The Alpha's Fated Outcast Rise Of The Moonsinger novel Chapter 253

Neriah

"The alliance between the Auréans and the Western Cliffs – although I heard they're in the process of changing their name dates back to Seven Generations," he explained. "Originally formed during the Great Drought when both territories needed to share resources to survive. That is how your people and why your people were finally accepted as part of the werewolf communities."

"How do you know all this?" I asked, genuinely curious now.

"Let's just say I've had an educational upbringing," he replied with a mysterious smile. He sampled a small piece of the honeyed apple and nodded approvingly. "Like your feast preparations – thorough and thoughtful."

I couldn't help but smile at the compliment. There was something magnetic about him – a self-assured grace that seemed both natural and practised. I could also tell he was a Lycan, though his aura felt different – stronger somehow, more contained, like a closed fire that could roar to life at any moment.

After helping pick food, still engaging in conversation about everything from traditional cooking methods to territorial trade agreements, he turned to me with a smile. He had picked up a glass of the fermented honey mead and was swirling the liquid lazily.

"But food – food is a particular passion of mine." His gaze flicked over my face. "You're not much of a drinker I see."

My fingers tightened around my plate. "Not tonight."

"Wise decision," he murmured, taking a slow sip from his glass and not bothering to find out why.

There was something about him – something that made the air around us feel heavier. He had this swag around him that seemed different from the warriors and the nobles I regularly met – less rigid formality and more genuine charm.

"Are you here alone?" he asked suddenly.

My brow furrowed. "No."

"Good." He set his glass down and turned fully toward me. His amber eyes locked onto mine. "I've taken enough of your time and attention," though his expression suggested he didn't regret it in the least. "And also keep you from your companion. But before I go…" he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.

"May I ask your name?"

"Neriah," I replied, surprised at how easily my name slipped out. Normally, I was more guarded with strangers, especially at formal events.

"Neriah," he repeated as if testing how it felt to say my name. "Would you save a dance for me before the night ends, Neriah?"

I stiffened.

Before I could answer, he bowed his head, tipping off an imaginary cap in ga esture that seemed strange yet charming. "Until then," he said and walked away with the same confidence with which he approached.

I blinked, still rattled. "I don't know. He didn't say." _{frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓}