Alpha's Regret: Losing His True Mate

With that thought, they turned their attention back to Sienna, their expressions warm and full of pride.

Right then, Sienna stood and turned to Old Master Fisher with a gracious smile. "I’m sorry. I lost."

Old Master Fisher waved her off kindly. "Even in losing, you played beautifully. Not everyone’s like that young man from the Wilson family. A young person who excels in both academics and chess? That’s already quite rare."

Sienna’s smile stayed modest. "You’re too kind, Old Master Fisher."

"Want to go another round?" he offered.

She shook her head, still smiling. "One round of showing off is plenty. I’ll leave the next game to someone else."

Old Master Fisher, clearly enjoying himself, looked around. "Anyone else want to take a turn?"

Silence fell.

Harry had been half-watching the board, half-lost in thought. Then he realized Dante was holding a chess piece and staring right at him.

Before Harry could react, Elodie stepped forward.

"How about a game?" she said, looking directly at Dante.

Dante froze, a chess piece still in hand. His eyes locked with hers.