The laughter and music still echoed through the night air, soft lanterns floating above the courtyard like captive stars. The scent of sweet wine and roasted meats mingled with the thrill of celebration. Eila was still breathless from her dance with Leonard when Zois appeared beside her, his presence magnetic and impossible to ignore.
He offered his hand, eyes glowing with a quiet intensity. "May I?" he asked, his voice a low murmur meant only for her.
Leonard's jaw tightened, clearly reluctant. But after a long pause, and an even longer look exchanged between the two men, he nodded and stepped aside. "Don't keep her long," he said, his voice deceptively light.
Zois simply smirked and led Eila toward the dance floor.
More couples had joined by now—Gamma Stephen, Stella and Michael, a few of the warriors and their mates. The courtyard had come alive with movement and laughter, ribbons of magic and moonlight tying everyone in a shared celebration.
Zois held her hand firmly but with care, beginning to guide her through the rhythm. They barely managed a few steps before the space grew too crowded. Warriors clumsily bumped into each other, laughter ringing as partners twirled too wide, hands slipped, dresses swished, and drinks were accidentally spilled.
With a playful sigh, Zois leaned in and said, "Apparently the Goddess forgot to leave room for us." His smile was mischievous, but his eyes lingered on her as if memorizing every curve of her face.
Half-heartedly, and with clear disappointment, he stepped away and allowed her to retreat from the chaos. She made her way back toward her seat, catching her breath, her nerves still tingling from earlier dance.
As she sat down, something tickled the edge of her glove. Her brows furrowed.
A folded slip of parchment had been tucked under her wrist.
Frowning slightly, she opened it discreetly. It was written in a hurried, slanted hand:
"Meet us after the feast. Robbers' Hut. You know the path—the hollow tree, then left. Yours, always."
Her heart skipped.
The Robbers' Hut? That place was nothing but a whisper in old campfire stories—an abandoned outpost from rogue conflicts long past, hidden deep in the woods near the southern borders of the pack. It was near her house but she never really went there. There was a small path scribbled in the corner. Why would the twins want to meet her there of all places?
She folded the note carefully and tucked it into her bodice.
Dinner was served soon after—lavish, delectable, and far too long. Zois and Lukas didn't make things easier either. Throughout the feast, their gazes roamed freely over her, twin storms of unrelenting hunger. Zois licked his lips every time she took a bite. Lukas kept brushing his hand too close when passing platters. Both looked like wolves ready to pounce.
Across the table, Leonard was no better. His hand was on her thigh, firm and slow, making teasing circles with his thumb that sent tremors up her spine. Every few minutes, she'd shift her legs or take a sip of water just to keep herself grounded.
It was maddening. Deliciously maddening.
Even Luna Priscilla cleared her throat pointedly, mind-linking them, "Control yourselves. You're making yourselves way too obvious."
They just shrugged and went back to their food.
If anything, her warning only made the twins smirk. Leonard, on the other hand, gave a smoldering glance at Eila that promised unfinished business.
By the time dessert was served, Eila was ready to flee—her nerves on fire from their stares, her senses overwhelmed. She stood, murmuring a polite excuse to speak with some of the warrior couples nearby, and finally found a moment to slip toward the edge of the grounds.
Leonard caught up with her quickly.
"Already leaving?" His voice was low and laced with reluctance.
"I'm exhausted," she said softly. "It's been a long, overwhelming night."
Leonard's hand captured hers, squeezing gently. "Stay the night. I'll have the guest quarters prepared—"
She shook her head gently. "Not tonight. Please."
He sighed in frustration but was pulled away before he could argue more—Alpha Magnus had summoned him for a late-night strategy session.
"Take my carriage," Leonard said as he walked backward. "Your change of clothes is in the bag."
She nodded and gave a small smile, watching him disappear back into the lantern-lit celebration.
At the carriage, she asked the coachman for a moment of privacy. He bowed and stepped aside respectfully. Inside the carriage, she found her dress—her regular homewear—neatly folded and placed atop a velvety satchel. She changed swiftly, careful not to wrinkle the delicate fabric Leonard had gifted her.
Once done, she gently folded the gown and jewelry and placed them back into the same satchel. The coachman returned moments later, and she called him and gave him directions to drop her a short distance from her home.
She had another destination in mind.
After stepping down, she thanked the driver and watched the carriage roll away under the silver trees. She sent a quick message through the mind-link.
"I've reached home. Thank you for today—it was… unforgettable."
Leonard's reply came almost instantly: "The dress and jewelry were for you. You should keep them."
Eila bit her lip, and said "I'll accept them one day. When I'm truly standing beside you. As yours."
Leonard didn't respond, but she could feel his displeasure through the bond—a quiet pulse of emotion, strong and unyielding.
She turned and slipped into the shadowed woods.
The moon was high, the scent of damp earth and pine thick in the air. Somewhere deeper in the forest, nestled between crumbling stones and gnarled trees, was the place the twins had chosen.
The Robbers' Hut.
Tonight, her path split once again. Not between duty and desire—but between what was safe…
…and what she truly craved