CHAPTER 280: BIRTHDAY III

The dining hall of the Lycan King was nothing short of magnificent.

A long oak table stretched across the center of the vast chamber, polished to such a gleam that the reflections of the chandeliers above flickered faintly across its surface. High, arched windows let in slants of morning light, softening the severity of the stone walls.

The scent of roasted meat, freshly baked bread, spiced honey, and warm herbs filled the air, making my stomach twist with both hunger and unease. Each aroma was distinct yet blended into a comforting, heady mix that reminded me that the pack thrived not only on strength, but on ritual and indulgence.

Servants moved quietly, yet swiftly, around the table. Some carried silver trays stacked with warm rolls that steamed when the lids were lifted, the butter glinting golden in the morning light. Others refilled goblets with rich red wine, watered-down mead, or thick, creamy milk.

Two stood at either end of the chamber, still as statues, clutching folded towels over their arms—ready to rush forward should a goblet spill or a plate tumble.

The occasional clink of cutlery against porcelain, or the soft squeak of shoes on polished stone, layered over the low hum of breathing and chewing, like an orchestrated symphony of refined chaos.

I lowered my gaze to my own plate. Scrambled eggs, buttery and golden, sat beside roasted mushrooms that still smelled earthy, and thick slices of smoked ham that released a gentle, cured aroma.

A platter of fresh fruits—dark grapes, slices of melon, figs glazed with honey, and crimson strawberries—sat between Diana and me, close enough for us to pick from. Tiny bowls of spiced nuts, almonds roasted with rosemary, and delicate pastries sprinkled with sugar dusted the table. Even the simplest slice of bread was warm and soft, as though baked moments ago.

Every item had its place, every scent and texture designed to impress or unsettle the unprepared.

And I have to say, I was highly impressed. Has it always been like this, or was it because of my presence?

The former was the case, I believed, from the natural rhythm to the eating of the royal family.

Silence until when done eating also seemed to be a rule in the dining. I exchanged a quick amused glance with Diana, before continuing my meal in silence.

It was Esther, the King’s wife, who finally broke that silence. Her voice carried warmth, a contrast to the cold clatter.

"So, Dora, how was your night? I hope you slept well..."

I looked up from my plate, startled. But her smile was genuine, softening the sharpness of the morning. I could see why the King had married her. "It was fine, thank you. I hope you slept well too?"

She nodded, satisfied, and turned her gaze to Diana. My sister answered with the same polite response, her tone sweet but guarded.

No one asked Levina—of course they wouldn’t. She wasn’t even in the hall. If I had to guess, she was likely sulking in the guest wing, maybe in her bedroom, away from prying eyes.

Good for her. I thought. Even Claire wasn’t here. But naturally, she would be with her family.

"Raul, you haven’t said a word..." The King’s voice carried across the table, as though a discussion had been going on all this while.

"I’m sorry, my King," Raul replied quickly, dabbing his mouth with his napkin. "I have just been savoring the food before me. And my night was good, thank you."

I couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic, since no one had asked him about his night. Still, the King said nothing more, returning calmly to his meal.

My treacherous eyes, however, wandered down the table until they found Adam.

Unfortunately, he was already looking at me. He winked.

Unfortunately, because Daniel’s cutlery clattered loudly against his plate at that exact moment, the metallic clanging jolting all of us from our quiet meals.

"I’m full," he announced, pushing back from the table. But I knew that was a lie. He had seen Adam’s wink.

Sitting beside Adam, to the left, his gaze had turned stormy. He had glared at me before standing.

I almost rolled my eyes at the petty behaviour.

"The food isn’t to your liking?" Esther asked gently, her concern genuine.

"It’s good. I’m just full," Daniel muttered.

"Sit down, Daniel." The Lycan King’s voice left no room for disobedience.

We all paused, waiting. Daniel hesitated for mere seconds before sinking back down, sulking into his chair. So much for being hardheaded.

I dropped my gaze to my plate again, but not before catching Noah’s accusing eyes.

You see what you’ve caused, his look seemed to say. But I could care less. I wasn’t the one who had told them to interrupt Adam’s "revelation time" last night.

When Adam had urged me to hide in his wardrobe, I had refused. If his brothers were banging at the door, they already knew he wasn’t alone.

So, I had ignored Adam’s pleas, refusing to be a hidden chick in his life, walked to the door, and opened it.

"I was just leaving." I had taunted as I walked past his brothers who were shell-shocke–evidenced in their slightly open mouths.

I hadn’t waited for their words. No. Hadn’t waited to guess their thoughts either. I had rather kept my head high while sayshaying to the wing where my room was located.

But I had heard the curses, the shouts, right before I turned the bend that would lead to my room. Maybe the king had heard the shouts too.

Now, over breakfast, the air still pulsed with that same tension.

The King finally dabbed his lips with his napkin after a few minutes, signaling he was done. His voice rumbled across the table, steady.

"So, remember, whatever you do today, we will be going to the caves by four p.m. I do not want to look for any of you. Be punctual; we must arrive before the rest of the pack."

Caves? My mind snagged on the word. More caves to see?

"Dora, will you grace us with your presence?" His voice carried a gentle authority, but also an expectation.

"Of course," I replied sweetly, ignoring Diana’s discreet kick against my shin under the table. No way was I missing a chance to observe more.

"That’s good." He even smiled, a rare sight.

Jolly season indeed.

"Have a good day then. Adam will show you around the pack today."

I lowered my head. "Thank you, Alpha Brekan."