Darius clutched her dress and closed his eyes, his skin tingled under her touch. It was soft and warm. He felt her run her hands through his hair. He had been responsible and accommodating, that was why he got on his knees, placed his head on her lap, and asked her if this was what she really wanted to do.
He pushed aside his selfishness and impulsive nature just to ask her. Being an Alpha had its own massive responsibilities, and in a way, Serena would be sharing them after this gathering. A new expectation would be placed on her, opinions would be formed about her, and she would be representing a faraway place that seemed like a myth to his people.
And so that was why he exhaled like he did, a sigh of relief when she said she would. Because if she said otherwise, then he would have to let her go.
Darius buried his head deeper into her lap, and a quiet nod followed. For a few heartbeats, they stayed like that, suspended in the stillness.
"Thank you," Darius murmured.
Serena left her hand resting in his hair, her thumb brushing gently against his temple. When he rose, their eyes met. He wiped the side of his eyes and cleared his throat.
"Well, that talk was shorter than I expected," he said with a low chuckle.
He pushed himself up and stretched, the joints in his shoulders clicking faintly. He walked to the window and clicked his tongue. "I suppose we should be going now."
Serena nodded and stood up herself. She walked to the window and gasped, there were throngs of people walking into the entranceway of the hall.
She felt Darius standing behind her. She glanced at him and pressed her fingers to the windowsill. "All these people are here for me?"
Darius nodded and placed his hand on her lower back. "They are."
He leaned forward and pressed his cheek to hers. "Everyone wants to get a glimpse of the elusive ambassador from Crimsonclaw."
Serena’s lips parted slowly. She watched as different wolves of various ages walked in. She exhaled slowly and leaned closer to Darius.
"Are you frightened? You can still-"
Serena pulled back from him abruptly and shook her head vigorously. "No, I have made my decision already."
Darius gave a concerned look and then looked back at the wolves. This was a breeze for him, but he was worried about Serena. She had not been in the presence of so many wolves in her life, or at least, that was what he assumed.
"Very well, then. I will honour your decision." Darius pushed aside a strand of hair that had gotten in her face. "Are you alright and ready?"
Serena placed her hand to her chest and laughed. "I am not sure I am ready, but I am alright."
Serena looked at her shoes. She felt Darius’ finger under her chin. Her eyes met his hazel ones. "Are you sure? You know you can tell me?"
She pressed her lips in a thin line and looked away. Serena sighed and took his hands in hers, then mustered up a smile. "Yes, I know. I’m just a little nervous, you know?"
Serena bit the inside of her cheek while she studied his face. Could she really tell him everything? Maybe, but right now would be terrible timing.
Darius huffed and snaked an arm around her waist, drawing her into his side with a gentle tug. He was mindful not to touch her hair, cautious not to ruin it in the name of a hug. His chin came to rest lightly atop her head as he let out a slow, steady sigh.
He rubbed her back in a soothing way and then spoke. "Me too."
Serena laughed and then looked up at him. "You are just saying that to comfort me."
Darius raised a brow, and a ghost of a smile played across his lips. "And so what if I am?"
Serena shook her head and pressed closer to him. She closed her eyes for a moment and then pulled away. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw a bit of her pressing powder had stained his tunic.
"Oh dear," she murmured as she dusted it away.
"Thank you, that is enough," Darius said as he watched her frantically beat away the inconspicuous powder. "It is time."
Serena straightened her spine and nodded. Once they stepped out this door, she would have to wear the mask, and make sure it would never slip.
Darius walked to the door and held it open for her. Darius walked to the door and opened it with a quiet creak. She stepped through, the soft click of her heels the only sound in the corridor. To her side she saw two men with unreadable expressions. They were to be her guards for the night
Darius closed the door behind him and began walking. He glanced every now and then to make sure Serena was following him. Follow current novels on novel-fire.ɴet
Serena held her chin high and walked silently behind Darius. One of the guards was in front of him, and the other was behind her.
Darius motioned for the guards to walk ahead of them, to which they obeyed with a stiff nod. Darius leaned slightly to Serena and smiled.
"They’ve been waiting. It is time now," Darius said slowly. "We will be walking in now."
Serena glanced at him and nodded. She saw his arm extended toward her, bent and waiting. She took it without hesitation, slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow.
"Let us go," Serena said.
Darius nodded, and the pair walked into the hall from a lesser-known archway. Everyone rose immediately, their eyes pinned to Serena.
The blonde woman kept her eyes fixed forward. There were even more people here than she expected. The hall fell into a hush, save for the trumpet that played in the background.
She swallowed and walked at the same pace as Darius. In front of her was Elder Evelyn, who had a smile on her face as she stood behind the podium.
To her left were the Elders of Ironshade, all in regal clothing, as well as Livia. It looked like a grand ceremony- all for her. It felt like a coronation...or perhaps a trial.
And to the right were two seats that were left empty, presumably for her and Darius. Serena and Darius approached and took their seats. The trumpet gave a final note before fading, and Evelyn lifted her hands high. And then in unison, the crowd sat.