ra’s POV olliPM. /li/ol

    Athick, awkward silence fell over the room. I could feel the eyes of everyone on me, assessing, calcting,

    And then, a deep voice sliced through the stillness.

    “There is a problem, the voice announced.

    * 62%

    A man stood up from the long table, his broad frame casting a shadow. Dark curls framed his weathered face, and his thick beard looked like it could hide a dozen secrets. He wore a grey cloak that seemed to make him look more intimidating

    “And what exactly is that problem?” I asked, not even trying to hide the cold edge in my voice.

    He didn’t flinch. “You’re not mated to the King yet. There’s been no ceremony. You don’t belong in the Queen’s seat.”

    A smile tugged at my lips, just the slightest, as I locked eyes with him. “And you are?”

    “Elder Briar of the House of Shadow,” he replied, his tone stiff.

    “Right. Elder Briar.” I nodded slowly, as if I was processing his words. “Tell me, though, don’t you think the decent thing to do would’ve been to arrange a seat for me? Or should I be expected to wander around this massive dining hall until I stumble into an empty seat? Seems like a design w to me.”

    Briar cleared his throat, visibly ufortable. “My apologies, Lady ra. I’ll have the servants move ia /ichair for you.”

    I held up a hand, cutting him off. “No need.”

    I leaned back in my seat, looking around the room, the voices rising in a low murmur, but I was far beyond caring at this point.

    “I’m not moving. I’m perfectly content right here. Tonight, I sit where I please.”

    The room seemed to inhale, then exhale in unison, shock rippling through the guests. The murmurs escted, a isea /iof voices flooding the space.

    “You don’t get to decide this!” Briar bellowed, his voice cutting through the noise. “If you don’t leave, I’ll have the guards remove you.”

    Just then, the grand double doors of the hall swung open with a loud creak. A slender figure moved through, graceful, poised.

    A soft voice cut through the chaos. “Father, don’t,” she said, her tone surprisingly gentle.

    I turned, my gazending on her. It was Amara.

    Briar hesitated, his shock evident. “But Amara-”

    “Lady ra is still new to our world,” Amara interjected smoothly, “She deserves a warm wee, not to be reprimanded for her ignorance. And I’m sure Dorian won’t mind if she takes his seat for just one night.”

    Her words rang out softly, but there was an undeniable authority to them. The entire hall seemed to fall silent, and people watched her with respect.

    I couldn’t help but eye Amara warily. This girl was smooth. She was far too smooth.

    One of the women in the crowd muttered, “She smashed you with a jug earlier, and now you’re defending her?”

    TU SU MON, 25 Aug

    OLA

    Amara‘ sinile never wavered. “It was an ident, of course. I’ve forgiven her, she said, her voice meet at honey. “Now, why don’t we all raise a ss to our future Queen?”

    She beckoned a maid over, and soon a champagne ss appeared in her hand. The room hesitated, eyes flickering between each other. But Amara had already raised her ss, and after a long pause, the murmurs stopper. Slowly, the others followed suit, lifting their sses in reluctant unison.

    “To the Future Queen.”

    The words rang out, but they felt forced,ced with barely concealed disdain.

    I didn’t say anything, just lifted my ss, taking a slow sip. Amara was a master of maniption–better than I’d given her credit for. She yed the sweet, innocent victim so well, and in doing so, turned me into the viin of the story.

    Mi had been loud and obnoxious, but Amara? She was much more dangerous. She didn’t make a scene. She made people think. She had control, and I was going to have to tread carefully around her.

    Dinner arrived, and I let my thoughts fade as I focused on the food. Lycans knew how to throw ia /ifeast, that much was clear. Between the third course and dessert, Amara was at it again. She stood up, walking toward the tform, nked by two girls.

    “Lady ra,” Amara said with a practiced curtsy.

    “Lady Amara,” I nodded coolly.

    The two girls with her curtsied too, their faces a mix of reluctance and forced politeness.

    Amara gestured toward them with a smile, “Allow me to introduce Lady Issa from the House of Abyss and Lady Mira from the House of Shadow.”

    I caught the name of thest house, and something inside me snapped. “House of Shadow?” I asked, my voice tight.

    Amara didn’t seem fazed. “Yes. The Elder Council consists of three houses: Light, Shadow, and Abyss. The Elders and the Royal family all share this castle.”

    I nodded, trying to process the information. So, the three long tables… They were divided by houses. Each house had its own space, its own territory.

    Amara continued her introductions, but I was already a step ahead in my mind, piecing together the structure of this world. She smiled and turned back to me. “I’ve just received word from the King. There will be a Spring Ball in five days. The perfect opportunity for you to make your first appearance. He’s asked us to help prepare you for it.”

    I arched an eyebrow, leaning back in my chair. “Prepare? For what? I know how to dance.”

    Issa and Mira exchanged a look, their lips curling in distaste.

    “You ineed /ito work on your etiquette,” Issa snapped, “Otherwise, you’ll embarrass yourself at the ball and bring shame to the King.”

    “Then it’s the people whough at me that need to learn some manners,” I shot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm. The girls‘ faces flushed with anger.

    “You should be grateful,” Mira sneered, “that Lady Amara is wasting her time on you. She’s sick, and her shoulders are still recovering from the injury you gave her. If you ask me, she shouldn’t be bothered with someone like you.”

    “Enough, Mira,” Amara chided gently.

    I leaned forward, eyes flicking between the girls. I could feel the tension in the air, thick and heavy.

    10:30 Mon, 25 Aug PM.

    62%

    “Please, Lady ra,” Amara begged, her voice soft, almost pleading. “King Dorian assigned this task to me. If you refuse, I could get in trouble.”

    I sighed, my patience wearing thin. “Fine,” I muttered. “I’ll let you train me. But don’t expect me to be impressed.”

    Amara‘ eyes brightened, a smile breaking through her facade. “Really? You’ll let us teach you?”

    “Sure,” I replied nonchntly. “I’m curious about Lycan etiquette. When do we start?”

    Amara‘ smile widened. “We can meet tomorrow in the Drawing Room, or if you prefer, we can do it in your room.” “The Drawing Room works.” I stood up, pushing my chair back. “I’m done for the night. I’ll isee /iyou all tomorrow.”

    I walked towards the door, hearing a soft mutter from behind me.

    “Such a graceless lowborn…”

    I chuckled quietly under my breath. Honestly, I didn’t care about the Spring Ball or their stupid etiquette lessons. People couldugh at me all they wanted. I’d survived far worse than some spoiled girls‘ mockery.

    But there was one thing I was desperate for: information. I needed to know more about this court, about the castle, and about the misted forest that separated me from everything iI /iheld dear.

    Tomorrow, I’d learn what I could.

    田

    bAD /b

    -nt

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