Demian stormed into the gates of his castle, his heavy footsteps echoing through the grand hallways. The towering stone walls, adorned with tapestries of his family's victories, seemed to close in around him. Servants quickly stepped out of his way, bowing their heads, sensing the storm of fury radiating from him.
In the main hall, his father, Alpha Magnus—the leader of the mortals and the most feared werewolf on earth—sat on a high-backed chair. His piercing yellow eyes locked onto his son, immediately noting the uncharacteristic rage that coursed through him.
"Demian," Magnus called, his deep voice resonating through the room.
Demian stopped abruptly, his fists clenched, but didn't respond.
"Come here, boy."
Reluctantly, Demian approached his father. Magnus leaned forward, his sharp gaze studying his son's tense posture.
"What is it that has you in such a fit of rage?" Magnus asked, his tone calm but commanding.
Demian growled under his breath. "There's a girl at school. She doesn't know her place. She's... irritating."
Magnus arched an eyebrow. "A girl? A mere student has you worked up like this?"
Demian's jaw tightened, his crimson eyes flaring briefly. "She's not like the others. She's bold, fearless... and she doesn't mind her own business. She makes me angry."
Magnus leaned back, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. He knew his son well. Demian was not easily provoked, and for someone to have such an effect on him was intriguing.
"Andrea? Your girlfriend? Does she not... satisfy you?" Magnus probed, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Demian shook his head sharply. "This has nothing to do with Andrea. This girl... Alice. She's different. She doesn't fear me. Not like the others."
Magnus chuckled, a rare sound that rumbled like thunder. "Interesting. It's been a long time since I've heard you speak of anyone like this."
Demian scowled. "She's not worth the attention."
Magnus ignored his son's protests and stood, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the room. "I want to meet this Alice."
Demian turned sharply. "What?"
Magnus's lips curled into a sly smile. "Invite her to dinner. I wish to see the girl who dares to stand up to my son."
Demian's fists tightened. "You can't be serious."
"I'm very serious," Magnus replied firmly. "Tomorrow evening. Bring her here."
Demian's temper flared, but he knew better than to argue with his father. The Alpha's word was law. Still, he couldn't bring himself to agree immediately. "Not tomorrow. Next week."
Magnus considered this for a moment before nodding. "Very well. Next week, then. But make sure she comes."
With that, Magnus dismissed his son, turning his attention back to the stack of scrolls on his desk.
Demian stormed out of the hall, his anger still simmering. He couldn't believe his father had forced him into such a situation. Dinner with Alice? The very thought made his blood boil.
He made his way to the east wing of the castle, where his mother's chambers were located. The air here was quieter, softer, and carried the faint scent of lavender.
Inside the room, Lady Selene lay on a grand bed, her pale complexion a stark contrast to her dark hair. She was frail, her once-vibrant energy dimmed by years of illness.
"Demian," she whispered weakly, her voice barely audible.
He knelt by her side, his anger momentarily forgotten. "Mother," he said softly.
Her lips curled into a faint smile. "You look troubled, my son. Tell me, what burdens you?"
Demian hesitated. He didn't want to burden her with his frustrations, but her gentle gaze compelled him to speak.
"There's a girl at school," he admitted. "She's... different. She doesn't fear me, and it's infuriating."
Selene chuckled softly, a sound that was both warm and nostalgic. "Ah, my fierce boy. Perhaps she's not meant to fear you."
Demian frowned. "What do you mean?"
Selene reached out, her hand trembling as she touched his cheek. "Sometimes, those who challenge us the most are the ones who teach us the most. Maybe this girl is meant to be in your life for a reason."
Demian shook his head, his expression hardening. "She's nothing but a nuisance."
Selene smiled faintly, her eyes drifting closed. "We shall see, my son. We shall see."
As she drifted into sleep, Demian sat by her side, his thoughts in turmoil. His father's command, Alice's defiance, and his mother's cryptic words swirled in his mind.
One thing was certain: next week's dinner would be anything but ordinary.
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