(Alnitak)

I can’t help but stare at her excited face. She carries the curiosity of a child while glancing around the palace. Her eyes sparkle like the flickering flames of a candlelight as she takes in every detail and rapidly asks questions.

We arrive in the dining hall, where the long dining table has already been set up for dinner.

"Let’s settle down," my father invites everyone to sit.

The king’s guard pulls out his chair and he settles in it.

My mother’s chair is pulled out by Saiph. She elegantly takes her place at my father’s right side.

I pull the chair for Amaia and help her sit in the blue velvet-wrapped chair. She beams at me before sitting down and I occupy the chair next to her.

The chair on the left side of my father is left unoccupied; that place is reserved for Alnilam and he is still not here. I sit next to Mama while Mintaka sits next to Alnilam’s seat. Amaia is beside me while Kacir and Rahria are on the other side.

The black and gold porcelain, polished to perfection, along with cutlery, napkins, and dishes, cover the table, accompanied by numerous dishes of food.

Herb-roasted beef, thinly sliced potatoes baked in cream and garlic, rice with sautéed vegetables and mushrooms, chocolate soufflé, different types of cakes, pastries, and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

My mother is a perfectionist when it comes to food and tasks, Mintaka has acquired that habit from her.

Everyone picks up their white and gold napkins and neatly lays them out on their laps. I pick up Amaia’s and do it for her. The bond buzzes with her gratitude, she is slightly overwhelmed but enthusiastic at the same time.

Mama’s eyes drift towards the closed door of the dining hall. I know she is waiting for Alnilam. Flickers of sadness I can see floating in her eyes.

"I was hoping for Alnilam to join us but I guess he is running late."

Mama flickers her fingers and helpers begin to pour out wine and serve food.

"Let’s begin," my father says, and the cluttering of forks and knives begins.

I start with some steak and veggies.

Suddenly, the door opens and Alnilam enters with all his suavity. Everyone turns to watch him but Mama instantly leaves her seat and rushes to meet him.

Amaia’s heartbeat turns up a notch and a flicker of emotions nudges through the bond. I know she is afraid of him, he might be the only person or thing she fears.

"Apologies for being late," he says in his serious and unapologetic tone.

"You are here, that’s all that matters." She opens her arms and he hugs her, kissing both her cheeks.

"Mama!"

"Will you be running laps now for being late?" Mintaka teases and all of us snicker. Rahria hides her face with her hand while Kacir lowers his head to hide his amusement. Amaia is also trying not to burst out laughing.

But our father remains serious, he doesn’t even get up to meet him.

Father and Alnilam have always had a difficult relationship; they have never seen eye to eye.

"Unlike you, I was away on official business." Alnilam doesn’t get the joke, he hardly appreciates them and shoots back at Mintaka.

My twin just raises his hand in defeat, knowing the tension can rise.

"Come, we have barely started." Mama entwines her arm with my brother and guides him towards his chair.

Alnilam appears tired. Being an Enforcer is not easy; it means dealing with the Dread Army, and that’s never a pleasant experience.

"Father!" Alnilam offers a curt nod, his face set in stone.

Father does the same. "Glad to have you join us." But the tension between them is palpable and only a blind person can’t see it.

Dinner resumes and Mama begins the conversation. "So how is everyone’s experience going at the Academy?" Her gaze shifts to Amaia and she gently asks.

"Let’s begin with Amaia."

I know Saiph must have filled her in on how close I have gotten to Amaia, and it’s only natural for her to feel curious about her. I can’t wait to let her and father know in private that she is my mate.

It will not be public knowledge because of how grave the situation is. Until we sort out the issue of her curse, I don’t want to spread this information, in case it reaches the person who has cursed her and it gets dire. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Amaia places her spoon and fork down on her plate and faces my parents. "It’s everything I had dreamt and hoped for. Every day is a challenge but I enjoy it and learn something new."

"That’s the spirit. We heard you faced a Chittering and handled it better than anyone else. That’s quite an achievement," Mama praises her while father gives her an appreciative nod.

"I think Saiph deserves all the praise, I merely watched," she humbly replies, her eyes drifting to Saiph, who stands behind my mother like a stone gargoyle. He watches her with a passive face.

"She actually defeated my nightmare. Only two other students did it. Ezran and Alnitak," Saiph spills beans and my parents beam at the news. Their content eyes find me.

"We are proud of you, Alnitak."

I beam, halting devouring the meat.

"And you too, Min." Mama never forgets to treat us all equally. He slowly smiles at them but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

"Tell us about Moonball," father quickly introduces a topic which will help Mintaka to open up.

He feels inferior since his wolf and magic have been affected after Kayla. But my parents never let him feel that way.

Mintaka tells them about the game and they listen intently.

I reach out and place my hand on Amaia’s thigh, ensuring she is not overwhelmed. She pats my hand with hers while her dazed eyes remain on my brother.

The conversation shifts to Kacir and Rahria as they discuss their achievements as well as failures. Because there is hardly ever judgment when the conversation is with them, apart from Alnilam.

Somehow father passes all the judgment on him.