Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 66

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Fiona sat with Adrianna, doing her best to stay engaged in their conversation. Elijah was mingling somewhere in the crowd, and she had to focus on making sure she didn't glance over her shoulder in the direction where Zach was likely still brooding, or where her father would occasionally glare at her.

Meanwhile, Adrianna seemed oblivious to the undercurrents of tension in the room as she casually gestured toward the large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. "Did you know," Adrianna said, taking a sip from her glass of champagne, "those chandeliers are enchanted? They've been around for centuries, but they never go out. They turn on automatically whenever it's dark or gloomy outside. It's a magic trick that's been used in the palace for generations."

Fiona's eyebrows rose with interest. She followed Adrianna's gaze toward the intricate, crystal chandeliers, their lights casting a warm glow over the ballroom. "That's incredible," Fiona said, her fingers brushing the stem of her champagne glass thoughtfully. "I noticed they weren't on when I first arrived, but they turned on as it started to get dark. I thought it was just a well-timed switch."

Adrianna smiled, swirling her glass lazily. "No switches here. The palace hall is designed to use as much natural light as possible, that's why the roof has so many skylights. They don't waste magic unless it's necessary. It's efficient, really."

Fiona nodded, her gaze drifting toward the ceiling. "I've seen similar designs before, but nothing quite like this. Most places rely on magic or firelight all the time."

Adrianna leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "It's funny, the design is becoming popular in other places now, but werewolves have been doing this for generations. A mix of practicality and tradition."

Fiona laughed lightly, setting her glass down on the table beside her. "It's not surprising that people would want to copy it. It's elegant and functional. Why wouldn't they?"

Adrianna grinned, reaching for a fresh glass of champagne from a passing waiter. "Exactly. Everyone thinks they're so forward-thinking when they're really just borrowing old ideas."

enjoying the casual conversation. She glanced around the room, noticing the mix of old architecture and modern touches. "Do you know if the same kind of enchantments are used elsewhere in the palace? Or just here in the ballroom?" Adrianna tilted her head, thinking for a moment. "Mostly in the ballroom, since it's such a big, open space. The other rooms have similar magic, but nothing quite as grand as these chandeliers. Some of the smaller halls use more firelight or smaller enchantments." Fiona found herself genuinely intrigued. "I wonder what it must've been

her around all evening faded, at least for the moment. She

glass again. "Here's to ancient magic, making our

glass with Adrianna's, smiling as they shared

didn't know the palace would use ancient magic," Fiona

said. "But not extinct. Besides, those people cannot exactly do everything like they are gods.

more about witches and

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17:00 Sun, Dec

Chapter 66

interrupting the conversation.

"Your Highness Adrianna!"

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approaching, their faces bright with excitement. They greeted Adrianna with smiles and waves, their voices filled with a

smile, standing up and opening her arms to welcome them. "Ladies!" she greeted, turning back to Fiona briefly. "These are