A few moments earlier.
Seraphina was still calmly conversing with the nobles, her demeanor composed yet never letting down her guard. She kept sensing a gaze, something watching her from the shadowy depths of the forest. But every time she turned her head to look, there was nothing out of place.
Maybe it was all in her head, a psychological illusion born from prolonged anxiety.
She took a slow breath and masked the flicker of unease in her eyes behind the rim of her wine glass.
"Lady Ashbourne, I heard the Crown Prince's been rather fond of you lately, is that true?"
One of the Alphas in the group suddenly spoke up, his voice laced with malice. He even shot a glance at the person beside him, smirking mockingly.
Even though this world was governed by the hierarchy of Alphas, Betas, and Omegas, female Alphas still faced a distinct form of discrimination. Patriarchy had long been embedded in society's bones.
