LightReader

Chapter 16 - Feast of Shadows

The grand banquet hall of the Lycan Palace had never looked so regal. Golden chandeliers sparkled overhead, and crimson banners bearing the royal crest flowed like rivers of fire from the stone pillars. Tonight was the Alpha's Feast, a celebration meant to honor unity among the packs—but beneath the elegance, danger waited, coiled and ready to strike.

Aria stood tall at Lucien's side, her Luna crown delicately laced with silver leaves and moonstone gems. Her gown shimmered in shades of violet and storm-gray, a reflection of the woman she had become—graceful, but powerful.

As Alphas from across the kingdom entered, they bowed with varying degrees of sincerity. Some offered kind words and gifts. Others masked their disapproval behind forced smiles.

Lucien leaned close and murmured, "Watch their eyes, not their lips."

Aria nodded subtly, her instincts on high alert. She had memorized the coded message her Circle had intercepted. Something would happen tonight—and she intended to catch it in the act.

The guests mingled, laughter echoing through the chamber, but Aria's Luna Circle moved among them silently.

Kael and Thalia positioned themselves near the rear doors, guarding the exits. Riven and Nox disappeared into the servant corridors, watching for infiltration routes. Ilyas took his place near the wine servers, his lie-detection senses tuned to every nervous tick. Maelis stood behind Aria, disguised as an attendant.

Then, the feast began.

Dishes were served—roasted elk, herb-seasoned boar, sweet wines aged in mountain oak. The room was filled with noise and celebration, but the air was tight with tension.

Aria watched everyone. Her senses were sharp, her wolf restless beneath her skin.

Then she saw it.

A servant with trembling hands approached the high table carrying a golden tray of goblets. Aria's eyes narrowed.

Too late.

Just as the goblets were placed, Ilyas's voice rang out like a blade. "STOP."

Everyone froze.

"That wine is poisoned."

A collective gasp spread across the room. Several Alphas stood, snarling. One of them—the aging Alpha Vorn of Silverclaw—grabbed the servant by the collar and yanked back the hood.

The man's face was pale, too pale. His scent was wrong.

"Not a wolf," Kael growled, having dashed forward with Thalia.

"Vampire," Lucien snarled. "They've breached the walls."

The servant hissed, eyes turning crimson. Chaos erupted.

More figures leapt from the corners of the hall, disguised guards shedding their uniforms to reveal fanged smiles and bloodstained blades.

Aria was already moving. "Protect the Alphas! Secure the exits!"

The Luna's Circle leapt into action.

Kael charged the nearest assassin, blocking a blade meant for a Northern Alpha. Thalia's arrows flew in rapid bursts, dropping attackers before they could reach their targets. Maelis shielded a group of elders with protective wards drawn from her silver salts.

Ilyas wrestled another vampire to the ground, his glowing eyes burning as he forced the truth from its lips:

"It was Selena… she planned it all…"

Nox appeared behind another attacker, dagger flashing in the firelight.

Within minutes, the tide began to turn.

Lucien shifted mid-fight, his Lycan form tearing through enemies with savage precision. Aria stood firm at the high table, shielding the frightened Alpha heirs, her power humming beneath her skin. The silver crescent on her wrist flared to life.

"ENOUGH!" she roared, her voice laced with Luna command.

The remaining vampires shrieked as the moonlight intensified, forcing them back. One by one, they crumbled beneath the combined might of Lucien, Aria, and her Circle.

When silence fell, blood stained the marble floor. Several guests were injured, but none dead—thanks to Aria's vigilance.

Later that night, as the wounded were treated and the remaining Alphas gathered for a private debrief, Aria stood before them.

"This was no random attack," she said. "This was a coordinated strike to destabilize our kingdom. And I believe Selena is behind it."

Whispers rose among the Alphas.

Lucien stepped forward. "The traitors who work with her are among us. But so are our strongest allies. Choose your side wisely."

Many nodded, some reluctantly. But one thing was now clear to all:

Aria was no longer just the King's mate.

She was a leader. A warrior. A true Luna.

As the moon rose high and silver over the blood-washed halls, Aria and Lucien stood on the balcony.

"You saved them," Lucien said softly, gazing at her with pride.

Aria looked out over the kingdom. "We saved them. All of us."

Lucien pulled her close, his lips brushing her temple. "This is only the beginning."

Aria didn't flinch.

"I know."

More Chapters