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.

a little too bright for my liking. She held the edge of her skirt and

I froze. "...Royal dinner?"

queen herself is organizing it. All the royal families will be attending... and you are requested to

"What is

smile widened, clearly excited. "It’s to welcome the Alphas of the Silver Dawn pack. I’ve heard all

a moment, I didn’t say

was glowing with excitement, but mine... mine had turned cold. Completely

Of all the things that could happen tonight, it had to

words sank in. So do I have to meet

my eyes darkening. "I see," I

for a moment. "Shall I

though my chest felt tight again. "Yes... go

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

long after, her arms full of dresses. I was still sitting by the window,

out on the bed. "The Queen said the dinner will be formal but not too grand. Still, you have

it made

shining. "Of course, Princess! Everyone’s talking about it. The Alphas of the Silver Dawn pack are

just turned

stop her. Lira kept talking, her

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 they entered the hall. And

hear the dreamy sigh in her

wear this one. It’ll suit you perfectly tonight. Who knows...maybe one of them will

a brow. "Notice

the strongest Alphas after the Lycans themselves. If someone like you were to wed one of them, it

moment, not

"I’m not looking

proud, and one

as she helped me dress, adjusting the gown’s straps, brushing my hair, and placing a

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 dangerous. And the

she spoke, like she was talking about

didn’t say anything. My face stayed still,

was right about one thing...each of them

legends. They were real and a part

me the last time we met. My

Princess, they’re the best men in the

mirror and

nodded eagerly. "Yes,

away again, my

said softly, "that none of them