Chapter 7 Warning

Ava's POV

The moment my eyes locked with the Alpha King’s, a sharp shiver ran down my spine. His gaze was cold, so cold it almost froze the air between us. For a second, I couldn’t breathe. I’d heard stories about him, about how terrifying his can be, but nothing had prepared me for the real thing.

He saw me. Really saw me. And that look he gave… it wasn’t just anger. It was something darker, heavier. I quickly looked away, my heart pounding fast.

“Are you alright?” Raven asked softly, her hand brushing against mine.

“Yes, I’m fine,” I said quickly, forcing a small smile, though my hands were trembling.

“Do you want something to drink?” she offered.

I nodded, still feeling that burning weight of his stare on me. I tried not to look back, but I couldn’t help it. My eyes flicked toward the throne again. He was whispering something to his beta, his gaze never leaving me. The sight sent another shiver through my body.

Raven picked up two glasses of juice from a passing tray and handed one to me. I took a slow sip, grateful for something to distract me. The drink was sweet, smooth, and cold against my tongue.

“You like it?” Raven asked with a smile.

I nodded. “This is my first time having something like this.”

Her eyes softened, almost pitying. “Well, you’re in luck. As long as you’re inside this palace, you’ll keep having things like this,” she said cheerfully.

I giggled, trying to relax. Maybe I could enjoy this night a little.

But then a deep voice came from behind us. “What’s a lovely creature like you doing in here?”

Raven and I both turned at once. A tall man with sharp eyes and a confident smirk was standing close. He looked like one of the royals, his aura screamed power and arrogance.

“Um, excuse me,” I said, trying to walk away.

“Oh no,” he said smoothly, stepping closer. “I’m actually talking to you.”

I froze, glancing quickly at Raven.

“It’s unusual seeing a human around here,” he continued. “The Alpha doesn’t like humans.”

My throat went dry. I swallowed hard, but Raven stepped in before I could say anything.

“Well, thanks for the compliment,” she said firmly, “but she’s under the Alpha’s protection. Or… so I was told.”

The man raised a brow, his expression mocking. “Truly?” His tone dripped disbelief.

He looked back at me and smirked. “Can I have this dance, Miss…?” He trailed off, waiting for my name.

“Ava,” I said quietly, stepping back. “And I don’t think that would be necessary. Please, I have to go.”

Before I could move, his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.

I froze, panic flooding my chest. His grip was firm, almost possessive. My heart pounded wildly.

Then it happened.

A low, terrifying growl filled the entire hall. The sound was dark, powerful, and sent chills crawling through everyone’s skin. The music stopped. Conversations died. The air itself seemed to still.

I turned slowly, and my breath caught.

Cain. The Alpha King. He was standing now, his eyes locked directly on the man holding me.

His gaze was like fire and ice mixed together, furious, cold, dangerous. The growl that came from his chest wasn’t human. Every person in the room froze.

The man who had grabbed me let go instantly, stepping back with both hands raised. His face turned pale, his confidence vanishing in seconds.

Beta Ryan stepped in quickly, his voice sharp but calm. “The human is a guest here. Please, behave yourself,” he told the man.

The noble bowed his head quickly and left, trying to escape the Alpha’s deadly gaze.

My heart wouldn’t stop racing. I could still feel Cain’s eyes on me, burning through me.

Ryan turned to me. “Human, why are you here?” he asked, his voice controlled but slightly tense.

Before I could say anything, Raven spoke up. “Hey, Ryan. I brought her along. It’s a coronation, everyone deserves to be here.”

Ryan rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. “Please, just don’t get on the Alpha’s nerves. I don’t know why he’s acting this way,” he muttered.

Raven smirked slightly. “Like a possessive mate,” she said under her breath.

Ryan shot her a sharp look. “Don’t say that again. The Alpha mustn’t hear such nonsense. And no, a human can’t be his mate,” he said firmly before walking away.

Raven rolled her eyes dramatically. “Let’s just enjoy ourselves before we leave,” she said, turning back to me with a grin.

I nodded, trying to calm down. My body still buzzed with leftover fear and confusion.

We drank more juice, ate some fruit, and tried to laugh. I did my best to relax, but I could feel his eyes on me the entire time. Even when he wasn’t looking directly, I felt him. His gaze followed me everywhere, burning on my skin. It was strange. It was intense.

When the ceremony finally began to calm down, Raven suggested we leave. I was more than happy to agree.

As we walked down the corridor, the noise of the hall fading behind us, I finally started to breathe normally again. But that didn’t last long.

A girl suddenly bumped into me, spilling her drink all over herself. The cold liquid splashed down her dress, and before I could even apologize, she slapped me across the face.

The sound echoed sharply. My cheek stung.

For a second, I stood frozen, shocked. Then my hand moved before I could think. I slapped her back. Hard.

The room went silent. The lady gasped, clutching her cheek.

“How dare you, you little human filth!” she hissed angrily.

Raven stood beside me, watching with an unreadable expression but I could see the hint of pride in her eyes.

“You bumped into me and slapped me first,” I shot back. “How is that fair?”

The lady’s eyes flared with fury. “Do you know who you’re speaking to? I’m the daughter of the White Moon Pack! You’ll regret this, human!” she spat and stormed off, her heels clicking hard against the floor.

Raven laughed softly and looked at me. “Girl, I’m super proud of you for returning that slap,” she said, still grinning. “Don’t worry, nothing’s going to happen. I’m the daughter of the East Moon Pack. Nobody will dare touch you when you’re with me.”

I tried to smile, but my hands were still shaking. I knew the royals too well. I knew what they were capable of.