CHAPTER 100: QUITE AN ENTRANCE...

Gasps echoed through the grand hall like the first drop of rain before a storm.

Emerald paused at the top of the ballroom steps, aware that everyone in the room was looking at her. She felt their stares... some were curious, others were admiring, and a few even envious, but still, she kept her head held high.

She descended gracefully, silver heels barely making a sound on the marble. The chandeliers above twinkled, highlighting her dress. Her wolf stayed calm but watchful, aware of the power she radiated.

At the bottom of the stairs stood Adrien.

He wore a black, fitted suit, with a wine-red shirt beneath it, which made the gold of his eyes seem brighter. As she reached the last step, he extended his arm with a slow, practised smile.

"You," he murmured, "are absolutely breathtaking."

Emerald smiled, sliding her hand into his. "Not bad yourself," she whispered.

As if on cue, the music started up again, and the conversations bubbled back to life. Adrien took her by the hand and led her to the middle of the hall, and many heads turned to look at them as they walked by.

"You’re causing a scene," she whispered.

"I’m enjoying every second of it," Adrien said with a smug smirk. "Let’s give them something to talk about."

He led her through the room, smiling and nodding to a few people who greeted him.

"I take you planned all this," Emerald said under her breath.

"I did."

"This is not a feast."

Adrien looked amused. "Why, what were you expecting?"

"I don’t know. Maybe a long table, with a few nobles, candles... maybe a toast or two."

He laughed softly. "That’s not how we do it here. Even this? This is considered tame."

"Tame?" She arched a brow.

"Mid-level tame. If we were truly throwing a celebration, you wouldn’t be able to hear yourself think. This is... let’s say thirty per cent."

Emerald’s mouth fell open. "Thirty?!"

He grinned. "Give or take."

Emerald chuckled. "I see. So this is casual chaos."

"Exactly." He twirled her around, pulling her gently through a swirl of dancers. "But I wanted it to feel warm... like you were welcome. Not just... displayed."

She looked at him curiously. "Then why do I feel like you’re showing me off?"

"Because I am," he said smoothly, guiding her toward a small gathering of well-dressed wolves. "And proudly, might I add."

"Well, mission accomplished."

Adrien and Emerald walked up to a circle, where he introduced her to several nobles and pack officials. "This is Alpha Emerald, of the Midnight Fang."

"Alpha Emerald, this is Elder Keir, former strategist of the northern front."

"And this is Councilwoman Layla; she’s the one behind our trading treaty last winter."

Emerald exchanged pleasantries and nodded politely at everyone, trying to stay calm, but her head was already spinning. The bright lights, the scent of spiced wine, and all the dozens of faces... there were too many to take in at once.

Adrien, on the other hand, knew everyone’s names and stories, and it became clear just how well respected he truly was. He made jokes, charmed elders, and slipped in compliments about her with every opportunity.

"You’re going to spoil me," Emerald murmured after the fifth introduction that ended with, ’She’s the Alpha of Midnight Fang, and far more than a beauty.’

"You deserve it," Adrien replied without missing a beat.

The night passed quickly than she expected. The wine flowed, the music never stopped, and Adrien rarely left her side.

The music shifted to something faster, and a few couples headed to the centre to dance. Adrien leaned in closer. "Tempted?"

"To dance?"

"To make everyone here even more jealous."

She chuckled. "I need a drink first."

"Coming right up."

He motioned for a servant, but before he could pass her the new glass, a tall man in a blue sash approached, muttering something urgently to him. Adrien’s smile faded slightly.

"I’m sorry," he said, turning to her. "I need to take this. One of the border posts just reported something... odd."

"Duty calls?"

"Unfortunately."

"I’ll be fine," she assured him.

"I’ll be back before you miss me."

She rolled her eyes. "Cocky."

"Only a little."

He took her hand, brushing a kiss to her knuckles before slipping away, leaving her standing near the floral centrepiece in the heart of the ballroom.

Emerald exhaled and looked around, alone in the crowd again.

After a few minutes, she wandered toward the bar. She wasn’t one to drink heavily, but something about tonight made her want a slow sip of something warm. She sat on the velvet stool and ordered a honeyed whiskey.

It burned just right.

"Mind if I join you?" came a feminine voice from behind her.

Emerald turned.

A woman stood smiling warmly at Emerald. She looked to be about Emerald’s age and wore a simple green gown that fit her well without being flashy. Her auburn curls were draped over one shoulder, and her soft amber eyes watched Emerald with a gentle curiosity.

"Not at all," Emerald replied, gesturing to the seat beside her.

"You made quite the entrance," the lady said with a smile as she settled in.

"Wasn’t exactly my intention."

"Then it worked perfectly. The best moments are never planned." She sipped from a flute of something sparkling. "So... first time here?"

"Yeah."

"And you’re here with the Alpha?"

Emerald nodded in response, then raised a brow. "And you are?"

"Just a visitor," the woman said lightly. "Passing through."

Emerald sipped her drink. "I’m Emerald, by the way."

"Nice meeting you."

Emerald waited for more, but nothing came, so she asked a question of her own. "What about you? You from this pack?"

"Kind of... I’m just here for a few days."

"Visiting someone?"

Seraphina’s eyes sparkled. "I was hoping to reconnect."

"An old flame?"

The woman didn’t answer. She just tilted her glass and looked toward the ballroom. "Things change. People change. But sometimes the past circles back when you least expect it."

Emerald studied her carefully. There was something mysterious about her. She didn’t seem dangerous, but it was hard to tell what she was thinking.

"You seem very... composed," Emerald said.

"Practice," the lady replied lightly. "I’ve had a lot of time to learn what kind of mask fits."

"That sounds exhausting."

"It is," she said, glancing at her. "But you? You don’t look like the kind to wear masks."

Emerald smiled faintly. "I have one or two."

"Do you like him?" the lady asked suddenly.

Emerald blinked. "Excuse me?"

"The Alpha," she clarified. "Do you like him?"

Emerald hesitated. "We’re still figuring things out."

"That’s a yes."

"It’s... complicated."

The lady in green took another sip. "Isn’t it always?"

Emerald gave a small, guarded nod. "What about you? Have you figured out what you want?"

"I did once," she said quietly. "But it slipped away."

Emerald’s lips parted to respond, but the sound of approaching footsteps made her turn.

Adrien was back.

His eyes found hers instantly, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," he said as he approached. "There was an update from the scouts... false alarm."

"No worries," Emerald said. "I had company."

Adrien looked at the woman seated beside her, and his expression shifted ever so slightly. Before Emerald could say anything, he whispered, "Seraphina."

The woman, Seraphina, turned slowly to face him, and the look that passed between them told Emerald everything she needed to know.

They knew each other.