After dinner, Diana personally escorted Adrian and Isabella through a long hallway lit by torches and ancient carvings of wolves and moons on the walls. The walk was silent, but Isabella could feel tension in the air—something unspoken lingered between Adrian and Diana.
Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Isabella finally asked,
"Why… why does everyone here call you Alpha, Adrian? Even you called Diana Alpha earlier… and she called you the same. What does that mean?"
Adrian stopped walking.
For a second, he didn't answer. His jaw tightened slightly, and his eyes grew serious. Diana looked over her shoulder with a faint, mysterious smile, as if she was waiting to see what he would tell her.
Isabella continued, voice softer now, "And the people here—they look different, Adrian. They feel different. What is this place?"
Adrian turned to her, gently holding her shoulders, his thumb brushing her arm reassuringly.
"Isabella," he said quietly, "I promised you I would explain everything when the time comes. That time is close… but right now, I just need you to trust me a little longer."
His eyes held hers, steady and honest.
Finally, tall carved doors opened on their own with a whisper of magic.
They entered Diana's private chamber.
The room was breathtaking—vast yet hauntingly silent, as though even sound feared to intrude. The walls were made of smooth black stone engraved with ancient runes that faintly shimmered, pulsing like a heartbeat. A massive crystal chandelier floated without chains, giving off a soft, icy blue glow. The scent of sandalwood and night flowers lingered in the air, mysterious but soothing.
Strange objects filled the chamber—rare blackwood furniture, glass cases of old scrolls, a massive window revealing the silver moon pouring light over the distant forest. Power itself seemed woven into the atmosphere. Even Isabella, who believed herself an ordinary human, felt the energy brushing against her skin.
There was magic in this room. Real magic.
Diana motioned gracefully toward a luxurious velvet sofa.
"Please, have a seat," she said with quiet authority.
Adrian sat beside Isabella, still cautious, every muscle subtly alert to danger. But Isabella… she was mesmerized. Her eyes roamed the shelves of strange relics, moon-glass ornaments, and books bound in silver threads.
Without realizing, she whispered, "This place… it's beautiful."
Diana's gaze flicked toward her, sharp but curious. "You like it, Isabella?"
Embarrassed at being caught staring, Isabella straightened politely. "It's… elegant. Powerful, yet peaceful. I've never seen anything like it. If I could ever have a chamber like this, it would feel like a dream."
A small smile touched Diana's lips. "If you desire one, I can arrange it for you in your region. I may not be there, but your chamber can reflect your strength."
Isabella immediately shook her head. "Thank you, but that won't be necessary."
Diana raised a brow. "And why is that? You clearly appreciate it."
Isabella hesitated for a moment before replying softly:
"Because… human desires never end. If I accept this, I might ask for more tomorrow. People become greedy when all their wishes are fulfilled. I don't want to lose myself chasing luxury or power. Some wishes should stay dreams, so we don't forget who we are."
Silence fell after her words.
Diana watched her—not as a ruler assessing a guest, but as a woman seeing something unexpected. Something rare.
Finally, Diana spoke quietly, "Your father has raised you well. Such clarity of heart is rare. I… once had a child. She would have been around your age now—if she were still with me."
Her voice barely broke, but the pain hidden beneath her strength echoed through the chamber. For a moment, the Alpha didn't seem invincible—she seemed human.
Isabella's eyes softened with compassion, but before she could reply, Adrian's tone was firm.
"With respect, Alpha Diana," he said, "I appreciate your hospitality. But I request you not involve Isabella in personal matters like this. Your words reminded her of her own mother, and I won't allow her heart to break again tonight."
A shadow passed through Diana's expression—not anger, but understanding.
Her gaze shifted to Isabella. "Forgive me. I did not mean to awaken your grief."
Isabella gently nodded. "It's alright."
Diana said no more on the subject. But the air in the chamber had changed—softer now, yet layered with secrets unspoken.
Diana's expression shifted as she turned her gaze to Adrian. The calm in her eyes was calculated, ancient—nothing escaped her notice.
"So," she said, folding her hands on the desk before her. "Shall we come to the real reason behind your visit, Alpha Adrian?"
Adrian hesitated for a moment. He glanced briefly at Isabella, then back at Diana. His mind worked quickly—he couldn't discuss the true purpose of his visit in front of his wife. Not yet. Not until he was certain it was safe.
"Yes," he replied at last. "But before that… I have a request."
Diana raised a brow. "I'm listening."
"If possible," Adrian said carefully, "could you assign someone to accompany Isabella and show her around your palace? I don't want her to be bored by business discussions. She prefers lively surroundings, not long conversations about alliances and territories."
On the surface, his words sounded affectionate and thoughtful. But Diana was no fool—she had ruled for years and had seen cunning strategies disguised behind polite gestures.
Her lips curved in a subtle, knowing smile.
"Alpha Adrian," she said calmly, "I respect your concern for your wife. But in my eyes, you are doubting her abilities."
Adrian stiffened slightly, caught off guard.
Diana continued, her tone strong but not unkind. "A woman who walks beside a leader must not be hidden from truths or decisions. Knowledge is not a burden—it is power. As far as I have observed, Isabella is not weak, nor easily disturbed. In fact, she has a sharp mind and a strong heart. She should stay."
Adrian looked at Isabella, surprise flickering in his eyes. Diana knew about Isabella's business studies?
Isabella glanced between them before speaking gently, "If Adrian doesn't wish to speak in front of me, I understand. Everyone deserves privacy. If this matter is personal to him, I won't interfere."
She rose to her feet gracefully, keeping her voice calm and respectful. "With your permission, Alpha Diana, I would like to leave the room."
For a brief moment, disappointment flickered across Diana's face. She had genuinely wanted Isabella to stay—to watch her reactions—to see how she handled the truth. But she would not push too hard. Not yet.
"As you wish," Diana said finally.
She clapped her hands once. A young woman with silver hair and emerald-green eyes entered the room.
"Rhea," Diana said, "escort Isabella and show her around the palace."
Rhea bowed slightly. "As you command, Alpha."
Isabella gave Adrian a soft reassuring smile—one that said I trust you. Then she followed Rhea toward the massive silver doors. Just before stepping out, she glanced back—and for a second, Adrian could see the sadness behind her eyes. She didn't want to leave him, but she respected his boundary.
The doors closed behind her.
And the chamber suddenly felt colder.
Diana leaned forward, her eyes turning serious. "Now, Adrian," she said quietly, "tell me the truth. Why have you really come here?"