Chapter 13

*Aria's Pov*

The kitchen was chaos. Pots clanged, orders were barked, and the scent of roasting meat filled the air. I stood at the far end, carefully polishing a tray of crystal glasses meant for the high table. My hands trembled slightly as I worked, the tension of the event bearing down on me. Tonight was important—something about securing alliances—and Alpha Leon had made it clear that nothing could go wrong.

The maids worked in silence, their movements quick and efficient. I felt like an outsider, fumbling to keep up with the pace. Elena, the head maid, had been on my case all day, glaring at me as...