Chapter 228

Chapter 228 The Banquet of Shadows
Third Person POV
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Another day passed, and Aubrey began to notice something strange. Most of the omega wolves who had been around them were suddenly reassigned, replaced almost entirely by gammas, with only a handful of betas left in service.
On top of that, patrols by Loch’s beta guards had grown more frequent, crisscrossing the estate with unusual vigilance.
When she asked about it, Alpha Loch explained casually that dangerous criminals had escaped from the werewolf prison, so security had been tightened.
Aubrey wanted to seek out Satia for clarity, but was told Satia was
undergoing special alpha training and could not meet anyone. She let it go, but unease weighed heavily in her chest.
By the third day, she could no longer ignore her instincts. After consulting Henry, she suggested they leave early.
Loch, surprisingly, did not resist. Instead, he smiled and said readily, “Very well. Tonight, then, we shall hold a banquet to see you off.”
Aubrey had intended to depart quietly, but since he had put it that way, refusal was impossible. She could only hope that nothing would happen during a single meal.
The banquet was arranged in a villa on Cedarl’s outskirts. Loch claimed it was the perfect setting–spacious for entertaining, convenient for sending them off afterward.
Neither Aubrey nor Henry objected.
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Chapter 228 The Banquet of Shadows
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Before they set out, Henry confided that he had secretly summoned several of their warriors back, to follow in the shadows. He too felt something amiss. Still, they reasoned, Loch bore them no personal grudge. In fact, Henry had even voiced support for Satia’s succession. Surely the Flame Pack had no reason to betray them.
But in werewolf society, there were no eternal allies–only eternal interests. Caution was always warranted.
Only Perry failed to return in time.
“Alpha,” one of the men explained, “he saved a strange woman on the road, looked like she was from the southern continent. Said he’d escort her home and then come straight back.”
Henry said nothing further. One missing guard was of little consequence.
At eight o’clock, they arrived at the villa. To their surprise, the banquet hall was nearly empty. Few attendants moved about, and even the usual bustle of servants was absent. The atmosphere was stark, hollow.
A gamma servant came forward to receive them. “The guests are still on their way. Alpha Henry, Miss Aubrey, please come this way to rest.”
Henry inclined his head faintly, and together they followed.
But the deeper they went, the heavier the sense of wrongness grew.
No music. No laughter. No celebration. For a banquet, the silence felt funereal.
Henry’s violet eyes narrowed, and through their mind–link, he whispered to Aubrey: Be careful. This isn’t a normal feast. Still, my men are close by. And Flame Pack won’t want outright war with Shadowmoon Pack
Aubrey frowned, nodding slightly. Her sharp gaze swept over the gamma
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Chapter 228 The Banquet of Shadows
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leading them. His body was taut with tension, every step stiff, and he kept his distance from them as though afraid to draw too near.
Something had shifted. Only days ago, this place had not felt like this. What had changed?
Pressing her lips together, she asked, “Will Satia be at the banquet tonight?”
The gamma faltered mid–step, then answered, “The alpha said she would.”
“Good.”
Aubrey arched a brow, hiding her suspicion, and followed him into the resting chamber.
Inside, waiting with a poised smile, was Loch’s younger daughter Shamin. Dressed in a flowing blue gown with a daring slit up the leg, she looked elegant, radiant, and dangerously composed.
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