?Chapter 363:


    As the shadows of evening deepened, I found myself pacing, my nerves growing like restless storm clouds. Lily still hadn’t returned. The longer she was gone, the more uneasy I became, until I could no longer stay still. Desperation coiled inside me, and I decided to search for her with Alice.


    But just as I moved toward the door, there was a knock.


    My heart lifted, hoping it was Lily. Yet, when I swung the door open, my excitement deted. It was only a servant. Masking my disappointment, I asked politely, “It’s quitete. What brings you here?”


    “Good evening, Miss Dunn,” the servant greeted with practiced respect. “His Majesty hasmanded a grand party to be held in your honor, three days from now.”


    “A party?” My brows furrowed, confusion churning in my chest. “Why would His Majesty suddenly want to host a party for me?”


    The servant’s exnation was delivered with the same courteous tone. “You are the first woman to be pregnant with a Lycan prince’s child. His Majesty believes this is a cause for celebration, not just for you, but for the entire royal family. The event is meant to highlight this joyous asion and encourage other sex ves to conceive children by the princes.”


    What a ridiculous idea.


    I instinctively grimaced, feeling a wave of disgust crash over me. The thought of being paraded around like some prized livestock filled me with revulsion, as if my only purpose was to bear children, my humanity discarded.


    “I don’t care for events like that,” I murmured, wanting nothing more than to decline.


    The servant’s smile was the cold, hollow kind only those used to servitude could master. “Miss Dunn, this is His Majesty’smand. It is your duty to attend.”


    Without waiting for further protest, the servant bowed and turned away, leaving me rooted to the spot with anger tightening my chest.


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    Alice, sensing the storm in my heart, quickly approached. Her delicate hand wrapped around mine, her eyes filled with kindness. “Makenna, don’t let it get to you,” she said softly, her voice like a soothing balm.


    Before I could respond, the door creaked open again, and Lily stepped inside. Her face carried traces of sadness, as if she had just untangled herself from some invisible chains.


    I forced a smile and rushed over, my worry spilling out in my words. “Lily, where have you been? I was so anxious.”


    Her eyes flickered with emotion, and though her lips curved into an apologetic smile, I could see the heaviness in her heart. “I just went for a walk. I’m sorry for worrying you.”


    She hesitated, her smile faltering as she opened her mouth to speak but closed it again, silent.


    I knew what haunted her thoughts—the tension from earlier still lingered like the remnants of a storm. With a heavy heart, I began, “Lily, what I said before… it wasn’t meant to push you away. I…”


    But before I could finish, Lily shook her head, cutting me off with a forgiving smile. “I know. I was being rash. I’m sorry.” Her hand found mine, the warmth of her touch sinking into my skin and soothing my troubled spirit. Her voice softened with sincerity. “Makenna, I understand now that you were only looking out for me. I just let my emotions get the better of me.”


    Relief washed over me, lifting the weight that had been sitting heavy on my chest. With the air cleared between us, I felt lighter.


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