Chapter 184: Royal Ball Night
Darius~
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cuffs of my black embroidered tunic, the golden accents glinting in the soft light of the chandelier. My reflection stared back—stern, brooding, tired. I barely recognized the man I used to be. My hands tightened into fists at my side. I still had power. I still had control. But lately... lately it felt like it was all slipping away.
"Danielle!" I barked, my voice echoing through the room. Having a useless mate like her was also part of my problems.
She appeared almost instantly, flinching as she stepped through the door. "Yes, Darius?"
"I don’t want any of you embarrassing me tonight," I snapped. "The royal ball is not a damn street carnival. You’ll make sure the pack members I handpicked are on their best behavior, or so help me, Danielle—"
"I understand," she said quickly, eyes lowered. "I’ll take care of it."
"You better," I growled, returning to my reflection. "I don’t need the king—or anyone else—looking down on us like we’re savages."
She hesitated at the door, lips parted like she wanted to say something, but then she thought better of it and quietly left.
Good. At least someone still knew how to follow orders.
But the second the door clicked shut, the silence swallowed me whole. My thoughts, once sharp and sure, now churned with doubt and fury. It all started three months ago.
That cursed day.