Morning sunlight spilled into the palace corridors, casting long stripes across the polished marble. The air was thick with tension, as if the walls themselves had absorbed the murmurs of the previous night. Every concubine, every wife, every servant knew the council's decree: another wife had been chosen for Kael Draven.
Some whispered in fear, others in envy, but all observed. The Alpha's choices—forced though they were—affected everyone in the palace, subtly dictating loyalties, alliances, and resentments.
In the east wing, Lyria moved with her usual careful grace, carrying a basket of linens. She tried to focus on her work, yet each glance from passing concubines and servants reminded her of the palace's unspoken politics. The thought of Kael's new wife, draped in silks and favor, tightened her chest.
She paused at the top of a staircase, heart catching in her throat as she glanced toward the balcony above. Kael stood there, amber eyes scanning the corridors. A subtle heat rose in her chest—her pulse quickened—but she forced herself to continue, lowering her gaze. I cannot… I mustn't let him know.
Selene, Serina's maid and Lyria's closest ally, appeared from the shadows. Her dark eyes glinted with curiosity as she stepped closer.
"Lyria," she whispered, "may I ask… how does it feel, knowing the Alpha has a new wife?"
Lyria stiffened. Her fingers gripped the basket tightly. "I… I try not to think of it," she murmured. "I have work. I cannot concern myself with her."
Selene frowned. "But surely you notice? The way she moves through the palace, the way others watch her…"
Before Lyria could answer, Mara stepped lightly between them, eyes sharp. "Selene, you've asked enough. Leave her be. Some things are not yours to pry into."
Selene hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "I only wanted to understand… to know how she feels about it," she said softly.
Lyria exhaled, grateful for Mara's intervention. "Yes… some things are better left unsaid," she murmured.
Flirtation from Above
Kael's amber eyes remained on the east wing, observing. Lyria moved quietly, unaware that his gaze followed her every step. The sun caught the dark strands of her hair, highlighting her delicate curves in the soft morning light. His wolf growled low, muscles coiling beneath his skin in anticipation.
He shifted slightly, leaning over the balcony railing, letting a faint beam of sunlight fall directly across her path. Lyria's head lifted, catching the gesture. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment. A subtle smirk curved Kael's lips—silent, deliberate acknowledgment of her presence.
Lyria's pulse thundered in her chest. She quickly looked away, pretending to focus on her chores, but her hands trembled slightly. Heat spread through her body as she realized the Alpha had noticed her, even in the subtleest of ways.
Mara, watching from a few steps away, whispered, "Focus on your work. Don't let him see how he affects you."
"I… I'll try," Lyria murmured, her voice soft, betraying the fluttering tension she could not hide.
Palace Reactions
Elsewhere, the concubines gathered in small, secretive groups, whispering among themselves:
"He barely even glanced at her," one muttered, eyes narrowed. "How can she stand there so… calm?"
"She knows something," another replied, voice low. "I've seen it in her eyes. She feels his attention, even if he does not act openly."
Others shook their heads, murmuring about the Alpha's new wife, Isolde. "The council chose her," one said bitterly. "But it will not guarantee loyalty… or favor. We must watch."
Lyria, though focused on her chores, caught snippets of these whispered conversations. Each word made her heart tighten, but also steeled her resolve. I will not be ignored… not completely. Not yet.
Selene's Return
Later, Selene returned to Lyria, careful to remain unseen by other maids.
"Are you alright?" she asked softly, concern threading her voice.
"I am…," Lyria began, then hesitated. "It is strange. Seeing him, feeling… that moment. Even without words, he acknowledges me. And yet…" She looked down, unsure how to continue.
"And yet?" Selene pressed gently.
"And yet it is dangerous," Lyria admitted. "The palace is alive with whispers, and the others… they are watching. I cannot let them see that it affects me."
Selene nodded, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Be careful. I will watch and report—but only when necessary. You are not yet a threat, but… attention has a way of growing."
Kael's Lingering Attention
High above, Kael's amber eyes never left Lyria. Though he did not approach, every subtle motion—the tilt of her head, the way she carried herself—set his wolf stirring. Desire and restraint warred inside him, each glance a silent dance.
Patience, he reminded himself. Soon, the game will reveal itself… and she will not remain just a shadow in the corridors.