Ruby''s POV


    (+50)


    The jewelryy inside an open velvet box before me, glistening under the afternoon sunlight streaming through the tall windows. A delicate sapphire pendant rested on a bed of deep blue silk, its silver chain shimmering with even the slightest movement. It was beautiful especially the color, which almost mirrored my own eyes.


    "Thank you for bringing this to me."


    The young maid bowed deeply. "I''m only doing my duty, mydy."


    "I see," I paused, my gaze still locked on the expensive gift. "If I may ask, who gave this to you? Was it the King''s right hand?"


    "No, mydy. I received direct instructions from Head Steward Beatrice," she replied.


    "Ah, I see."


    I couldn''t keep the disappointment from slipping into my voice. A dull ache throbbed in my chest. Sensing my feelings, the maid stepped a little closer, her tone turning careful.


    "Perhaps the jewelry was ordered by the King for you, mydy. And typically, it would be delivered through the shop''s trusted courier," she exined cautiously.


    I nodded, offering her a small smile. "That sounds like a more reasonable exnation. I appreciate your effort to ease my heart, little one."


    The maid flushed, quickly excusing herself and leaving me alone in the silence of my chambers.


    I reached out, letting my fingers graze the ne''s cool surface. My expression drastically changed following my mood.


    Killian had sent another gift. The second in two days.


    Was this his way of making up for his absence? Or was I simply something that needed to be pacified-like a kept woman who should be satisfied with luxury while her benefactor remained elusive?


    The thought unsettled me. I shouldn''t feel this way. Maybe I was overthinking, letting insecurities creep into ces they didn''t belong. And yet, the ache only grew, gnawing at me from within.


    "You''re beautiful," I murmured to the piece of jewelry. "I might wear you someday. Forgive me."


    Letting out a sigh, I closed the box and ced it on my vanity, beside the other gifts Killian had sent me. I''d deal with itter. For now, I had more important matters to attend to, something far more effective at dulling this persistent sting inside me.


    Jake Smith.


    The man had gone silent ever since the revtion about Cami. By now, I was certain that news of Dominic''s downfall had reached him, and without a doubt, he had questions.


    I couldn''t just sit idly by. He deserved answers.


    I owed him that much for he was the one who had given me the crucial evidence. And more than that, Jake deserved the chance to im what was rightfully his. [To: Jake Smith


    Your Honor Beta Smith,


    Cal, 20


    (+50)


    It has been a long time since westmunicated. I hope this letter finds you in good health and well-being. Many things have transpired in our homnd recently. I assume you have heard of the unfortunate events stemming from The Ravenhold Pack-or rather, the pack that has now reimed its former glory as The Winterdawn Pack,


    The truth about Cami, about the child she carries, is no longer a secret. I understand your concerns, and I share them. The child''s future is at stake, and I do not trust Cami''s care or her intentions.


    You are the child''s father. As a parent, I share the same sentiment as you that children should not bear the sins and karma of their parents. If you still wish to fight for your rights, meet me in the Sundrench Kingdom. We will discuss the next steps.


    10


    You have every right to be part of this, no matter how much she wishes erase you.


    I have included the best map to guide you to thisnd. I hope this letter reaches you.


    I await your response.


    Best regards,


    Ruby Lucienne]


    I sealed the letter, attaching an additional parchment detailing Cami''s case along with a map. Once the wax hardened under the pressure of my insignia, I handed the message to a trusted servant with strict instructions for discretion.


    Just as I finished, a polite knock sounded at the door. Beatrice, the head steward, stepped inside. Her motherly smile instantly warmed my day.


    "Good afternoon, Luna. Am I interrupting?" she asked.


    I shook my head, rising from my seat.


    "Not at all, Beatrice. What brings you here?"


    "It''s time for lunch, Luna," she said with a gentle smile.


    I blinked, turning toward the clock on the wall. The hands pointed to one in the


    afternoon. I grimaced. I hadn''t even noticed the time, too preupied with


    thoughts of someone who had yet to return home.


