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...

I froze. "...Royal dinner?"

queen herself is organizing it. All the royal families will

furrowed. "What is

excited. "It’s to welcome the Alphas of the Silver Dawn pack. I’ve heard all four of them arrived at the palace

moment, I

excitement, but mine... mine

that could happen tonight, it had to

of her words sank in.

away, my eyes darkening. "I

for a moment. "Shall I prepare your

though my chest felt tight again.

and leaned back in my chair, staring at the wall

her arms full of dresses. I was still sitting by the window, lost in thought, when she entered the room with that

on the bed. "The Queen said the dinner will be formal

was so full of excitement that it made me blink. "You seem... happy,"

it. The Alphas of

didn’t answer. I just turned my

her. Lira kept talking, her

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 their eyes...oh, Princess, everyone says their eyes look like fire

hear the dreamy sigh in her

"You should wear this one. It’ll

a brow. "Notice

woman in the palace. And they’re the strongest Alphas after the Lycans themselves. If someone like you were to

a moment, not sure whether to laugh or

I said quietly, "I’m not looking for

Princess. But still... just imagine! Four Alphas, all strong and proud, and one

placing a delicate silver clasp near my shoulder. Her hands were

supposed to be charming, the kind that can make anyone fall for him just with a look. The third... well, some say

sparkled as she spoke, like she

didn’t say anything. My face stayed still,

right about one thing...each of

weren’t legends. They were

and the way they looked at me the last time we met. My chest tightened slightly, but I

hair. "If you ask me, Princess, they’re the best men in the kingdom after the Lycans.

mirror and gave a small,

nodded eagerly. "Yes,

away again, my expression

said softly, "that