Chapter 107

• Alera’s Pov
• The castle was quieter than usual tonight, but I could still feel the hum of anticipation lingering in the air. With the mating ceremony drawing closer, it was as though every wall and hallway carried whispers of preparations and expectations. My parents had decided to oversee the entire event themselves, a decision I wasn’t surprised by. They’ve always been deeply involved in maintaining unity among the clans, and this ceremony was no different. But for now, we were keeping everything tightly under wraps, observing how the people responded before letting the news spread further.
• The lords had been informed, of course. Communication between the smaller clans had been carefully handled to avoid tension. This was how we had always preserved harmony through patience, dialogue, and careful planning. Still, a part of me couldn’t shake the unease that clung to my chest. Peace was fragile, and one wrong move could shatter everything.