    "I think I''ll postpone my meal, Beatrice. Thank


    your concern."


    I was just about to return to my seat when Beatrice''s next question stopped me.


    "Have you received King Killian''s gift, Luna?"


    "Yes, Beatrice. Just now."


    I had no intention of prolonging the conversation. Honestly, I was afraid of losing control over the storm raging inside me. But instead, I found myself voicing my thoughts.


    "The jewelry... who sent it? Was it specifically ordered?"


    Beatrice nodded. "Yes, Luna. I was the one who received the package. It was delivered directly from the jeweler."


    "I also wanted to ask," I cleared my throat softly. "Have you received any information about the King''s departure? I apologize if I sound rude, Beatrice."


    She adjusted her sses. "Not at all, Luna. Unfortunately, His Majesty left no message for me."


    A wave of disappointment washed over me, but I forced myself to appear unaffected. I nodded in gratitude and told her I would call for her if I decided to


    eat.


    47.32


    2.9758


    The


    Instead of simply epting my request, Beatrice kindly offered a suggestion-one that, wurprisingly, piqued my intera


    "Being cooped up in your chambers like this must be dull. Why not try something to lift your spirite?


    I frowned. "Like what? I have no idea, Beatrice.


    She seemed lost in thought for a moment before replying, "Perhaps a walk in the garden? Or what about indulging in your hobbies?"


    Herst words sparked a realization. Of course. There''s one activity that I''m really passionate about and it seems to be the right choice at the moment.


    "Is there a piano here?" I asked shyly, rubbing my arm awkwardly. "It''s one of the hobbies I enjoy. And I still practice it to this day."


    Her expression softened. "The music room is always avable to you, Luna."


    Relief washed over me. "Could you take me there?"


    "Sure. Please, follow me."


    Beatrice guided me through the vast corridors, giving me time to admire the pce''s beauty once again. I had spent so much time lost in my own thoughts, confined to my chambers, that I had neglected to appreciate my freedom in this ce.


    "Do you think I''m too much of a coward, Leia?"


    The connection between us clicked instantly.


    "It''s about time you realized that, my soul," she said dryly.


    "You can''t me me when I''ve made a contract with the most dangerous man on


    this continent," I grumbled through our


    link.


    "Your anxieties are irrelevant. Can''t you see all the attention and hidden signals


    he''s been giving you? Just ept it!"


    I fell silent, my mind racing to process her words.


    Maybe it was time to ept what Leia was saying. But my paranoia was hard to


    silence!


    Too caught up in my thoughts, I hadn''t even noticed we had reached our destination. My breath caught as I took in the sight of the music room.


    "Oh my..."


    Beatrice chuckled beside me. "Magnificent, isn''t it?"


    "No, Head Steward. This is more than just magnificent!"


    The room was the embodiment of musical artistry itself. Various instruments were


    perfectly disyed in their designated spots, and at the heart of it all was a medium-sized stage, meticulously arranged.


    But my eyes were drawn to the centerpiece: a grand piano, polished to perfection, positioned near an open window overlooking the royal gardens. The scent of fresh blooms drifted in with the warm breeze, filling the room with a sweet, soothing fragrance.


    I stepped forward, running my fingers across its smooth ck surface before settling onto the plush bench. My hands found their ce above the keys, and like flowing water, my fingers began to y.


    Soft, mncholic notes filled the space, a melody both haunting and beautiful.


    07:32 Sat, 26 Apr m S.


    0%%97%l


    Music had always been my sce. It spoke when words failed, carrying emotions


    I dared not voice aloud. As I yed, I felt the weight in my chest case if only by the smallest fraction.


    Beatrice took a seat nearby, listening attentively. When the final note faded, she exhaled in admiration.


    "Your ying is truly beautiful, Luna.”


    I flushed. "Thank you."


    A deep, familiar voice echoed from the doorway.


    "Yes, she truly does."


    I froze.


    Slowly, I turned and there he was.


    Killian.


    "Hello, little wolf. Sorry to keep you waiting."