Alright... let’s make this fun for all of us. 😌

Here’s how I’m rewarding you, my special readers, and the ink to my pen.

1. Hit a top ranking for a week straight → mass release of 3 Chapters.

2. Send a super gift → mass release of 5 Chapters.

Now for the real mischief, these are the rewards. Also, this is where the real chaos lies.

1. Top interactive reader in a week → gets a shoutout

2. One-time super gift → gets a Chapter dedicated to you.

3. Repeated super gifts → you start getting little spoilers + future hints.

4. Highest Golden Ticket sender of the month (20–30 range) → you get a permanent role in the book

Yes, an actual role. 😅🥹 Immortality secured.

Let’s build this story together 🤍

....

By the time Aire stepped into the dining hall, everyone was already seated. She hadn’t taken her time to change as she spent the rest of her day in bed, thinking about King Elijah’s offer.

To be honest, she wants to leave these dipshit Alphas. However, if she leaves, society would burn her alive.

Even still, she can’t be with Damien.

The dining hall wasn’t crowded tonight. None of the Alohas from the three royal houses could be found seated.

Just their daughters, King Elijah, and the Alphas. A few maids moved quietly along the walls, with their heads lowered, like they didn’t exist.

Aire paused at the entrance for half a second. She scanned the place again, then she walked in.

A strange strong gaze hit her. Fled with rage almost close to malice. She felt it before she looked up.

Nate.

His gaze landed on her and didn’t move.

Aire kept walking anyway. Her steps felt louder than they should. Or maybe the room was just too quiet.

She didn’t rush, even if all she wanted to do was run to her seat, and sit down if that would stop everyone from staring at her.

Fortunately, after what felt like forever, she pulled the chair out, and sat down. She didn’t even spare a glance at Nate.

"You took your time." Xanden’s hummed, sounding neutral.

Aire turned her head slightly. "I was called earlier. It took up most of my time."

Xanden looked at her properly. His eyes moved over her to her clothes, and the dust she hadn’t fully brushed off the boots.

His expression shifted, but he didn’t say anything else. He moved his chair a little, moving closer to her.

Aire noticed.

She pretended she didn’t, flexed her knuckles.

A maid stepped forward, placing plates in front of them one after the other.

No one spoke.

Nate was still staring. The amount of suspicion his gaze held could not be mistaken.

Aire could feel it on her skin. It made her neck feel... tight. She reached for the glass in front of her just to do something with her hands.

She held the glass, and smashed her teeth together, trying to appear steady. Nate might know something.

Just then, Violet parted her lips. "Interesting." She commented, to no one in particular.

Aire felt an additional gaze on her, but she didn’t look up immediately.

Violet was now looking at her like she had just walked in carrying something embarrassing.

Her eyes dragged over Aire slowly. She didn’t hide her dislike, and zeal to puke on Aire’s face.

She stared at the boots, the trousers, and the slightly torn sleeve Aire wore. She looked so different, which was bold.

"You came to dinner like that?" Violet asked, ready to tear down whatever confidence Aire was beginning to gather that made her come to dinner dressed so unladylike.

Aire set the glass down calmly. She finally stared at Violet. "Yes." She replied.

Violet blinked. She hadn’t expected an answer that simple. Then, her lips curved up slowly and sharply. "You look like a child," she said, tilting her head, "playing dress up as a warrior."

No one said a word. At the moment, everyone seemed to be caught up in their own heads.

Aire didn’t say a word and for some reason, that seemed to irritate Violet more than if she had argued.

"Or is that what you think this is?" Violet went on. "Running around the forest, coming back covered in dust, and sitting at the same table as people who were raised for this?"

Aire’s fingers tightened slightly on her lap.

She could feel Nate’s gaze again. He was still watching, and waiting. She simply couldn’t tell what he was waiting for.

She didn’t know but if he knew something, she’s a thousand percent ready to make sure he doubts whatever he knows.

Aire reached for her fork, and cut into the meat in front of her. She took a small bite, chewed and swallowed.

She wouldn’t waste her time talking when she had a mouth watering meal right before her. Also, she hasn’t had anything since this morning.

Violet let out a small breath through her nose.

Amused, or annoyed, she couldn’t tell. Maybe both.

Before she could say anything else, someone beat her to it.

"My King." Adele’s not and careful voice cut through the dining hall.

Everyone paused. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Aire’s hand stilled slightly.

"I have something to report," Adele continued.

There was something about the way she said it that made everyone hold their breath, and look at her.

Aire’s stomach dipped.

Elijah didn’t look at her immediately. "Speak." He ordered, completely detached from whatever she had to say.

Adele leaned forward just enough to be seen properly.

She bowed her head perfectly, raised it up, and smiled. "This morning," she began, "I saw Madam taking food into Lady Aire’s room."

Aire’s chest tightened. Can’t today just come to an end already.

Adele went on. "After the Alphas had already left without eating."

Silence dropped between everyone at the dining table. The silence was hard and heavy. No one moved, nor ate.

Aire felt the sharp judgmental eyes on her immediately. She kept her face still but she couldn’t help the turmoil going on in her.

’Why would Adele say that here?’ she breathed. ’Why now?’

Mabel lowered her head like she wanted no part in it. Like she didn’t push Aire to do it.

Aire said nothing.

What was there to say?

That she didn’t ask for it?

That she didn’t even touch the food?

It wouldn’t matter. It never did. Whatever punishment can come in now. She stupidly thought she had a title.

"She was served first?" Violet murmured, just loud enough. "Before the Alphas?"

The room shifted with her question.

Aire felt smaller at that moment. Exactly where they thought she belonged. Her appetite was beginning to leave her.

And then, to the surprise of everyone, someone spoke up. "Is that a crime?" Elijah’s voice cut through everything.

Aire looked up. He wasn’t looking at Adele, he was looking at her.

"She must have been hungry," he added, with his gaze still on her. He said it like it didn’t matter but Aire knew it does.

That... wasn’t what she expected.

At least, not from him. Not after what he said earlier.

Adele hesitated for a second. Then she bowed her head deeper. "Of course, my King."

Aire looked down at her plate. Her appetite was gone, completely.

She could feel Nate again. His eyes were more focused now, like something had clicked in his head and he didn’t like it.

Aire finally turned to him. "What?" she asked.

Nate leaned back slightly. His eyes didn’t leave hers. "Nothing."

It didn’t sound like anything.

Aire held his gaze for two seconds, then she looked away. Her chest felt tight again. She didn’t understand why his gaze bothered her this much.