Chapter 50: Obsidian hall
The long hallway stretched elegantly before them, its high ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers that cast a warm, golden glow across polished marble floors. Intricate silver and obsidian patterns swirled through the stone, reflecting the soft morning light filtering through tall arched windows. The air carried a faint scent of fresh lilies and polished wood, a quiet luxury that still felt overwhelming to Yuki.
Olivine walked ahead, carrying two large boxes stacked carefully in her arms. Her dark hair was pulled into a neat ponytail that swayed with each step, and her silver eyes caught the light whenever she glanced sideways. She moved with the easy confidence of someone who belonged in these grand corridors, even in her simple maid uniform.
Yuki walked beside her, complicated feelings swirling in her chest. Listening to Olivine speak so casually about the wolfbane incident and the party made her stomach twist. The girl was smiling like it had been nothing more than a minor adventure.
"Aren’t you nervous that you almost caused a huge problem?" Yuki asked quietly as they continued down the hallway.
Olivine laughed, the sound light and unbothered. "It is fine, Yuki. The important thing is that you keep your mouth shut." She winked. "And if you ever need help sneaking out again, I am your guy."
Yuki fell silent, unsure how to respond. They turned down a quieter side corridor and exited through a discreet side entrance reserved for household staff. An official black car waited there, its engine already humming softly. The driver sat patiently inside.
Yuki’s eyes narrowed slightly at the vehicle. "Are you running errands?" she asked curious
Olivine nodded. "Please hold the door for me." she requested.
Yuki complied, pulling the door open and holding it steady while Olivine carefully piled the boxes onto the back seat. She dusted her hands and turned to Yuki with a bright smile.
"I am dropping these off at the Ravencourt Main Palace. If you are not busy, you can come along. I do not think anyone would mind. I guess you have not been to the Obsidian Hall yet." she cheerfully said
Olivine was far more free-spirited than any regular maid Yuki had encountered. Her lips pursed in thought. She had never visited the Obsidian Hall and curiosity tugged at her.
"Are you certain it is okay?" she asked carefully.
Olivine rolled her eyes and grabbed Yuki’s wrist playfully. "It is the palace, not a completely restricted space. You already reside in the Alpha’s private residence." She gently pulled Yuki into the car, settling her beside the stack of boxes.
The car started moving smoothly down the winding road toward the Obsidian Hall. The palace was the largest and most imposing building within the entire pack house territory. From a distance, parts of its grand silhouette could be seen rising above the trees, but Yuki had never been this close before.
Several luxurious vehicles moved in the same direction. Olivine stared out the window with interest. "It is always this crowded every year. I remember my coming-of-age ceremony like it was yesterday, although it was almost three years ago," she muttered.
"How was it?" Yuki asked, genuinely curious.
Olivine glanced over. "Exhilarating and painful. The first shift is always hell, although it barely lasts." She paused. "That year was not as grand as today. I guess because of Eloise they have made it extra special — even more than the Alpha heirs’ ceremonies."
Yuki’s stomach twisted for a reason she could not quite name.
Olivine looked back out the window. "I wonder how grand the wedding and mating ceremony will be if they are going all out for her coming-of-age." There was a faint note of envy in her voice. The mention of the wedding everyone was talking about always got Yuki annoyed.."But I get it. Today is technically the crowning of the Crown Prince. Whoever is the first to mate will take the throne."
The driver remained silent but his silent but his gaze shortly fell on Olivine. Yuki sank into her chair. Aside from Eloise or everything, the nervousness and twisting feeling in her gut remained. Tonight every werewolf up to 18 under the Ravencourt territory would be gathered for the ceremony.
That’s a large number of people. It was also done to make it easier to find fated mates. There was a high chance of finding your mate at the festival. There were even 2 days of holiday to make transportation easier.
" It would be so great to meet your mate during the festive," Olivine whined drawing Yuki from her thoughts.
The driver remained quiet for a moment before he chuckled softly. "Yes, I met my mate during this festival. It was four years after my coming of age," he started, his gaze looked distant as he spoke. " I was not at the festival grounds, but we crossed paths while she was travelling out of the capital the next day."
Olivine grinned. "Then you stopped her from leaving?"
The driver, a man in his mid-thirties, smiled warmly. "It is not like that. You have never experienced a mate bond, so it is difficult to explain. It is hard to stay away once you meet the one. We were so excited that we held our ceremony that same week. Her parents stayed over until she was steady in the capital." he explained.
He glanced at them through the rear-view mirror, his expression remained gentle. "Ever since then, things have been good. A mate bond is meant to find your soulmate. Well, at least ninety per cent of the time."
A strange silence fell over the car. Everyone knew there were cases where a mate bond could become a nightmare.
The car entered through the back gates, since the main entrance was reserved for welcoming dignitaries. As soon as it parked, the driver helped them unload some of the boxes.
"Thanks for the ride," Olivine chimed cheerfully.
"I am just doing my job," he replied with a nod.
Yuki helped carry one of the lighter boxes. A faint, pleasant scent of rare medical herbs drifted from inside, reminding her of the day she had first seen Olivine picking herbs in the forest.
The back entrance hallway was breathtaking. Polished obsidian floors gleamed under soft overhead lighting, while ancient tapestries depicting Moon Goddess Nyxoria and historic battles adorned the walls. Tall marble pillars rose gracefully, and fresh floral arrangements filled the air with delicate perfume. Staff and guards moved efficiently through the space, all focused on preparations for the festival. No one paid them any mind.
She had thought the alpha private residence was luxurious but entering the Obsidian palace and seeing those well-maintained old architectural designs made her think otherwise
"By the way, Olivine," Yuki said as they walked, "I have never seen you working around the Alpha residence. Where are you stationed?"
Olivine took a turn, leading the way. "That is because I am stationed at Kieran’s quarters. More specifically, his private greenhouse and laboratory. With my medicinal background, I help look after the plants and inventory."
Yuki’s footsteps almost faltered. "That means... You work for Kieran?"
Olivine stopped in front of a sleek elevator and pressed the button. She glanced at Yuki with a small smile.
"Yep. I have to move these supplies up to his quarters in the Obsidian Hall. The Alphas will not be returning to the private residence because of the festival, and Kieran has some research work to finish."
As the elevator doors slid open smoothly, Yuki hesitated for a second. *Was it too late to turn back?* she thought as she watched Olivine step confidently inside.
