Radulf leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze falling on the empty seat to his left. A small frown etched across his face as he turned to one of the servants. "Where's Melissa?" he asked.
The servant hesitated before bowing slightly. "Luna Melissa said she doesn't have an appetite, Alpha," they replied cautiously.
Radulf's frown deepened, and a flicker of annoyance crossed his features. "Tell her I want her here in the dining hall. Now."
Before the servant could leave, Nina entered the dining hall. She approached the table with a small smile and gracefully took the seat to Radulf's right. "I didn't feel like eating alone in my chamber," she began, "As your respected guest, I thought it would be proper to join you for dinner. After all, meals are best shared, aren't they?"
Radulf didn't respond immediately, his piercing eyes briefly flickering toward her before returning to the empty chair on his left.
