The Alpha Bond 128

The air was thick with the scent of roasted meat, exotic spices, and the unmistakable fragrance of aged wine. The grand hall of the castle had been transformed into a magnificent feast hall, filled with flickering candlelight, shimmering decorations, and long tables overflowing with food and drink. The witches had truly gone all out to celebrate our victory in the trials.

Yet, despite the lavish setup, my eyes remained fixed on one thing-the thirty-two High Witches who sat at the head of the table, their faces concealed behind their scarlet veils.

Among them was Mother.

I hadn't seen her face once since arriving here.

I hadn't even questioned it before. Why did they wear veils? Was

adition? A rule? Or something deeper?

The thought nagged at me, but tonight wasn't the time for such questions. Tonight was meant to be a celebration, a moment to breathe before we embarked on our dangerous quest to find the Moon Keystone.

Elijah nudged me as a servant placed a goblet of wine in front of me. "Stormi, stop glaring at them. It's a party, not an interrogation."

I turned my gaze away from the High Witches and exhaled. "I know. It's just... I don't understand why they hide their faces."

Austin smirked, biting into a piece of roasted pheasant. "Maybe they're all hideous under there."

Alex rolled his eyes. "Or maybe it's some ancient tradition that they can't break, like a vow of secrecy or something."

Isaiah, who had been silent for most of the meal, finally spoke. "Or maybe they hide because power comes at a cost."

I looked at him curiously, but he didn't elaborate.

Before I could press him for an answer, one of the High Witches, seated at the very center, lifted her goblet. The room fell silent.

"Tonight, we honor the warriors who have passed their final trial," she said, her voice smooth yet commanding. "You have proven yourselves worthy, not just in strength but in unity. The path ahead of you is uncertain, but know this-you do not walk it alone."

The witches around us murmured in agreement, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest. Despite the challenges, despite the losses, we had earned our place here.

The High Witch raised her goblet higher. "To the Silver Wolf and her mates-may your journey be

Victorious!"

"To the Silver Wolf!" the room echoed, and everyone lifted their drinks in a toast.

I accepted it with grace, drinking the wine slowly. It was richer than anything I had ever tasted, but the weight of the moment made it hard to enjoy.

And just like that, the High Witches stood-and without another word, they filed out of the room neatly they all left, including Rowena,e Eira, and some other instructors.

The silence they left behind lingered for only a moment before the real celebration began.

The moment the High Witches were gone, the atmosphere changed completely,

air evaporated, replaced

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Chapter 122

as if the witches had been holding back in the presence of their elders, but now, they were free to enjoy

danced in the open space between the tables, swirling their robes, their laughter

drinks floated in from the

and grinned. "Finally, we can actually

a bottle from the table and waved

time you had your

an eyebrow.

"You also didn't dance, but

could argue, Alex nudged me.

"I

We leave soon. Who knows when we'll

the cap off

it

"Just try

sighed, accepting

sip, I braced

And nearly choked.

out laughing. "Oh, that

glaring at them. "It

“Yeah, but keep drinking. It

face scrunching again.

more sips, I started

was bitter, but there was something oddly satisfying about

it, I had finished

arm around my shoulder. "Now

eyes but couldn't fight the warmth in my chest. For the first time in what felt like forever, I

night, the celebration

The music from inside carried out into the cool night air, and a

watching from the sidelines-until Elijah

dance with me," he said, his

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14.40

Chapter 122

but

eyes. "That's not the

"Go on,

knowing I wasn't going

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