Aidan.
I arrived at the garden, the early evening light casting long shadows over the meticulously arranged tables and the lush greenery surrounding the area. The air was rich with the scent of blooming flowers, mingled with the faint aroma of roasted meats and fresh bread from the banquet earlier.
All the Alphas were already seated, their presence commanding and poised, exuding the authority and aura befitting their titles. My brothers, as always, sat at my side, their expressions neutral yet alert, scanning the crowd with the practiced ease of seasoned leaders.
I realized with a slight pang that I had arrived a bit late, and my attention immediately shifted to Maria, who followed close behind me, her head lowered slightly, her steps quiet and measured. She seemed almost invisible, trying to blend into the background, but my eyes never left her, noting the way her shoulders stiffened with each passing glance from the other Alphas.
