Chapter 3

Sarah's POV

The first royal horn had barely faded before a second echoed across the Alpha Estate, its deep, commanding sound rolling through the valley like distant thunder. Every servant inside the Grand Hall froze where they stood. Conversations ended mid-sentence, silverware was lowered onto polished tables, and even the musicians rehearsing outside allowed the final note of their instruments to disappear into the morning air. For one suspended moment, the entire estate seemed to hold its breath.

Then everything erupted into motion.

"His Majesty has crossed the eastern gate!"

"The royal procession is entering the courtyard!"

"Quickly! Everyone to your positions!"

The calm order that had defined the preparations vanished beneath a wave of controlled urgency. Noble attendants hurried toward the entrance to welcome the royal guests, while servants scattered in every direction to complete the last details before the King stepped inside. Warriors straightened their armor, officials adjusted ceremonial robes, and the enormous doors leading to the front courtyard were pulled open, allowing sunlight to pour into the hall.

Sarah instinctively stepped away from the center of the room. Servants were expected to remain unseen unless called upon, and she had no desire to draw attention to herself on a day that would be remembered by the entire pack. She quietly smoothed the final table runner one last time before taking a slow step backward, making certain every fold lay perfectly flat. Only when she was satisfied did she allow herself a small breath of relief.

It lasted less than a heartbeat.

"Don't just stand there."

The banquet steward's sharp voice cut through the growing commotion.

He strode toward her carrying a polished silver tray lined with crystal goblets that caught the sunlight like frozen stars.

"The reception chamber is short three place settings," he said briskly. "Everyone assigned to the west corridor has been called outside to receive the royal guests. Take these to the reception room immediately."

Without waiting for a reply, he placed the tray into Sarah's hands.

"They're the last of the royal crystal. Don't break them."

Sarah nodded respectfully.

"Yes, sir."

Balancing the tray carefully, she slipped through one of the quieter interior corridors reserved for servants. Unlike the grand entrance where nobles gathered to greet the King, these passageways remained almost empty, their polished stone walls muffling the excitement echoing throughout the estate. It was the quickest route to the reception chamber, allowing staff to move unseen while important guests occupied the public halls.

Outside, another blast of the royal horn echoed through the manor.

The King was inside the estate now.

Sarah lowered her eyes and continued walking. She had heard stories about King Liam since childhood, stories that painted him as a fearless warrior, a wise ruler, and the strongest Alpha the kingdom had seen in generations. To her, however, he remained little more than a name carried on whispers and legends. Someone like him existed in a world so distant from her own that she had never imagined seeing him with her own eyes.

She rounded the next corner.

Footsteps thundered toward her.

Before she could react, a young servant burst through a side doorway carrying a stack of silver serving platters taller than his head.

"I can't see-!"

The collision was unavoidable.

The servant slammed into Sarah's shoulder.

The tray tilted violently.

Crystal goblets slid across the polished silver surface.

Sarah twisted her body, desperately trying to steady them before they crashed to the floor. Two wobbled dangerously over the edge, but she caught them against her arm at the last second. Relief flooded her chest.

Then she heard it.

Crack.

One goblet struck the marble floor.

The sound shattered the silence of the corridor.

Crystal splintered into dozens of glittering fragments.

The young servant's face drained of all color.

"Oh, Moon Goddess..." he whispered. "We're finished."

Panic flashed through his eyes as he stared at the broken crystal. "The steward will dismiss me. My family depends on this work."

Sarah looked at the frightened boy.

He couldn't have been older than sixteen.

Without hesitation, she crouched beside the shattered glass.

"It wasn't your fault," she said quietly. "Help me gather the pieces before someone gets hurt."

The servant stared at her in disbelief.

"You'd... you'd help me?"

Sarah offered him a gentle smile.

"We're wasting time."

The boy quickly knelt beside her, his trembling hands gathering the larger fragments while Sarah reached for the smaller pieces scattered across the marble floor. She had almost cleared the last shard when a shadow stretched across the corridor.

The footsteps approaching this time were different.

Measured.

Unhurried.

Powerful.

They carried the quiet confidence of people who never needed to announce their authority.

The young servant froze.

Sarah slowly lifted her head.

Royal guards entered first, their midnight-blue cloaks sweeping behind them as they walked in perfect formation. Every movement was disciplined, every expression unreadable. Behind them came Alpha Bruce and Luna Angel, both wearing welcoming smiles as they guided their distinguished guests through the estate.

At the center of them all walked one man.

He was taller than everyone surrounding him, dressed in black ceremonial robes embroidered with silver threads that shimmered beneath the afternoon light. His dark hair stirred gently as he walked, while calm amber eyes surveyed the estate with effortless confidence. There was no arrogance in his expression, only quiet authority-the kind that never needed to be proven because everyone around him already recognized it.

Sarah knew instantly.

King Liam.

Her heart stumbled inside her chest.

She lowered her gaze at once, silently cursing herself for still kneeling in the middle of the corridor with broken crystal scattered around her. Of all the places...

Of all the moments...

The warmth beneath her dress exploded.

Not gradually.

Instantly.

The wooden pendant burned against her skin with such sudden intensity that Sarah's fingers instinctively flew to her chest.

A sharp sting pierced her palm.

She looked down.

One unnoticed shard of crystal had sliced across her finger.

A single drop of blood slipped free.

Instead of falling onto the marble...

It landed on the edge of the pendant hidden beneath her dress.

For the briefest instant...