Meanwhile, Amelia, having finished her bath, had changed into one of the clothes from the wardrobe.
It was a red straight gown, not tight, but free–flowing enough to let her breathe. She ran her hands down the fabric, wondering what the real Cassia must have looked like. A soft sigh escaped her lips.
She had considered putting her hair up in a ponytail, but changed her mind last minute. Instead, she brushed her black hair and let it fall softly over her shoulders.
Her thoughts went back to what Seraphina had said, that she wanted her to meet someone.
Amelia wasn’t sure who it might be, but she took a deep breath, preparing herself to go downstairs for dinner.
She stepped out of the room and stared at the hallway in front of her. It was massive, so big and winding that one could easily take the wrong turn and end up lost. Luckily, she remembered the route Seraphina had taken earlier. She followed it, and soon enough, she was at the staircase.
Looking around, she spotted Seraphina at the dining table, a table so long it looked like it could seat twenty–four people. Kael was seated beside her, deep in conversation, while maids bustled about arranging the dishes.
Kael was the first to look up and see her. His gaze lingered, quiet and unreadable. Then Seraphina turned and saw her too.
“Come, Cassia,” Seraphina said softly.
Amelia nodded and made her way to the table. She pulled out a chair a couple of seats away, but Seraphina gestured for her to sit closer.
Hesitantly, Amelia moved to sit beside her.
“You look so beautiful,” Seraphina whispered with a warm smile.
“Thank you,” Amelia replied, her voice low but sincere.
A maid approached and bowed slightly before placing a plate of food in front of Amelia, rice, chicken, and a side of sauce.
“Go on, eat,” Seraphina encouraged.
Amelia nodded and began eating. The taste of the food overwhelmed her senses. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was. The last time she ate had been back at her mother’s. Her appetite surged and she found herself eating faster than she intended.
Seraphina smiled as she watched her. She understood Amelia had been unconscious for two days. Of course she was starving.
“Slowly, Cassia,” Seraphina said gently, handing her a glass of water.
“Thank you,” Amelia whispered and gulped the water gratefully.
She was nearly done eating when the front doors swung open. Several men and women entered, all dressed sharply in suits, skirts, and elegant gowns. Their posture was firm, their presence commanding.
“Alpha,” they greeted in unison, bowing their heads before taking their seats quickly filling the table. Amelia’s eyes scanned them. They were clearly older and highly respected. A few looked young, but most were experienced, with eyes that had seen years of leadership.
The council.
That’s what they had to be. Their uniforms reminded her of the Red Moon Pack’s council members. But here in Velaris, they seemed more distinguished, perhaps because of the polished badges they wore, each engraved with their names.
Now they were all looking at her, then to Seraphina, expectantly. The silence in the room thickened.
“Members of the council,” Seraphina began. “I’ve called this urgent meeting for a reason… someone new has joined us.”
She paused, then looked at Amelia, who instantly tensed under the weight of twenty pairs of eyes.
Seraphina gently placed her hand over Amelia’s on the table. The small gesture calmed her nerves just enough.
“Meet my daughter, Cassia Wrenmoor,” Seraphina said.
A low murmur spread across the table, confusion flickering in their eyes.
“Silence!” Seraphina’s voice cracked like a whip, firm, cold, commanding.
Immediately, the murmurs ceased.
“These are all for you, Cassia,” Seraphina said. “The phone already has a registered SIM.”
Amelia stared, stunned. Everything looked so new, so expensive.
“These are… too much,” she murmured.
“Nothing is too expensive when there’s too much money, Cassia,” Seraphina replied with a chuckle. “Whatever you need, you’ll get it.”
Amelia didn’t know what to say. In just a short time, this woman had given her everything.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Seraphina smiled, her eyes full of warmth.
“That’s not all,” she added, her expression brightening. “There’s someone else I want you to meet.”
Amelia tilted her head. “Who?”
“He’s on his way.”
He?
Amelia blinked, curiosity rising, and with it, something else. A strange flutter in her chest.
Who was he?
To be continued…

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