Chapter 20 Rogues attack

Chapter 20 Rogues attack
TALIA POV

“Get ready. We’re attending a dinner party tonight.” Zane’s voice came as he walked into my room without waiting.

“What do I wear?” I asked, turning to look at him.

“Stop asking unnecessary questions,” he muttered, his tone flat. “Just wear something decent. You can ask the maids to help you pick a dress.”

He turned and walked out, the door closing behind him with a quiet thud.

I stared at the door for a moment before turning back to the mirror. Ever since I got married to Zane, something about him had been… off. He acted distant, colder than before. I couldn’t tell if I had done something wrong or if this was just how he was. The thoughts kept circling in my head, refusing to settle.

Time passed quickly.

Before I realized it, the sun had gone down and the moonlight filled the room. I stepped out of the bathroom and opened my wardrobe, scanning through the dresses. Just as I reached for one, the door opened again.

“You aren’t done yet?” Zane’s voice cut through the room as he walked in, adjusting his gold royal cuffs.

I shook my head slightly as I picked a dress. He sat on the bed, his eyes fixed on me the entire time.

A strange tension filled the room.

Was he watching me… on purpose?

I grabbed a towel and wrapped it around my body, trying to ignore the weight of his gaze.

“Aren’t you going to get dressed?” he asked, his voice quieter now, but his eyes didn’t leave me.

I forced a small smile as I adjusted the towel, my fingers tightening slightly against the fabric. My eyes drifted to him, then away again as I walked toward the wardrobe, feeling his stare follow every step I took.

I quickly picked a backless long black gown and slipped it on, adjusting it over my body before moving to the mirror. I packed my hair into a sleek bun, applied red lipstick, and pressed my lips together.

“I’m ready,” I said softly.

“Let’s go. We’re late already.” He stood up immediately and walked out.

I followed behind him, quickening my steps to keep up.

We stepped out of the mansion, the cool night breeze brushing against my skin. A shiver ran through me, and I hugged myself slightly. Something felt off, like someone was watching me.

I turned my head slowly, my eyes scanning the building.

Then I saw him.

Liam.

He stood by one of the mansion windows, his gaze fixed directly on me. My breath caught for a second.

Our eyes met.

Just as quickly, he looked away.

“Get in,” Zane’s voice came sharply from beside me.

I looked forward again and stepped into the car.

I stepped into the car and Zane followed, taking the seat beside me. The moment the door shut, the carriage lurched forward, wheels rolling smoothly as we began moving. I turned my head toward the window, watching the night blur past. The drive felt long, quiet, almost suffocating. I kept staring outside, my thoughts drifting, barely aware of the passing trees and distant lights. A faint breeze slipped in through the small opening, brushing against my skin, and for a moment, I imagined what it would feel like to just disappear into the night.

The car finally slowed before coming to a stop.

I blinked and looked up.

In front of us stood something massive, something that looked like a castle, or maybe a grand hall built to impress. It towered over everything around it, glowing under the night lights.

Zane stepped out first, and I followed after him, gathering my dress as my heels touched the ground. I walked behind him quietly, keeping my pace steady as we approached the entrance.

Just as we reached the doors, he stopped.

I almost walked into him.

He turned to face me, and to my surprise, a faint smile touched his lips. Without warning, he reached for my hand and held it lightly.

I stiffened slightly.

The sudden change in his behavior caught me off guard. He had been distant all day, cold and unreadable, and now this? I didn’t understand it.

Before I could question it, he led me inside.

The hall was breathtaking.

Lights hung from above, casting a warm glow across the entire space. Expensive decorations lined the walls, and well-dressed guests filled the room, their voices blending into a low hum. Everything about the place screamed power and status.

“Alpha Zane,” a voice called out.

Zane turned toward the sound. A man stood at the corner of the hall, watching him.

“I’ll be right back,” Zane murmured, releasing my hand before walking toward him.

And just like that, I was alone.

I stood there for a moment, watching him disappear into the crowd. My fingers curled slightly as I looked around the room.

Too many people.

Too many unfamiliar faces.

I bit my lip softly, scanning the hall, hoping to catch sight of him again. Minutes passed, but there was no sign of Zane.

I shifted slightly, feeling out of place.

Then I turned my head.

Maybe he went this way.

I started walking slowly, following the path he had taken earlier. My eyes searched the crowd, moving from face to face, but he was nowhere to be found.

“Where did he go?” I murmured under my breath.

I stepped out of the main hall, moving into a quieter corridor. The noise faded behind me, replaced by an eerie silence.

Did he leave me here?

The thought made my chest tighten slightly.

I continued walking, my steps slower now, more cautious. I passed by another section of the building, entering a smaller hall. It looked almost abandoned compared to the main area, but faint sounds of movement echoed from somewhere nearby.

My brows furrowed.

People were coming out of the place ahead.

I hesitated, then moved closer.

My steps slowed as I approached the entrance. Something felt off. The air was heavier here, colder.

Then I heard it.

A low growl.

I froze.

Another one followed, louder this time.

Then another.

The sounds overlapped, rising together, echoing through the hall in a way that made my skin crawl. Fear crept in slowly, tightening around my chest.

This wasn’t normal, I took a small step back.

Then I saw the shadow fully, three figures.

Their shapes were blurred at first, hidden in the shadows, but as they moved forward, the dim light revealed them.

My eyes widened.

They didn’t look like normal wolves

Their movements were wrong. Their bodies… twisted.

“They look like rogues…” I whispered under my breath, my voice barely audible.

A chill ran down my spine as they stepped closer.

My heart began to race.