Contract With The Alpha King
Contract 66

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."

Fiona relaxed a bit more, 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 like when they first created them. Can you imagine? Seeing these lights come on without anyone needing to do anything? It must've felt like real magic back then." Adrianna chuckled. "Probably. Now it's just part of life. We barely notice."

As Adrianna spoke, Fiona allowed herself to relax fully into the conversation, asking more questions about the palace and its design. The tension that had been following her around all evening faded, at least for the moment. She was grateful for the distraction, even as the weight of everything-Zach, her family, and the challenges ahead-lingered at the back of her mind.

Adrianna raised her glass again. "Here's to ancient magic, making our lives a little easier."

Fiona clinked her glass with Adrianna's, smiling as they shared the quiet moment.

"I didn't know the palace would use ancient magic," Fiona said. I grew up thinking witches are extinct."

"Rare," Adrianna said. "But not extinct. Besides, those people cannot exactly do everything like they are gods. Everything has its... payment."

Fiona opened her mouth, about to ask more about witches and the cost of ancient magic, when a voice called out,

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17:00 Sun, Dec

Chapter 66

interrupting the conversation.

"Your Highness Adrianna!"

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Both Fiona and Adrianna turned to see a group of elegantly dressed women approaching, their faces bright with excitement. They greeted Adrianna with smiles and waves, their voices filled with a sort of reverence. "Your Highness!" one of them exclaimed, almost giddy as she approached Adrianna.

Adrianna flashed a charming smile, standing up and opening her arms to welcome them. "Ladies!" she greeted, turning back to Fiona briefly. "These are some of my dear friends."

Fiona stood as well, smoothing her gown as Adrianna introduced each woman in turn.

"This is Sophia from the Silverclaw Pack," Adrianna said, gesturing to a striking woman with dark hair and sharp eyes. "Her father is the Alpha, and she's next in line to lead." Sophia smiled at Fiona and nodded politely.

"And here we have Lena, daughter of the Crescent Howlers Pack's Alpha." Lena, a petite woman with bright blonde hair and an infectious smile, waved enthusiastically.

"Next is Camilla, originally from the Wildcrest Pack, but now she's married to the Alpha of the Northern Ridge Pack," Adrianna continued. Camilla was a tall woman with a quiet grace. She offered Fiona a knowing look as she adjusted the shawl draped over her shoulders. "And finally, this is Liora, from the Nightfang Pack. She's the wife of Alpha Damian." Liora, with her silver hair and confident stance, looked every bit the part of an Alpha's wife. She gave Fiona a brief nod of acknowledgment, her eyes sharp and assessing. Fiona greeted each woman with a polite smile, nodding to them as Adrianna introduced them. The women seemed warm enough, but she could sense the subtle undercurrent of curiosity in their glances. They were all sizing her up.

After the introductions were over, Sophia, who seemed the boldest of the group, turned her attention to Fiona. "So, Fiona," she said, her tone friendly but probing. "What do you think of the palace so far? Her Highness is a bit bold and can be careless. I am hoping she's not giving you a hard time?"

"Hey!" Adrianna pouted but didn't say a thing to correct Sophia.

"I quite like it here," Fiona said honestly, offering a small smile. "It's different from what I'm used to, but it's beautiful."

Sophia nodded, seeming satisfied with the answer. "Yes, it does have its charm, doesn't it? Though, I imagine it must be quite an adjustment."

Before Fiona could respond, Lena leaned in slightly, her expression curious. "I've been hearing some rumors," she said with a playful glint in her eyes. "About your relationship with Prince Elijah. Are any of them true?"