"Greetings, everyone," the Emperor rose from his seat, his voice breaking through the low hum of the conversations in the hall.
A servant stepped forward to pour red wine into his glass, which he lifted high, its surface catching the light of the chandeliers, glistening like blood.
The room fell silent at once. Every noble turned toward him, their expressions composed.
"I believe everyone has arrived," the Emperor continued, his gaze sweeping across the hall. "Now, I shall announce the winner of this year's hunting competition."
Zaphyr paused deliberately, letting the silence stretch before his eyes settled on one man in the crowd.
"Imperial General Zayden," he declared.
A murmur broke out in the hall, followed by applause.
Zayden rose slowly from his seat, calm and composed, a faint smile curving his lips. Yet his gaze did not linger on the Emperor—it found the omega beside him instead.
Ren met his eyes briefly, uncertain whether to smile back or look away.
