The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of the estate as Damian adjusted his cufflinks in the mirror. His golden eyes flicked toward the bed, where Ahicia sat, brushing her raven-black hair. Her crimson eyes sparkled with determination, her complexion now healthier than it had been in weeks.
"Ready, my queen?" Damian asked, his lips curling into a soft smile as he adjusted his tie.
Ahicia glanced up, meeting his gaze through the mirror. "Almost," she replied, a hint of excitement in her voice. "But before we leave, I have one thing to take care of."
Damian tilted his head curiously as Ahicia stood, smoothing out the soft folds of her navy dress. Her tail swayed purposefully behind her as she strode toward the door.
Downstairs, Alaric was pacing near the entrance, his expression neutral but his tail swishing lazily behind him. Lysandra leaned against the opposite wall, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her golden eyes narrowing as she glared at him.
"You'd better not get in my way today," Lysandra said sharply, her voice dripping with disdain.
Alaric, ever the composed wolf, grinned broadly, his golden eyes sparkling with mischief. "Why would I get in your way, Lysandra? We're on the same team now, aren't we?"
She growled softly in response, her claws flexing involuntarily.
Before their banter could escalate, Ahicia entered the room. Her mere presence was enough to silence them both.
"I hope you two have figured out how to get along," Ahicia said, her tone firm but calm.
Lysandra opened her mouth to protest, but Ahicia held up a hand to stop her. "Lysandra," she said gently but sternly, "I know you don't like working with Alaric, but this is important. I need both of you to cooperate. Can you do that for me?"
Lysandra hesitated, her tail twitching in frustration, but eventually, she nodded.
"Good," Ahicia said, turning her gaze to Alaric. "And you, Alaric, please don't antagonize her. This is about more than just the two of you."
Alaric placed a hand over his heart dramatically. "I promise, Lady Ahicia, I will be on my best behavior." His golden eyes softened as they lingered on Lysandra.
Ahicia noticed the subtle wag of his tail and the sincerity in his expression. She sighed inwardly, hoping Lysandra would notice it too.
Just then, Lysandra stepped forward, her eyes brimming with tears. "Ahicia, please take me with you. I promise I'll behave. I just... I don't want to be left behind!" Her voice cracked with desperation as her tail hung low.
Ahicia opened her mouth to respond, but Alaric was quicker. He stepped in between them, wrapping a firm arm around Lysandra's waist to pull her back gently.
"That's enough, Lysandra," Alaric said softly, placing a hand over her mouth to muffle her protests. "I'll take care of everything here. You don't need to worry her further."
Lysandra squirmed in his grip, her muffled cries of protest softening as she looked into Alaric's eyes. His expression was kind, but there was an unyielding resolve in his gaze.
Damian appeared beside Ahicia and gently took her by the arm, steering her toward the awaiting carriage. His eyes met Alaric's, and a sly, knowing smile spread across Damian's face.
"Keep her in line, Alaric," Damian said with a smoothness that belied the warning in his tone.
"I wouldn't dream of failing, Alpha," Alaric replied, his tail swishing lazily.
Ahicia glanced back at the pair, concern flickering in her crimson eyes. "Lysandra..." she began softly.
"She'll be fine," Damian assured her.
As the group prepared to leave, Grace appeared at the foot of the grand staircase. She was dressed impeccably in a cream-colored gown that shimmered faintly in the sunlight.
"Going somewhere?" Grace asked, her voice smooth and practiced, though her crimson eyes betrayed a hint of bitterness.
Damian and Ahicia passed her without so much as a glance. Damian placed a hand gently on the small of Ahicia's back, guiding her toward the door.
Grace clenched her fists, her sharp nails digging into her palms as she watched them leave. Her red eyes darkened, her lips pressing into a thin line.
"Have a safe trip," she called out, though her voice dripped with insincerity.
Damian and Ahicia stepped into the awaiting carriage, shutting the door firmly behind them.
Inside, Damian reached for Ahicia's hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. "You're incredible, you know that?" he said, his voice low and warm.
Ahicia smiled softly, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I have to be, don't I?" she teased lightly, her tone carrying a hint of pride.
As the carriage rolled forward, leaving the estate and its tensions behind, Ahicia allowed herself to relax. The warmth of Damian's presence and the promise of a day away from the chaos filled her with a rare sense of peace.