Chapter 125

• The party was set to take place in the expansive field bordering the forest, just beyond the mansion's grounds. Beta Ronan accompanied me there, and I was grateful for his company. The last thing I needed was to ruin my mood by walking with Kenzo. My anger toward him still simmered from what he had put me through, and the sting of my own actions—ones that had ultimately played to his advantage—only added to my frustration. His arrogance seemed boundless, and unless a sincere apology came the next time we spoke, I was ready to put him in his place, even if it meant landing a punch squarely on his jaw. For now, I chose to delay that confrontation. I wanted to enjoy the evening, to drink, laugh, and meet people. A public scuffle with the pack's Alpha wasn’t the kind of scene I wanted to set.
• When we arrived, the field had already transformed into the perfect party venue. Long tables stretched across the space, adorned with plates and glasses, ready for the night ahead. A massive fire burned at the center, casting a warm glow that set the mood for revelry. Most of the elite warriors were already gathered, their faces—which usually carried venomous intensity—now lit with smiles and nods of respect as they greeted me. It was almost amusing how quickly admiration replaced hostility.
• There was no seating hierarchy at this gathering; anyone could sit wherever they pleased. After all, the event's purpose was to foster camaraderie among those who would soon fight side by side. I might have felt at ease here, had it not been for my designated seat at the main table, right next to the Alpha. The knowledge that Icarus would also sit at the table offered some consolation, but it did little to quell the dread of having to maintain a façade for Kenzo’s sake.