Chapter 186: Unexpected Events
Darius~
I stood at the far end of the ballroom, cloaked in black and red like a war-bent shadow, trying to feign enjoyment. Danielle, hovered beside me, silent as always, though she knew better than to speak when I was this tense. My fingers wrapped tightly around the stem of my goblet as I watched the celebration unfold.
Laughter filled the air like a lie. Soft music drifted through the chandeliers, spinning noble wolves in gold-threaded gowns and silk tunics across the floor. A polished, glistening sea of faces swayed and sipped, pretending the world wasn’t crumbling outside these opulent walls. And right in the middle of it, with a crownless air that made my blood boil—
Cole Lucky.
He didn’t smile, didn’t speak. Just watched—kept watching, as if he saw every weakness before it bled.
I sipped my drink and tried to ignore the gnawing sensation building in my chest. It wasn’t envy. No, I didn’t envy Cole. I hated him. Everything about him screamed superiority, like he was born to walk over us lesser wolves.
Something was wrong tonight.
I could feel it.
My pack stood behind me—my best and most loyal—they were still as statues, but I could smell it on them. The tight scent of unease. They felt it too. Even Danielle shifted uncomfortably, her fingers brushing mine once before pulling back.
Then—
Crash.