{Third Person}
Human Clan.
The Human Parliant hall was unusually quiet as the sealed letter was brought forward.
The Werewolf King’s insignia was unmistakable.
All eyes followed as it was handed to the head minister, who broke the seal and unfolded its contents. The faint crackle of parchnt echoed in the stillness before his voice carried across the chamber.
"It is an official invitation from King Sebastian of the Werewolf Kingdom," he announced.
A ripple of murmurs spread instantly.
He continued, reading clearly, "A welco banquet will be held in honour of the political bride, Amara Caldwell. The event will last for two days. Representatives of the Human Parliant, along with the bride’s family, are invited to attend."
More murmurs followed—this ti louder, layered with approval and cautious curiosity.
One of the ministers leaned forward slightly. "This is appropriate. It will nd the tension caused by the recent misunderstanding."
Another nodded. "And reinforce the treaty."
Then, naturally, attention shifted toward Anthony Caldwell.
"As the political bride’s father," one of them said, "your family’s attendance is not optional. It is expected."
Anthony inclined his head, composed as always, but there was a quiet satisfaction beneath it. "That is understood," he replied.
After a brief round of confirmations and arrangents, the eting was concluded with a unified decision—delegates would be selected, and the Caldwell family would attend in full.
—
By the ti Anthony returned to the Caldwell mansion, the sky had begun to dim. He didn’t linger anywhere and just went straight to his room.
Matilda was already inside when he entered, and she turned to him imdiately, sensing the weight of whatever he had brought back.
"What happened at the eting?" she asked.
Anthony removed his coat before answering. "An invitation has been sent from the Werewolf King."
Matilda’s expression shifted. "Invitation?"
"For a welco banquet," he said. "In Amara’s honour. It will last two days."
Matilda blinked. "Two days?" she repeated, her brows knitting together. "We are to go into the Werewolf Kingdom... and stay there for two days?"
Anthony didn’t respond imdiately, which only deepened her unease.
"What if..." she began, hesitating before continuing, "what if they have other plans? What if this is a trap? What if they intend to get rid of the Human leaders and take control?"
Anthony’s gaze snapped to her. "Enough," he said firmly. "Do not let your thoughts run wild."
Matilda fell silent, but the worry didn’t leave her face.
Anthony exhaled lightly, his tone softening just a fraction. "The Werewolf King is not foolish enough to attempt sothing like that. Not with the treaty in place."
She still looked uncertain. So he added, more deliberately this ti, "This is not the first ti we Humans have stepped into their territory for a banquet. You heard of it years ago, didn’t you? When King Sebastian took a Human bride."
That gave her pause. The mory seed to settle sothing in her.
"Yes..." she said slowly as her shoulders relaxed, just slightly.
Anthony nodded. "Nothing happened then, so nothing will happen now."
Matilda let out a small breath. The tension in her expression eased, though not completely.
After a mont, Anthony spoke again, more practically this ti. "Inform Lila about the trip," he continued. "Ask if she intends to attend."
"I will." Matilda nodded. Then, she left the bedroom and stepped into the hallway, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor.
The mansion was peaceful, servants moving quietly around their chores. She stopped one of them.
"Have you seen Lila?"
"Yes, madam," the servant replied with a bow. "She is at the pool area."
Matilda nodded and made her way there.
—
The poolside was bright and serene, the afternoon sun casting a soft glow over the water.
Lila was there, lounging comfortably on a chair, dressed in a sleek swimsuit that hugged her figure perfectly.
A glass of champagne rested in her hand, and a plate of sliced fruits sat beside her. She looked relaxed and carefree.
Matilda couldn’t help the small smile that ford on her lips as she approached.
Lila noticed her almost imdiately. "Mother?" she said, sitting up slightly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Did sothing happen? You ca all the way here."
Matilda took a seat beside her. "There is sothing I need to tell you," she said.
Lila raised a brow but nodded, giving her full attention.
Matilda didn’t delay. "The Werewolf King has sent an invitation," she began. "There will be a welco banquet... for your sister."
Lila’s expression didn’t change much.
"It will last two days," Matilda added. "Your father and I will be attending."
Lila took a slow sip of her champagne, then leaned back slightly. "The Werewolf Kingdom?" she said, her tone light but dismissive. "That doesn’t sound like a place I want to be."
Matilda watched her quietly.
"I think I will pass," Lila added. "I would rather stay ho."
Matilda nodded gently. "That’s fine. I only ca to inform you." There was no pressure in her voice as she began to rise from her seat.
But just then, Lila stopped her.
"Mother, wait."
Matilda turned to Lila as she sat up properly this ti, her expression shifting into sothing more thoughtful.
She tilted her head slightly, as if reconsidering.
"Actually..." she said slowly, a small smile forming on her lips, "on second thought, it might not be such a bad idea."
Her smile grew warr. "I should go," she continued. "After all, Amara is still my sister." She let out a soft breath, almost dramatic. "It would only make sense for to see how she’s doing."
Lila paused briefly, then finished, "And... offer her so emotional support."
Matilda’s expression softened instantly as relief flickered across her face. "That’s very thoughtful of you," she said, clearly pleased.
Lila’s smile widened, almost glowing now. "Of course," she replied smoothly. "What kind of sister would I be if I didn’t show up?"
She reached for her glass again, taking another sip before setting it down. "Besides," she added lightly, glancing at her reflection in the water, "this ans I will have to go shopping."
Matilda blinked, watching as Lila stood up gracefully, giving a slight stretch.
"I have to look my best," she said, a playful confidence in her tone. "We are representing the Human clan, after all." Her lips curved. "I should at least show those werewolves how fashionable we are."
Matilda let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head fondly. But as she watched her daughter, there was no way for her to see the deeper glint behind Lila’s smile.
Or the quiet calculation settling beneath it.
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