CHAPTER 7

(RHEA'S POV)

Back in the kitchen, I felt the buzz of energy coursing through me after a speedy shower at Atlas’ place. I tasted the starters after the head cook gave me a nod and reported that they were satisfactory.

"Thought you bailed from the kitchen, Stirling!" the head cook teased, his sass as hot as the stove. I grinned, used to his blunt banter, and kept it short with a nod.

"Just go back to the old maid, or she'll chew me alive for keepin you here too long!" He waved me off, sending me straight to the head maid.

Thankful for the quick chat, I bobbed a quick goodbye and leave to the banquet hall.

As I hurried through the corridors, I marveled at my own vigor. Funny how hooking up with Atlas didn’t leave me drained, but instead energized.

My cheeks warmed at the memory, and I shook it off.

'Focus, Rhea,' I told myself, slipping into the banquet hall for final preparation.

--

The banquet hall soon buzzed with activities. A whirl of voices and clinking glasses filling the air. Guests of all ranks mingled, laughter and conversations intermingling in a grand display of luxury.

I stood at the salad table, laser-focused on my task. Every plate was a canvas, and I meticulously arranged each salad with precision.

Since this was a banquet, all maids, including those who usually shunned me, were working together. They had no chance to mess up since the alpha and his ranks would punish us severely should we mess up.

But then Hera appeared, and my calm facade wavered. I couldn’t let slip my recent intimacy with Atlas. So, I plastered on a professional smile and served her salad.

"Here you go, My Lady," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Hera looked at the bowl, then she looked at me. And then, in a sudden eruption of fury, she hurled the bowl at my feet, the shattering glass sending fragments flying in all directions. A few pieces grazed my skin, but I bit down on my lip, a reflexive response borne from years of enduring pain without a word.

As all eyes turned our way, I fought the urge to flee. "Peanut sauce?" Hera seethed. "I’m allergic! I can't have peanuts in my salad!"

"Apologize to Lady Hera, Maid," Kaida's voice was firm, her caution clear even in her restrained tone.

Normally, I wouldn't feel the need to explain, but since I was accused of attempted murder demanded, I must dispel any suspicion. "I'm truly sorry, Lady Hera. I never meant any harm," I rushed out, my words tinged with urgency. "I didn't know about your allergies, and peanut sauce is standard in Nightspire. Moreover, there are alternative options on the starter menu such as stuffed mushrooms, crispy calamari, and a bruschetta trio. Since you haven't consumed any peanuts, I believe you are far from harmed, Lady Hera."

Hera's anger boiled over, her hand poised to strike me. I braced myself, heart racing with a mix of fear and defiance. But before she could, a shift in the air caught my attention. A quick footsteps went past me along with the scent of wildness and cold breeze.

As I opened my eyes, a man exuding authority stood before us, his golden hair streaked with midnight blue.

"Alpha Caden!" Hera's anger momentarily forgotten as she she exclaimed.

With calm authority, Caden intervened. "Lady Hera, cease your aggression," he commanded, his touch gentle yet firm as he released her hand.

Caden turned and reached out a helping hand to me. "Can you stand, My Lady?" His voice was gentle and filled with concern.

With a shaky nod, I managed to steady myself, though my nerves still danced with apprehension.

"What should I call you?" His question pulled me from my thoughts, his soothing tone coaxing a response from me.

"N-name? I-I am Rhea Stirling," I stammered, my voice betraying my nervousness.

Caden acknowledged my answer with a nod before addressing the crowd with unwavering authority. "As the pack alpha of the Duskwynd Pack, I vow to protect this lady until the end of this banquet," he proclaimed, his words cutting through the murmurs of the guests.

Silence fell over the room as they recognized Caden's status, their respect evident in their hushed tones.

Receiving no objections after few seconds passed, Caden quickly arranged for a private conversation, consulting with Kaida, one of Atlas's trusted officer. Despite the tension, Kaida agreed after moments of considerations in her silence. However, she told Caden that she would surely inform Atlas about Caden's request to ensure transparency.

Accepting her terms, Caden turned to me. "Follow me, Lady Stirling," his voice was commanding yet gentle as he extended his hand.

With a newfound sense of trust, I allowed him to lead me away from the bustling ballroom to the small garden adjacent to the ballroom building.

--

As we reached a quiet corner of the garden, I immediately bowed and expressed my gratitude, “Thank you very much for your kind help, Alpha Caden.”

Caden's response was like a warm embrace as he gently clasped my hand. "You don't have to do that, Lady Stirling," he reassured, his tone as soothing as a gentle breeze.

"P-please! Just call me Rhea," I stammered, feeling a sudden rush of panic as I pulled my hand away. His genuine kindness was unexpected, I couldn't help but wonder if there was more beneath the surface.

Perhaps sensing my unease, Caden remained composed, his eyes meeting mine with unwavering sincerity. "Forgive my bluntness, but I must confess, Lady Rhea," his voice steady yet filled with emotion, "From the moment I saw you, I felt drawn to you. If you would consider it, I ask that you become my Luna."

“What?” I could only manage a whisper, disbelief washing over me at Caden's unexpected proposal.

Caden paused, his expression earnest yet urgent as he sought to explain his intentions. "I meant no harm, Lady Rhea," he continued softly, "I was once married. My wife passed away four years ago from illness. I may not articulate my feelings well, but much has changed since then. I believe you could fill the void beside me as my Luna. I promise to cherish and respect you."

His words hung in the air, and I struggled to find my voice amidst the whirlwind of emotions. "Alpha Caden, I'm flattered. But this is all so sudden," I confessed, my voice trembling with uncertainty. "I-I hardly know you..."

Caden nodded, his expression understanding. "Perhaps, if you wished for a simpler reason, it was your resemblance to my late wife that convinced me you were meant to be my Luna," he mused softly.

Feeling my hesitation, Caden persisted gently yet firmly. "But, Lady Rhea, while I hope for your acceptance, I would never pressure you into something you don't desire. I truly wanted to give you the will to choose."

I bowed deeply, my apology sincere and heartfelt. "I truly apologize, Alpha Caden," I murmured, regret tainting my words.

Caden offered a forgiving smile, his demeanor understanding and compassionate. "It's alright, Lady Rhea. I assure you, there's no need for apologies," he reassured me gently. "I must take my leave now. There are other matters I need to attend to with the other guests. Please, excuse me, Lady Rhea."

With a nod, Caden departed, leaving me standing in stunned silence. The sudden proposition from a pack alpha for my hand in marriage left me bewildered. Though I couldn't deny the appeal of Caden's offer, a sense of unease lingered within me.

With Caden's departure, I was left standing in stunned silence, grappling with the weight of his unexpected proposal. The idea of becoming the Luna to a pack alpha stirred conflicting emotions within me. While part of me was drawn to the potential escape from Nightspire's absurdity, another part hesitated.

Wouldn't I just... be using him if I agreed to be his Luna?

The thought of manipulating his feelings for my own gain left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Releasing a heavy sigh, I shook my head and reminded myself that the banquet was far from over. With determination, I set aside my troubles and returned to my duties. Each step towards the bustling ballroom was a silent affirmation of my commitment to fulfill my responsibilities.

However, my steps faltered when I caught sight of Atlas, resplendent in his majestic attire, emerging from behind a grand pillar. Before I could react, he seized me, pinning me against the unyielding surface.

"You little whore..." Atlas's words cut through the air like a blade, dripping with disdain.

"This morning, you were practically begging for relief from your pre-heat symptoms. And now... you've got Caden all over you, swearing to protect you in the banquet, that I hosted!"

His grip tightened with each accusatory word, demanding answers. "What are you playing here, Omega?"