I adjusted my cuff for the fourth time. Not because it needed adjusting. Because I didn't trust it.
Or the suit.
Or the fact that I was standing here looking like I belonged in a royal portrait instead of a battlefield.
The mirror reflected back a version of me that was… controlled. Precise. Put together.
It was unsettling.
"You look expensive," a voice drawled lazily in my head.
I exhaled. "Stay quiet, Kael."
"I will", my wolf—Kael—replied instantly. "The moment you admit you look good."
"I always look good."
"Not like this," he snorted. "This is intentional. Suspicious."
I ignored him.
Sofia chose it. And when Sofia chose something… you don't argue.
Not because you couldn't. It is simply because you value your life.
I straightened the collar slightly.
"Wow." I didn't turn.
"Should I alert the council," Fred continued, voice thick with amusement, "or is this a one-time miracle?"
I glanced at him through the mirror. "Careful, Alpha. I might outshine you."
Fred walked in slowly, eyes dragging over me like he'd just discovered entertainment for the day.
"No," he said thoughtfully. "Please you couldn't even if you tried. But, this...this is not your doing."
I grabbed my jacket. "Your observational skills are improving."
"Sofia."
Silence.
Then his grin widened. "Oh, this is gold."
I slipped the jacket on. "Don't start."
"She threatened you."
"She didn't have to."
Fred laughed. "That bad?"
I shrugged, completely serious. "I prefer staying alive."
Fred actually paused—then nodded. "Fair. I've seen her angry."
"You wouldn't survive it."
"I believe you."
He stepped closer, adjusting my collar like he had any right to.
"Don't get used to this," he added. "You're setting unrealistic expectations."
"Lower them."
"Too late. I've seen potential now."
I rolled my eyes, walking past him. "You're insufferable."
"And here you are," he shot back. "Big day."
The car ride started in silence . Peaceful. Which meant it was about to be ruined.
Three… two… one…
"So," Fred said casually, "should I thank Sofia personally or send her a gift basket?"
"There will be no gifts."
"Flowers?"
"No."
"A thank you note?"
I turned slowly. "Do you want to die?"
Fred blinked—then grinned. "Right. We don't thank Sofia. We fear her."
"Correct."
Kael snorted. "Your entire pack is terrified of one woman."
"She's not just any woman," I muttered.
"What was that?" Fred asked.
"Nothing."
"Say it", Kael pushed. "Say she controls you."
"I'm driving you out of my head."
"You can try-" Kael dared
I leaned back.
Fred watched me, amused. "Talking to your wolf already? We haven't even reached the meeting."
"He started it."
"I'm sure he did."
"Tell him I'm the smarter one", Kael added.
"No."
Coward.
I ignored him.
"Alright," Fred said, stretching. "Let's hear your breakdown before your wolf takes over completely."
I exhaled slowly, focusing.
"Dravenmoor," I began. "Strong. Direct. No games."
Fred nodded. "Finally, someone reasonable."
"They solve problems by force."
"Efficient."
"Predictable," I corrected.
A beat.
"Lunaris," I continued. Fred groaned. "I already hate them
."
"They don't move unless they've already won," I said.
"Everything is layered. Nothing is direct.They would do anything to benefit themselves....not loyal at all"
"Annoying."
"Dangerous."
We exchanged a look.
Then—
"Aurelion," Fred prompted.
Something in my chest shifted.
Sharp.
Unfamiliar.
I ignored it.
"They're… calculated."
"Meaning?"
"They don't reveal everything," I said. "Only what's required."
"And that's enough?"
"It always is."
Fred tilted his head. "You sound impressed."
"I am."
That shut him up for a second.
"Their wealth," I added casually, "isn't something they flaunt. It's just… there. Abundant. Controlled. Lived in."
Fred let out a low whistle. "Must be nice."
"They don't need to prove it," I said. "That's what makes it dangerous."
A beat.
"And their real strength?" he asked.
I looked at him.
"Their hierarchy."
He frowned slightly.
"In most kingdoms, power is split," I said. "Royalty separate. Alpha and Luna separate."
Fred nodded.
"In Aurelion…" I held his gaze, "the King is the Alpha. The Queen is the Luna."
Silence.
Fred leaned back slowly. "So no internal conflict."
"None."
"That's… terrifying."
"Exactly."
The car slowed. Not abruptly. Deliberately.
Like even the vehicle understood where we were arriving.
Ahead, the entrance stood marked by tall, unpolished stone pillars—aged, untouched by pride or design. No banners. No sigils. No colors.
Neutral ground didn't display power. It erased it.
Beyond the gates stretched open land—untamed, intentional. Grass left to grow naturally, stone paths carved just enough to guide movement without claiming space.
No kingdom ruled here.
The convoy came to a halt, engines quieting one by one until silence settled—not empty, but watchful.
The door opened.
Cool air brushed against my face, carrying the scent of earth and something older beneath it.
I stepped out.
And immediately— My senses sharpened.
Not visually.
Instinctively.
Guards.
Hidden. Positioned with precision along the perimeter—tree lines, elevated ridges, shadowed vantage points. Not one kingdom's presence.
All of them.
Watching.
Measuring.
Waiting.
Fred stepped out beside me, his posture shifting just slightly—relaxed to alert in a single breath.
"Subtle," he murmured.
"As expected," I replied.
Further ahead, figures moved.
Dravenmoor was obvious—solid, grounded, unmoving unless necessary. Strength that didn't bother disguising itself.
Lunaris…
Less so.
Scattered. Observing. Present without ever fully revealing where.
Typical
Between them, neutral attendants moved efficiently—silent, careful. No allegiance shown, yet nothing misplaced. Water stations, pathways, seating—everything arranged without favor.
Every detail controlled.
Every advantage removed.
Or at least… balanced.
We started toward the central structure—a low stone-and-glass building that blended into the land instead of rising above it.
Intentional.
No kingdom stood higher here.
Not physically.
"…Something's off."
Kael's voice slipped in, quieter than usual.
I didn't react outwardly. "Define off."
A pause.
"I don't know."
I frowned slightly, steps steady.
That was new.
"You always know."
"Yeah", he muttered. "That's why I don't like this."
I ignored it.
Focus.
Steps echoed faintly as we approached the entrance.
The air felt… heavier.
Not dangerous.
Just—
Different.
Like something just out of reach.
"Wait". Kael snapped
My jaw tightened slightly. "What now?"
"Do you feel—"
"Stop it". I cut him off before he could finish. " We need to focus".
This was an alliance meeting.
"Ok".....Kael slipped back.
This was weird as he doesn't budge down this easily. He is obviously distracted.
We stepped closer to the entrance, the structure looming just enough to signal importance without dominance.
Voices carried faintly from inside.
Measured. Controlled. Political.
Exactly what I expected.
Kael went quiet again for a moment.
Then—
"…It's probably nothing."
"Good," I said flatly. "Stay there. I need to focus"
Because whatever that feeling was—
Unease.
Instinct.
Something undefined-
It didn't matter.
Not here.
Not now.
Duty came first.
Always had.
Always would.
I stepped inside without hesitation. And left the feeling behind—
Unrecognized. Unclaimed. Unimportant.
For now.