All Chapters of In His Ruins : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

The morning air outside the massive, ancient stone walls of the Silvermoon Estate was crisp, biting, and heavy with the sharp, metallic scent of an early frost rolling down relentlessly from the jagged northern peaks. But inside the main administrative offices, tucked deep within the heavily fortified heart of the pack house, the atmosphere was thick, airless, and suffocating with relentless political tension. Alpha Julian sat at the head of the heavy mahogany conference table, his dark, brooding eyes fixed firmly on the final, leather-bound draft of the guest manifest for the upcoming seasonal gala. Around him, the high council elders murmured in low, expectant tones, highly satisfied that the long-standing vacuum of the pack’s leadership was finally about to be filled by someone worthy of the title and traditional status."Everything is aligning precisely as ancient tradition dictates, Alpha," one of the senior council members noted, stroking his graying beard approvingly while look

The morning after the sudden, chilling display of raw power in the western library, the atmosphere across the upper tiers of the Silvermoon Estate felt distinctly different, heavy with an unspoken, creeping dread. The usual unapologetic arrogance that saturated the grand hallways was now tempered by a nervous, jittery tension, though Clara and Jessica tried desperately to mask their lingering unease behind tight, practiced smiles and icy glares. They had deliberately chosen not to report the bizarre corridor incident to Alpha Julian—they were far too proud and vain to admit to the Alpha that a seemingly powerless, low-ranking servant girl had completely rattled them with a mere flick of static energy. Instead, they kept it as a fiercely guarded secret between themselves, redoubling their spiteful efforts to ensure Nora remained completely isolated, beaten down, and hidden away in the dark before the commencement of the upcoming seasonal gala.Up in his heavily guarded private war room

The fourth day before the seasonal gala dawned with a heavy, bruised sky that threatened an early winter blizzard, blanketing the outer boundaries of the Silvermoon Estate in an ominous, grey gloom. Inside the bustling kitchens and grand corridors, the staff moved with the mechanical precision of clockwork, their faces drawn and pale with utter exhaustion as they executed Lady Helen’s endless, punishing stream of modifications. Every drapery had to be meticulously adjusted, every silver candelabra polished to a blinding shine, and every single detail synchronized to project an image of unassailable pack supremacy to the incoming regional dignitaries. To the rest of the world, Silvermoon was a fortress of unyielding strength; to the people trapped inside its machinery, it was a gilded prison.Up in his administrative office, Alpha Julian felt the suffocating weight of the impending event pressing against his chest like a physical iron band, making it hard to draw a full breath. He stoo

The penultimate day before the regional gala arrived with a bitter, biting northern wind that howled viciously around the parapets of the Silvermoon Estate, driving freezing sleet against the high, stained-glass windows of the grand east wing. Inside the warmly lit drawing room, the air was thick with the heavy scent of imported beeswax candles and expensive French perfume. Lady Helen stood by the massive mahogany table, carefully inspecting the final seating arrangements and guest manifests for the arriving dignitaries. Every name had been vetted, every political alliance mapped out, and every potential threat meticulously neutralized—or so she firmly believed."The western delegation is scheduled to dock their transport carriages by tomorrow afternoon," Lady Helen noted smoothly, her eyes fixed on the parchment as she addressed Jessica, who sat nearby nervously twisting a silver ring around her finger. "Once the regional elders witness your presentation beside Julian during the open

By evening, the grand ballroom of the Silvermoon Estate had transformed into an absolute spectacle of blinding lights, heavy crystal chandeliers, and rich velvet draperies. It was practically designed to scream wealth, power, and untouchable dominance to anyone lucky enough to step inside. The regional delegates had officially arrived in droves, draped in expensive furs and glittering jewels, mingling smoothly while sipping imported vintage champagne. Laughter and polite, fake conversations bounced effortlessly off the towering marble pillars as Lady Helen and Jessica worked the room like absolute pros. Jessica looked stunning in her custom-tailored northern gown, playing the part of the flawless future Luna to perfection. But beneath the dazzling smile and graceful posture, her hands were secretly shaking every time she reached for a flute of champagne. She kept scanning the crowded room, a paranoid knot in her stomach whispering that some kind of disaster was about to drop right out