Chapter 66: Pack dinner
The Obsidian Palace remained alive with activity well into the evening. Despite the personal storms raging within the Ravencourt family, duty called. Guests still needed entertaining, alliances had to be maintained, and the image of strength and unity had to be projected at all costs.
Yuki had slipped away early, retreating to the quieter alpha residence away from the main palace. She wanted nothing to do with the poisonous whispers and lingering stares that seemed to follow her everywhere. Once inside her room, she locked the door firmly behind her, treating the four walls like a temporary sanctuary. Curled up on the bed with her knees drawn to her chest, she tried to block out the world, preferring isolation over the risk of running into the triplets or Eloise again.
Back in the grand dining hall of the palace, the atmosphere was far more opulent. The aroma of several delicacies wafted through the air. Roasted venison glazed with herbs, buttered vegetables glistening under candlelight, fresh bread still warm from the ovens, and rich sauces that carried hints of wine and spices filled the space. A grand dinner was being held to celebrate the overall success of the festival. The families of the alpha’s senior officials were already seated along the long banquet table. Their fine clothes and jewellery caught the warm glow of the chandeliers as they waited for the Ravencourt family’s entrance.
Xavier sat near his father. His posture appeared relaxed and his expression was calm on the surface. Inside, however, a storm brewed. His heart beat with uneasy anticipation. His eyes kept darting toward the grand double doors, waiting specifically for Yuki. Even though Alexander had tried to suppress the events of the previous night, news had still spread like wildfire among the top pack officials. Xavier had heard the rumours in full. Yuki was fated to the triplets, and worse, she had supposedly used witchcraft to force the bond.
The mere thought made his chest burn with a mixture of anger and disbelief. He did not believe the accusations for a second. It was obviously a cruel fabrication meant to slander her. Yet that small, nagging doubt in the back of his mind refused to disappear completely. What if there was some truth to it? His fist clenched tightly under the table until his knuckles turned white. He quickly pushed the toxic thought away, refusing to let it take root.
The dining room buzzed with hushed conversations that the speakers never intended to keep fully private. Werewolves had exceptionally sharp hearing, and every side remark, every mocking chuckle, reached Xavier’s ears with painful clarity. Each whisper caused his expression to darken further. A muscle ticked in his jaw.
"Was she really that desperate?" one noblewoman whispered behind her fan.
"She is just like her sister. The poor thing actually thought she could claim all three alphas. Isn’t that just being greedy?" another replied with a soft, mocking laugh.
"I bet the alphas will never accept her. Why would they want a seductress like her sister?"
"Poor Eloise. She had to suffer such humiliation."
Xavier’s grip tightened dangerously on his crystal wine cup. The delicate glass creaked under the pressure, threatening to crack. He forced himself to remain silent. If he opened his mouth right now, the words that came out would be anything but polite.
His father noticed his son’s odd behaviour. The older man’s brows furrowed deeply as he observed the tension radiating from Xavier. Through their mind link, he asked, "What is going on with you? You look like you are about to commit murder in front of the entire council."
Xavier’s clenched hand froze mid-grip. "Nothing, Father. My mind simply drifted away for a moment," he replied, trying to sound casual. His father clearly did not buy the excuse and was about to press further when the grand doors swung open.
A powerful alpha presence flooded the room like a heavy wave. Everyone stood up immediately in respect. Xavier’s gaze snapped to the entrance with renewed anticipation, but his eyes dulled with disappointment the moment he saw who had arrived. It was the alpha heirs. Killian, Kieran, and Kaden were all dressed in formal dark robes that accentuated their imposing figures. In the middle, carrying herself as if she owned the entire palace, was Eloise.
Killian’s arm was wrapped possessively around her waist as he led her forward with a proud smirk. Kieran personally pulled out her chair with gentlemanly grace, and she sat down like a queen taking her rightful throne. The triplets took their respective seats, with Eloise positioned comfortably between Killian and Kieran, and Kaden seated right beside them.
Xavier could not help the faint, bitter smile that tugged at his lips. The scene was almost laughably theatrical. Once Eloise was settled, the wives of the officials immediately began currying favour. Their voices dripped with false sweetness.
"Dear Eloise is glowing today. I can feel the strength of her wolf from here," one lady chimed enthusiastically.
Eloise smiled graciously, tilting her head. "Thank you for the kind compliment. I owe it all to my parents’ strong bloodline," she replied, acting humble, though her eyes held a clear glint of smug satisfaction.
Yvonne chuckled proudly from her seat.
"Of course, dear. You possess one of the strongest wolves among all the she-wolves. Truly suitable to lead the rest," the lady continued with a meaningful look.
Eloise’s smile deepened, understanding the veiled jab. "The strong are naturally meant to lead," she replied smoothly. Several heads nodded in agreement around the table.
Almost everyone had already judged Yuki guilty. As far as they were concerned, the coming Trial was merely a formality. Xavier was spared from hearing any more of their false praise when the main doors opened once again.
A far more commanding alpha aura filled the room, instantly silencing every conversation. Everyone rose to their feet as Alexander entered with Aevia on his arm. Both of them radiated power and composure.
"Welcome, Alpha Alexander and Lady Aevia," the guests chorused, bowing deeply. Even the triplets stood and showed respect. Alexander nodded regally and escorted Aevia to her seat at the head of the table. He pulled out her chair before taking his own place at the very head.
His sharp gaze swept across the room. A composed smile curved his lips. "Welcome, everyone. The festival was a great success thanks to all your hard work and dedication. Please, be seated."
The dinner officially began. Servants brought out elegant dishes one after another. Polite conversations resumed, though everyone carefully danced around the topic of the mate bond.
As the meal continued, Xavier found it harder to hold back his curiosity. His gaze kept drifting unconsciously toward Aevia. The small action did not escape Alexander’s notice.
"Xavier, you seem quite distracted tonight," Alexander remarked politely. His tone was smooth but carried an underlying probe. "Is the meal not to your taste?"
Xavier paused, momentarily caught off guard. He considered brushing it off, but something stronger pushed him to speak. "The dishes are excellent as always, Alpha. I did not mean to cause any distraction." He glanced toward Aevia once more before continuing. "I hope I am not speaking out of place, but I am curious. Why is Lady Yuki absent this evening?"
An awkward, heavy silence instantly blanketed the entire table.
Alexander’s smile remained perfectly in place. He chuckled softly. The sound was low and controlled. "She is not feeling well," he answered smoothly. It was clearly an excuse. Xavier understood they were deliberately keeping Yuki away from the public eye because of the growing scandal.
"I understand," Xavier replied with a small nod, though his tone suggested he saw through the lie. He turned back to his plate and took a deliberate bite of food.
Eloise’s gaze locked onto him with sharp interest. A slow, taunting smile curved her lips. "You seem pretty interested in Yuki."
Xavier met her eyes without flinching and returned a calm smile. "Is there any rule that says I cannot be?" He shrugged casually. "After all, we are both unmated and she seems like a very good match." His gaze flickered deliberately to Kaden. "Don’t you think so, Kaden?"
Kaden’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. His fingers paused for a split second on the stem of his wine glass. Killian’s shoulders stiffened noticeably while his hand flexed against the tablecloth. Kieran’s usually calm sapphire eyes flashed with a dark, possessive glint before he quickly masked it behind a neutral expression. The subtle tension radiating from the three brothers was unmistakable, even if they remained outwardly composed.
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