In and out. In and out. Adina chanted in her mind as she stepped into the grand dining space. Her freshly washed hair was still damp against the nape of her neck. The scent of roasted meats and wine was thick in the air, and golden lights shone across the rather long table.

Every seat was filled .

At the head of the table was Thorne, dressed in all black. His posture was perfectly poised, exuding authority without trying. Even seated, he held the kind of presence that made you feel small. His expression was unreadable, his attention turned momentarily to the Beta at his right, Caelum. Beside him was Thessara, the woman who had healed her. Sat next was Lord Levi, dressed in deep navy, his gaze casually trailing the servants as they entered. On the left was the general, Elara, her eyes icy and watchful.

Adina didn't let herself look too long. She dipped her head, swallowed her nerves, and moved with the rest of the servants like she belonged, like her heart wasn't threatening to beat out of her chest.

The nobles were talking, laughing lightly, sipping from the goblets. A few were praising the king, some boasting about the greatness of the Obsidian Kingdom, their voices full of arrogance.

Adina moved past the table, keeping close to the wall, eyes fixed on the tray in her hands.

In and out.

In and out.

She chanted in her mind, forcing herself to stay calm and serve as instructed, but then she felt it. A prickling uncomfortable sensation. Eyes burning into her skin with every move she made, like she was being watched. Like someone's gaze had teeth. Her shoulders tensed, and she forced herself to keep walking.

She barely made it past a few seconds before finally giving in and risked a glance. She looked up and froze the second her eyes locked on another's.

Elara's cold eyes were locked on her like a hawk tracking its prey. There was no smile, no curiosity, nothing. Her gaze didn't waver, didn't blink, didn't flinch.

Adina looked away quickly, her heart beating louder in her ears. Her grip on the tray tightened as she took another step forward, willing herself to stay invisible.

She continued to work as instructed, but then she felt it again. Worse this time. This time it felt like eyes piercing through her soul. She broke out in a cold sweat as the hairs on her arms rose, and a shiver rolled down her spine.

She looked up this time by instinct and met a gaze that made her chest tighten and her breath catch in her throat.

Thorne.

He wasn't blinking. He wasn't even pretending to look away. His golden eyes pinned her in place.

Her fingers twitched, and she forced herself to look away.

In and out. Just serve the food and get out of here—

In her rush, she didn't see the leg stuck out just enough to trip her.

Adina stumbled, the tray tilted, and before she could blink, The plates, cups, tray she carried all crashed to the floor. A deafening silence fell over the room.

She fell to the ground, pain flared through her palm and knees, but nothing was worse than the embarrassment.

Adina's lips trembled as she tried to form words, any words, anything to fix this mess.

"I—I'm so sorry," she whispered hoarsely, still kneeling. "Forgive me, please. I didn't mean to—"

A few nobles laughed loudly and cruel. "Who let this one in here tonight?"

"She's clearly incapable and should be thrown out."

"She'll bleed on the wine next."

Adina's throat tightened. She looked at the broken glass, trying to collect the pieces and clean up. She'd done enough already.

But the moment her fingers touched a jagged shard, a hand caught her wrist. Adina's eyes widened slightly, her eyes darted up only to find Lord Levi.

He was crouched in front of her, his long fingers wrapped around her wrist. "You'll injure yourself even more," he said, glancing at the scratch she still had from before. He reached past her to gather the broken pieces himself.

Adina's heart thudded in confusion. Was this… allowed?

She watched as he picked up the glass and placed it on the tray. The nobles were still murmuring, but she couldn't hear what they were saying anymore.

When he was done, he looked at her then exhaled softly. "You're really clumsy," he muttered.

Then, without warning, he reached for her face.

Adina stiffened as his thumb brushed the corner of her lips. "There," he said, flicking away a small smear. "Blood."

Her heart pounded hard, and her skin tingled where he'd touched her, and not because of Levi.

Because of him.

Because in the exact moment Levi's fingers brushed her lips, she felt it.

Something surged inside her. A low, growling rumble, but it wasn't from her. No. It came from deep inside of her. It was hot. Dark. And furious.

She whipped her head around, eyes locking straight on Thorne.

His gaze was pinned on her, more intense than anything she'd ever felt. His eyes had darkened into something feral. His jaw was clenched, and his hand gripped the table like he was holding himself in place.

And she knew instantly. What she'd heard, what she'd felt. It was him. His Lycan.

Her eyes widened in shock, and she jerked back from Levi, scrambling to her feet like she'd been burned.

Across the room, Thorne didn't move. He didn't blink. Didn't breathe. His gaze followed her like it owned her.

On the far end of the table, Elara watched it all. Her hands clenched into tight fists, nails digging into her palms until it drew blood. Her gaze pinned on Thorne who watched Adina.

The more she watched, the more she seethed in silence. She was done watching him pine after a slave. So what if she was his mate? All is fair in love and war. And the gods—

They never played fair.