CHAPTER 8: THE GATHERING STORM

Summer sat in front of the fancy makeup table, her fingers nervously tracing the patterns on the shiny wood as she looked at her reflection.

She couldn't stop thinking about her recent argument with Dominic, each harsh word and piercing look replaying in her mind like a tense movie scene. Hilda's warnings echoed in her head, bothering her like an annoying itch.

Was she being reckless? Was this her only way to show she was independent when she felt so powerless?

The deep green dress she chose for dinner hugged her curves and swept the floor, reminding her of the confidence she had before getting tangled in the tricky world of politics.

She sighed and pushed her damp hair back, still smelling faintly of lavender from her bath. Taking a deep breath, she stared into her own eyes, searching for the strength she desperately needed.

"I won't let anyone control me," she whispered, feeling a rush of determination.

After getting ready, excitement surged through her. Would tonight's dinner be a chance to confront Dominic, or would it just create more distance between them?

Hilda returned, a mix of worry and admiration on her face. "You look beautiful, my lady," she said softly, her eyes sparkling as they admired the dress. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?"

Summer looked at Hilda and smirked. Could she really keep avoiding him forever? She might as well put on a show. She winked at her maid, though doubts churned inside her.

"Just be careful, please," Hilda replied, her voice filled with genuine concern. "He is the ruler of the Lycans."

"I know what's happening," Summer said, her confidence wavering slightly. "But I won't let fear make my choices. If he wants a test of will, I'll be ready."

She took one last look in the mirror before leaving her room, her heart racing with every step. The hallways were lined with luxurious tapestries and elegant chandeliers casting a warm glow, but the palace's beauty felt overshadowed by the tension in the air. Each turn seemed to whisper hidden secrets, and every shadow felt like a reminder of her past.

When she reached the dining hall, she sensed the lively atmosphere. The tables were set with fine china and sparkling glassware, candles flickering and casting playful shadows on the walls. She could hear laughter and conversation, but it felt distant, as if she were just watching instead of joining in.

Dominic stood at the head of the table, radiating authority and style. He wore a fitted black suit that emphasized his strong build. For a moment, his eyes softened when he saw her, but that warmth quickly shifted to indifference, and she noticed the change in his demeanor.

"Our special guest has arrived" he declared loudly, quieting the entire room.

Everyone turned to look at her, and she felt the weight of their gazes. 'I must be ready to enjoy this and not hold back' she thought to herself.

Summer forced a smile, determined to play her part. "I wouldn't miss it for anything," she said, her cheerful tone laced with defiance to break the tension.

Dominic smirked and gestured for her to sit next to him. As she settled into the comfortable chair, she could sense the curious stares of the other guests, all assessing her. A wave of vulnerability washed over her, but she pushed it aside, reminding herself of her determination.

"Tonight, we celebrate partnerships," Dominic began, raising a glass filled with deep crimson wine. "And the strength that comes from being united." His gaze flicked to her, a brief, meaningful glance. "Let us draw power from our uniqueness and shared goals."

Summer lifted her glass, her heart racing. "Together," she echoed, her voice steady.

As she sipped the rich wine, she noticed some guests exchanging glances and whispering among themselves. The feeling of not belonging weighed heavily on her, but she was determined not to show it.

As the meal started, a lavish spread of delicious dishes was served—succulent steaks, roasted vegetables, and fragrant herbs. She savored each bite, taking a moment to enjoy the food, the atmosphere, and the presence of influential people around her.

Yet, the more she engaged in small talk, the more she sensed the underlying tensions simmering beneath the surface.

Dominic's voice cut through the chatter as he leaned closer. "How's the meal?" His tone mixed genuine interest with a hint of caution.

"It's exquisite," Summer replied, narrowing her eyes slightly. "But I'm actually more curious about why I'm really here."

"You don't hold back, do you?" He raised an eyebrow, amused.

"I'm not one for small talk, Dominic," she shot back, relishing the edge in her voice. "What's the real purpose behind this dinner? Inviting someone to dine with dignitaries always has a motive."

For a moment, he looked serious before regaining his composure. "Is it wrong to want to include you in my life? Do you want me to show you that there's more to me than the king you've imagined?"

"What's your world like?" she pressed, refusing to let his charm sway her. "Are you going to share your plans? All I see are walls and chains, and I won't get caught up in your scheme."

He let out a frustrated sigh. "Summer, you see only what you want to see. You can only be a prisoner here if you choose to be."

Their eyes locked, igniting a fierce battle of wills. At that moment, she caught a glimpse of vulnerability in his gaze, revealing the man behind the king's facade. It was fleeting but enough to momentarily shake her resolve.

Before she could respond, a tall, elegant woman with striking features and a commanding presence interrupted them.

"Dominic, you must introduce your beautiful guest to us. Meeting Summer, the infamous figure isn't something that happens often."

As the focus shifted away from her argument with Dominic, Summer felt a wave of embarrassment. The weight of their expectations pressed down on her as the woman regarded her with a mix of curiosity and disapproval.

"Summer, meet Lady Elara," Dominic said smoothly, gesturing to the woman. "She is the face of the East District."

"Beautiful," Summer replied, managing a smile despite feeling Elara's watchful gaze. "And thank you for the warm welcome."

Elara's smile was polite but didn't reach her eyes. "I know quite a bit about you. They say you have a strong spirit."

"I prefer to think of it as self-defense," Summer shot back, her tone unapologetic.

Dominic's eyes sparkled with amusement, while Elara's expression remained serious. It was clear not everyone appreciated her assertiveness, and she needed to be aware of that.

"I'm not here to win a popularity contest," Summer retorted, her voice steady. "I'm here because I have no other choice."

Elara's eyes narrowed, and Summer could feel the tension creeping back in. "Ah, but you're mistaken if you think that. Our choices shape who we are, my dear. You may be a guest now, but soon you'll need to decide where your loyalties lie."

Before Summer could respond, a commotion erupted at the other end of the table. A heated argument broke out among a group of young Lycans, their voices rising in frustration. Dominic immediately turned his attention to the chaos, his expression growing serious as he stood up, radiating authority.

"Stop!" he commanded, instantly silencing the room. "This is a gathering for unity, not a place for petty fights."

Summer felt the atmosphere shift, a palpable tension filling the air and spreading fear among the guests. She watched the younger Lycans exchange uneasy glances, their confidence wavering in the face of Dominic's anger.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness," one of the young Lycans mumbled, bowing slightly.

"Consider this a warning," Dominic replied, his tone cold and firm. "Any form of disrespect will not be tolerated. If we learn to work together, we can all benefit."

Summer's heart raced as she watched the unfolding scene. Dominic commanded both respect and fear, a mix that both fascinated and unsettled her. Despite the tension, the guests seemed to regard her with a newfound respect.

As the tension began to ease, Dominic sat back down beside her, and she could feel the warmth radiating from him. "Do you see how quickly they change their tune?" he asked quietly, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"I see how you assert your authority," Summer replied, intrigued. "But I won't be intimidated."

He smiled slyly, a flicker of respect breaking through his calm demeanor. "Good. I wouldn't want you to be."

During dinner, Summer found herself more interested in observing the interactions around her than in joining the conversations. She watched as alliances formed and rivalries simmered beneath the surface, each guest maintaining a polite facade.