CHAPTER 204: _ GETTING MARRIED?

The moment Clarissa’s laughter fades into the morning air, the silence she leaves behind is heavy enough to choke on. Darien knows the rhythm of these breakfasts too well. At first, there’s a seemingly composure until one wrong word detonates, and the table becomes a battlefield dressed in porcelain and gold.

Ines moves first. She always does.

Her teacup settles in its saucer with a sound sharper than glass. "Speaking of blessings," she begins sweetly, her eyes flicking to Clarissa like the strike of a serpent, "it’s essential that Alpha wolves prove themselves worthy of the Goddess’s favor. Responsibility, leadership, accomplishment—those are the true markings of a strong lineage."

Darien’s gut tightens. He recognizes that tone. It’s the one she uses before eviscerating someone.

Her gaze slides toward Amias, who’s been methodically pushing scrambled eggs around his plate like he’s painting something invisible. "Darien, for instance," she continues, her voice sweetened with pride, "caught a group of traffickers right in the academy. Single-handedly prevented a scandal. Morgan and Grayson, too—so brave. They went into the Labyrinth to protect their juniors, well, breaking the rules in the process." She pauses delicately, then adds, "Scandalous, of course. But brave."

The corner of Morgan’s mouth curls into a grin. "We do what we can."

"Indeed," Ines agrees with Morgan only because she’s out to get Amias.

"And then there’s Amias. Tell me, dear, what have you accomplished lately?" Her tone brightens as she asks.

The table stills.

Darien resists the urge to put his face in his hands. Mother, please don’t.

Amias doesn’t look up. He just lifts a forkful of food to his mouth and chews.

Morgan chuckles under his breath. "She’s talking to you, brother."

Isolde, who was half-asleep a minute ago, snaps her head up. "Morgan, cut it out. Let Amias be. He had to sleep late last night, so he must be groggy."

"Oh, relax," Morgan says, still smirking. "We’re all family here."

"Barely," Isolde mutters.

Ines exhales through her nose triumphantly. "I suppose the silence is answer enough," she says, reaching for her tea. Her expression is serene, but Darien can see the flicker of satisfaction underneath.

Why does she do this? He thinks bitterly. What’s the point? He knows his mother believes dominance must be constantly proven, but did she have to do it like this? Amias may be infuriating, but he’s still their brother.

And then she says the line she’s been saving, polishing like a blade. "In any case, I’m proud that my son, Darien, and his brothers, Morgan, and Grayson—have decided to bring their mates home soon. The Goddess has truly rewarded their diligence."

Darien’s pulse jumps. Oh, perfect. Just what this morning needed—fire and gasoline.

Across the table, Amias’s fork stops midair. His head snaps up, his eyes darting from Darien to the twins. The stillness around him feels unnatural, a quiet too deep for comfort.

"You’re bringing your mates home?" he asks, further cementing Darien’s suspicion that his indifference towards Heidi is nothing but a show.

Darien’s mouth goes dry.

Before he can respond, Clarissa’s voice cuts through like champagne fizzing over a wound. "My son isn’t without accomplishments, Ines."

Ines blinks slowly, her polite smile nearly disappearing upon hearing that declaration.

Clarissa beams, radiant with barely restrained glee. "He’s proposing to Lira. The Beta’s daughter. They’ll be married soon!"

W-WHAT?!

The entire room collectively forgets how to breathe.

Tobias straightens in his chair, his booming voice softening into something almost paternal. "Is that true, Amias?"

Darien stares. Proposing?

Amias? To Lira?

Kairos growls in the back of his mind. "That’s suicide."

It is. Darien knows it is. The bond between fated mates is sacred and unbreakable which makes rejecting it bring madness, rage, and death for weaker wolves. Amias isn’t weak, but even he isn’t built to sever a bond with the Moon Blessed.

Clarissa, on the other hand, looks like she’s just announced her son cured a plague. "Isn’t it wonderful?" she says, voice bright with feigned modesty. "Lira’s such a lovely girl. So well-bred. So... proper."

"Proper," Ines repeats, tasting the word like poison.

Before Amias can answer, Darien leans knits his brows, and turns to his brother. "Is that really true?"

Amias looks at him with blank eyes, and for a split second, Darien sees something like hesitation or maybe fear in his eyes before his indifferent mask falls back into place.

Morgan, sensing blood, grins. "Of course it’s true! They’ve been dating since forever. It’s about time he put a ring on it."

Grayson nods enthusiastically. "And she’s perfect Luna material! Daughter of the Beta, strong, respected—he’s hit the jackpot."

Clarissa’s pride spills across the table like perfume. "My son knows how to choose wisely. Unlike some, he doesn’t let impulse guide him."

Daphne squeals softly, clapping her hands. "That’s amazing! Lira will be such a pretty sister! I can’t wait!"

Darien grits his teeth. This is madness.

Ines scoffs loudly, folding her arms. "Darien has also found his mate," she says, her smile growing as she speaks. "A most reliable girl. She even helped him catch a group of criminals—proving she’s already fit to stand by his side."

Clarissa’s laugh is like crystal shattering. "How admirable. I’m sure she’s charming, but surely not as remarkable as Lira, the Beta’s daughter. Everyone knows how powerful her father is."

"Her father is the most powerful, yes. But not the wealthiest." Ines counters.

Clarissa scoffs, lips parted. "Who cares about wealth when there’s power? The man is a billionaire. If that’s not wealth, what is? He has both power and wealth and you know it!"

"He does, but take it from me, there are other families in the pack who would rather keep their net worth low profile unlike that loud barking beta." Ines supplies, adjusting her dress’s neckline.

Clarissa shakes her head. "His power can bring down any family in the pack. What’s your point exactly?"

Ines’s eyes flash. "Power doesn’t always equal wealth, Clarissa. And wealth," she adds pointedly, "can be power when one knows how to wield it."

The room stiffens. Tobias, who has been quietly chewing through the chaos, suddenly slams his goblet down.