no intention of allowing Alec's presence to make me uncomfortable in my own home, so I chose a wine-coloured gown with a fitted waist and delicate sleeves, then joined Maya as the guests began arriving.Xavier approached me near the entrance, dressed in a black suit that made him look every bit the Alpha he was. He offered his arm, but he didn't reach for me or assume I would accept it.“May I?” he asked.I looked at his extended arm before meeting his eyes. “You may.”His smile was small, but I noticed it. I slipped my hand through his arm, partly because I wanted to and partly because I
LucianI found my father in his private study, seated behind the large oak desk with a stack of documents arranged neatly before him. Magnus had always preferred quiet rooms and carefully planned conversations, which was probably why I usually avoided visiting him unless necessary. Unfortunately, he had sent for me twice that morning, and ignoring the second message would only give him another reason to complain about my lack of responsibility.“You sent for me, Father,” I said, dropping into the chair opposite his desk. “I hope someone hasn't died. I haven't had time to prepare a suitable expression of grief.”Magnus looked up from his papers, unimpressed by my attempt at humour. “You could try taking something seriously for once, Lucian.”“I take many things seriously. Food, sleep, and the quality of wine served at council gatherings, for example.”“Your cousin's responsibilities are not a joke.”I leaned back, already regretti
AriaThe argument began before I had finished my breakfast.I was crossing the main courtyard with Maya when raised voices drew my attention toward the training grounds. Several Blackwood warriors stood facing members of Alec's delegation, their expressions growing more hostile with every passing second. One of the visiting wolves had stepped forward, pointing accusingly at a young Blackwood warrior while the others watched.“What exactly did you expect?” the visiting warrior demanded. “Your Alpha allows just anyone to wear the Luna's title, so perhaps I shouldn't be surprised that his warriors have forgotten their manners.”My steps slowed.The Blackwood warrior moved closer, his hands curling into fists. “You will watch your mouth while you're standing on our land.”“Or what?” the visitor sneered. “Will your precious Luna come and command us to behave?”I stepped forward before either man could make the mistake of turn
XavierAlec's final remark had followed me long after he walked away. I had dismissed his accusation to his face, but the suggestion that Aria was hiding something from me had found an uncomfortable place in my thoughts. I knew I shouldn't give him the satisfaction of questioning her because of a few carefully chosen words, yet I couldn't stop wondering what he believed I didn't know about the woman I was trying so desperately to understand.I was still standing near the reception hall when I noticed Lucian returning from the garden with Aria. He was saying something that made her laugh, and she tilted her head toward him with an ease I hadn't seen from her in my presence for some time. Lucian smiled at her, clearly pleased with himself, while my fingers tightened around the glass I was holding.I knew my cousin. He had always enjoyed irritating me, especially when he discovered something capable of provoking a reaction. But watching Aria laugh with him br
AriaAlec remained standing with his glass raised, his attention fixed on me as the conversations around the table gradually faded. I had expected him to bring up our marriage eventually, but I hadn't expected him to use the first evening of his visit to make it the centre of attention. Xavier sat beside me, his expression controlled, while the elders waited to hear what Alec considered so important that he had interrupted the diplomatic reception.“After Aria left Crestview, several personal and financial matters were never properly resolved,” Alec began. “There were responsibilities connected to our marriage that she simply walked away from, and I believe it is time we addressed them.”I placed my glass on the table, keeping my expression composed. The nerve of the man was almost impressive. He had spent years making decisions without considering me, yet now he wanted everyone in the room to believe I had abandoned my responsibilities.“I wasn't
Aria I stood before the full-length mirror while Maya adjusted the final fold of my dress, her eyes occasionally meeting mine through the reflection. The deep emerald gown hugged my waist before falling smoothly to the floor, with delicate gold embroidery around the neckline and sleeves. It was elegant without being excessive, and the soft fabric allowed me to move comfortably. I had chosen it because I liked how I looked in it, not because I needed anyone in Blackwood's hall to approve of my appearance. “Beautiful,” Maya said, stepping back to admire her work. “The Luna of Blackwood is going to make quite an impression today.” I smiled faintly, but my fingers remained busy adjusting the bracelet around my wrist. “I hope the impression is that I know how to welcome guests without throwing anyone through the nearest window.” Maya laughed, although her expression softened when she noticed my hands. “You're nervous.”







