reparations.”
“Of course,” Michael replied, his tone smooth. “It is what I should do for an old friend after your unfortunate run in with rogues.”
Their conversations seemed friendly to those who were not familiar with my father and Michael, but Solon and I knew better. There was tension between them. Solon’s jaw clenched as I knew he was regretting not listening to my warning about Michael.
A few moments later, Nolan arrived. His presence commanded attention even without trying. I felt my heart skip, but I forced myself to keep my focus on the tray in my hands.
Michael turned toward him immediately. “Alpha Nolan,” he greeted. “It’s been years since I last saw you. You look just like your father. You have his cold eyes and all.”
Nolan’s neutral expression did not change. “I will take that as a compliment,” he said evenly.
Michael chuckled before continuing. “As you should. He was a remarkable man even though he was a bit too trusting for his own good.”
I could tell from Nolan’s posture that he didn’t appreciate the remark, but he didn’t respond further.
The dinner began, and I moved quietly among the tables, refilling glasses and replacing plates. Every time I passed Solon, he looked like he was fighting not to laugh. Father was too focused on conversation to notice, thankfully.
I was halfway through pouring wine when Jason’s voice stopped me. “Well, well,” he said, leaning slightly toward me. “The maid outfit suits you.”
I forced a smile before anyone else noticed. “Thank you, Alpha Jason,” I said under my breath.
He chuckled, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “Is this your way of paying off your debt to the Alpha King? Humility looks good on you.”
Before I could reply, Michael’s amused voice joined in. “Ah, former Luna, now a lowly servant, quite fitting.”
I straightened carefully and gave a polite bow. “Elder Michael.”
I could tell Michael was annoyed because I didn’t react in fear at his presence, so he continued, “I didn’t realize the Alpha King was so generous to let a rogue wolf work in his palace. How noble.”
My throat tightened. Father’s voice came from across the table, calm but firm. “Not all rogues left by choice, Michael. Some were victims of circumstance.” I tried to stay as calm as possible. This meant Father knew I was sneaking around. So much for being invisible.
Michael gave a small nod. “Of course,” he said, clearly unconvinced.
I stepped back to continue pouring drinks, moving toward Nolan’s seat. He hadn’t said a word since he sat down. When I reached him, he lifted his glass slightly without looking at me.
1/2
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & TWENTY TWO
+25 Bonus
Our hands brushed as I refilled his drink, and the faint scent of his pine and smoke hit me like a spark. My chest tightened. He avoided my eyes completely.
“Tell me, Alpha King,” Michael said, turning toward Father. “Are you still hunting that beast the warriors used to talk about? You know the one with red eyes? I think the warriors called it the mad rogue.”
The room grew quiet.
Father shook his head. “The creature hasn’t been seen in years,” he said. “We assume it was killed. The rogue dungeon has been empty for a long time.”
At his words, a memory flashed through my mind. I remembered the cold darkness of that abandoned dungeon where Viki had chained me up. A cold chill ran up my spine as I remembered her mocking laughter as the rogues assaulted me.
Jason’s chuckle snapped me out of my thoughts. “Maybe Alpha Nolan could tell us where the beast went,” he suggested, swirling his wine. “He seems to know more about rogues than anyone else.”
I kept from glaring at Jason. What did he mean by that? Everyone knew that Nolan hated rogues to death because they were relevant with his father’s death.
Michael raised an eyebrow and asked, “Oh? Is that so?”
Nolan’s gaze hardened and he growled, “If you have something to say, say it now.”
Jason smiled, pretending to be innocent. “No need to be defensive, Alpha Nolan. We’re just curious. You did spend quite a lot of time outside your pack before coming here, didn’t you?”.
Father frowned. He looked between him and Nolan before warning, “Jason, this is not the time for baseless accusations.” “Not baseless,” Jason replied. “I have proof.”
All at once, I realized that Jason was setting Nolan up. This was why Michael was here. And because I had not revealed who I was yet, there was nothing I could do but let this play out.
“Proof of what exactly?” Solon asked.
“Alpha Nolan conspired with the mad rogues to poison the Alpha King.”
日
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