Chapter 6
Kalliam’s POV
poured the tea with a practiced elegance. From my vantage point, I studied her intently. The golden
olden cascade of her har framed her face like a halo, and her piercing blue eyes shimmered with an inner light that defied the sadness etched into her features Ruby Lucienne–à name as
hal as the womun herself. Her aura was a strange bolni, soothing in a way Bhain’t anticipated. Intriguing
I leaned back in my chair, letting my gaze linger. It was almost a pity that her beauty was tainted by despair. Almost. Her pain only added depth to her allire, and 1 found myself wanting more of her—her presence, hier spirit, her very essence. Married or not, she would be inine.
That much was certain –
“Thank you for the tea,” I said, my tone deceptively cordial. “You’re quite the hostess, Ruby, Nathaniel must be proud”
Her lips curved into a faint sin
smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s nothing. Your Majesty Hospitality is expected in our park”
I chuckled, taking a deliberate sip of the tea. “You sell yourself short. This pack thrives because of you. Everyone Innes it.
Ruby shook her head, her expression modest. “It’s a collective effort. Alpha Dominic has worked hard to maintain our alliances and secure our territory. I only support him.”
The mention of her husband soured my mood, though I didn’t let it show, Dominic Foster. The so–called hero, revered for his victories and praised for his leadership. What a farce. I’d crossed paths with men like him before–glorified puppets whose strings were pulled by those far more cunning. Heroes were so tedious, with their principles and ideals. Villains, on the other hand… now there was a role worth playing.
“Dominic is fortunate to have you.” I expressed, my voice dripping with feigned sincerity. “A war hero paired with a brilliant Luna. Truly, a match
made in heaven”
She glanced down at her tea, her grip tightening around the delicate cup-
“Thank you. That means a lot, Your Majesty.”
“Tell me, Ruby,” 1 began, steering the conversation. “Do you have children? I’ve heard rumors that you
- do.
Her reaction was immediate. Tension rippled through her frame, and the serene mask she wore cracked.
“…” Her voice faltered, and she swallowed hard before continuing. “I had a daughter. She passed away two days ago.”
Ah, so that was the source of her grief Interesting. I tilted my head, watching her closely.
“My condolences. May I ask what happened?”
She hesitated, the pain in her eyes deepening. It was clear the wound was still fresh, too raw to expose. I waved a hand dismissively
“Don’t answer if you’re not ready,” I said, leaning back once more. “Grief is a heavy burden. You shouldn’t feel obligated to share it
Her shoulders relaxed slightly, though the sadness remained. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Changing the subject, 1 gestired to the room around us. “It’s curious. For someone as beloved as you, I’ve farely seen you at social gatherings. Why
is that?”
Ruby’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I prefer to focus on my responsibilities within the pack. The gatherings are more about maintaining appearances than achieving anything meaningful
“Ah, appearances,” I mused, smirking. “Still, it’s a shame. Your presence would undoubtedly brighten any room. Even I would’ve enjoyed seeing you
more often.”
Her gaze flicked to mine, wary but polite. “You’re too kind, Your Majesty.”
“Not at all I speak only the truth,” I replied smoothly, savoring the subtle tension between us. Besides, this pack you Your husband’s efforts are… adequate, bur I’ve heard whispers that you’re the true cornerstone of Ravenhold”
owes much of its
its prosperity to
and lead us
hus. Without
Ruby shook her head, her voice firm. “It’s the cooperation of the entire pack, Your Majesty. Dominic works tirelessly to protect him, none of this would be possible.”
I laughed, a low, dark sound that filled the ro
room. “Dominic. Yes, the great her.”
My tone turned mocking. “Tell me, Ruby, do you believe in heroes! I find them dreadfully dull. Always so predictable, so righteous. I much prete
1/2
Chapter 6
villains. They have_flair.”
Her silence spoke volumes. I leaned forward, a slow smile spreading across my face. “Tell me, Ruby. How would this pack fare without its beloved hero1 Would it crumble? Or would it flourish under someone more, capable!”
Luna Ruby did not answer my question. No matter. I would let it slide for now. My eyes lingered on her face, tracing every detail. The elegant arch of her eyebrows, the sharp lines of her nose, the soft contours of her cheeks, and those lips. Ah, those lips. What would they feel like against mine?
The thought brought a crooked smile to my face.
Just as I was savoring the moment, a sharp noise shattered the tranquility. A young servant stumbled into the room, her face pile and her steps unsteady. She bowed low before Ruby, her head nearly brushing the floor as she stammered something incoherent about Martha, the Luna’s
servant.
Ruby’s reaction was immediate. She ro
rose to her feet, her composure faltering
for the first time.
for m
my reply, she hurried out of the room, her skins
“Excuse me, Your Majesty,” she said quickly, her voice taut with urgency. Without waiting f swishing behind her.
I watched her leave, a slow smile playing on my lips.
“Leonidas
My Beta appeared almost instantly, his towering
g frame casting a shadow across the room.
“Yes, my King!” he replied, bowing his head slightly.
“Follow her. Find out what’s happening,” I ordered. “It seems the Ravenhold Pack never lacks for drama.”
Leonidas nodded and disappeared as swiftly as he had come. I turned my attention back to the tea Ruby had poured for me. Sweet tea. I usually found it cloying, but somehow, when prepared by her hands, it was tolerable. I sipped it slowly, letting the flavors linger on my tongue. There was something poetic about it–her essence lingering even in her absence.
Half an hour passed, each moment marked by the rhythmic ticking of the ornate clock on the mantle. When Leonidas returned, his expression was grim, though his steps were steady.
“Report,” I commanded, setting the teacup down with a soft clink.
“Martha, Luna Ruby’s loyal servant, has been found dead. Her body was discovered in the warehouse. The scene suggests foul play.”
1 arched a brow, intrigued. “Foul play, you say? How unfortunate. Did you learn anything else?”
Leonidas shook his head. “Not yet, my King. The pack is in disarray. They’re scrambling to contain the situation”
1 leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers. “Interesting. This pack continues to surprise me
A slow smile spread across my face. “Let’s see how dear Ruby handles this. And keep a close eye on her. Leonidas. I want to know every move she makes.
He bowed. “As you command”
As Leonidas exited, I picked up the teacup once more, swirling the amber liqu that lingered. Yes, this visit was proving far more entertaining than I had anticipated.
liquid inside. I took another sip of the tea, savoring the faint sweetness
“Wonderful.”
