The Witch and Her Four Dangerous Alphas

Chapter 193: Chapter 193: Royal Dinner

Serena’s POV~

By the time I finally looked up from my notebook, the sky outside had already turned dark. And my neck ached from sitting too long. I blinked a few times, realizing just how many hours had passed.

I hadn’t stepped out of my room the entire day. Not even once.

Even lunch had been brought in by Lira. She had knocked softly, her voice gentle as always, and placed the tray on my table without asking anything. I had just nodded, too lost in thought to speak.

I ate quietly, not because I was hungry, but because I knew the effort behind it wasn’t hers alone. It was Vaelen.

A small, faint smile touched my lips as I thought of him. He always noticed things others didn’t. Even without words, he somehow knew when to give space and when to reach out.

He really was a good person. Always had been. In the past and now.

I had always been right about him.

He had never disappointed me... not even once.

But that small warmth faded the moment another image flashed in my mind... his mother.

My expression hardened instantly. The memory of her voice, that sweet tone laced with poison, crawled back like a bad taste I couldn’t wash off.

She had met me only a day ago, smiling so perfectly, pretending to care, saying things that sounded kind but were meant to twist the knife deeper. Every word she spoke had been coated with honey, but all I could hear was venom underneath.

She wanted to turn me against my father. To make me hate him. To ruin whatever fragile peace still existed between us.

It was so clear now. She was doing it on purpose.

I could almost see her smug face again, those calm, proud eyes watching me like I was a child who didn’t know any better.

My hand clenched on my lap.

If I ever saw her again, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to stop myself from wiping that fake smile off her face.

"Never again," I muttered under my breath.

But life never goes the way you want, does it?

I was still fuming quietly when a soft knock came from the door.

"Come in," I said, trying to keep my voice even.

bright for my liking. She held the edge of her skirt and bowed slightly. "Princess... you are invited for the

I froze. "...Royal dinner?"

organizing it. All the royal families will be attending... and you are requested to join as well."

furrowed. "What is it

widened, clearly excited. "It’s to welcome the Alphas of the Silver Dawn pack.

a moment, I

face was glowing with excitement, but mine... mine

all the things that could happen

stomach twisted as the weight of her words sank in. So do I have to

my eyes darkening. "I

"Shall I

though my chest felt tight

as she left, I let out a slow breath and leaned back

of dresses. I was still sitting by the window, lost

"The Queen said the dinner will be formal but not too grand. Still, you have to look perfect. Everyone will be

full of excitement that it made me blink. "You seem...

about it. The Alphas of the Silver Dawn pack are here! The

I just turned my gaze

Lira kept talking, her voice

more handsome than the rumors. Strong, tall, the kind of presence that makes people stop and stare. The guards couldn’t stop whispering about how powerful they looked when

could almost hear the dreamy sigh in

at me hopefully. "You should wear this one. It’ll suit you perfectly tonight. Who knows...maybe one of

a brow. "Notice

not realizing how ridiculous that sounded. "Why not? You’re the most beautiful woman in the palace. And they’re the strongest Alphas after the

at her for a moment, not

I said quietly, "I’m not

Four Alphas, all strong and proud, and one princess...if

straps, brushing my hair, and placing a delicate silver clasp near

the eldest is calm but terrifying when angry. The second one—he’s supposed to be charming, the kind that can make anyone fall for him just with a look. The third... well, some say he’s quiet but

eyes sparkled as she spoke, like she was talking about heroes from an

face stayed still, my thoughts

right about one

weren’t legends. They were real

remembered their voices, their eyes, and the way they looked at me the last time we met. My chest tightened

you ask me, Princess, they’re the best men in the kingdom after the Lycans. Anyone would be lucky

her eyes through the mirror and

eagerly. "Yes,

away again,

let’s hope," I said softly, "that none of them