Ace walks into the grand hall, his steps slow but deliberate. He expects hostility, scrutiny, maybe even veiled threats_ but what he gets is something entirely different.
The Alpha stands as soon as Ace enters, not with dominance, not with force, but with a quiet, assured grace.
His amber eyes settle on Ace_ not with hunger, not with the need to control, but with something far more dangerous. Interest. Genuine, unwavering interest.
"You came," the Alpha says, his voice smooth, carrying none of the arrogance Ace expects. "I was hoping you would."
Ace tilts his head slightly, studying him. "I didn't have much of a choice, did I?"
The Alpha chuckles, deep and rich, but not mocking. "No? I like to think you're a man who goes where he chooses, not where he's forced."
That catches Ace off guard. He doesn't respond immediately, just watches as the Alpha steps closer_ measured, unhurried, as if they have all the time in the world.
