Chapter Twenty Five

Author's POV

As the sound of their heels echoed in the hallway, Valerie and Mailiya descended the grand staircase, the weight of their conversation settling over them like a dark cloud. The tension between them was palpable, thick with unspoken thoughts and unhealed wounds.

"I thought you had everything under control, Mailiya?" Valerie’s voice sliced through the air, sharp and questioning as her gaze remained fixed on the path ahead. Her steps were measured, and deliberate, the sharp click of her heels contrasting with the urgency in her movements.

Mailiya’s fingers tightened around the polished railing as she turned to glance at her, her expression a mixture of amusement and irritation. “I did have everything under control, Valerie,” she replied, her voice smooth but edged with frustration.

“But your sister... She's changing. It’s like she’s awakening to something darker. I thought I could keep her in line, but she’s slipping away from me. And worse...” Her voice dropped, lowering to a whisper. “I think she’s starting to figure things out.”

Valerie’s lips curled into a tight, sardonic smile, but there was a flicker of unease in her eyes that she quickly masked. “A demon? Leila?” she scoffed, though the thought of her sister’s transformation stirred something unsettling within her. She had underestimated Leila before, but now... now things were different.

“You’ll see for yourself,” Mailiya continued, her tone darkening. “She’s not the innocent girl she once was. There’s something inside her that’s dangerous, something that can’t be contained. And if we don’t act soon, she’ll be a bigger threat than either of us anticipated.”

Valerie’s eyes narrowed as she processed the words, but before she could speak, they reached the bottom of the stairs. The air in the main hall shifted as they entered the room, and there, standing with his back to them, was Alpha Sebastian. His tall figure was unmistakable, his broad shoulders exuding power and control. His presence filled the space, commanding attention without even trying.

He turned slowly as he heard their footsteps, his eyes narrowing in surprise when he saw Valerie standing there, her posture confident and unbothered by the tension in the air.

"Valerie?" Sebastian's voice was a mixture of surprise and confusion, his eyes flicking between her and Mailiya. "What are you doing here?"

Valerie’s lips curled into a small, polite smile, but there was a glint of something darker in her gaze. “Sebastian,” she greeted, her voice smooth, almost too smooth. “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon. But it seems fate has a way of bringing old acquaintances together.”

Mailiya stepped forward, her tone nonchalant but careful as she spoke. “Alpha, Valerie, and I go way back. We’ve known each other for years. It’s just... it’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to talk.”

Sebastian’s brow furrowed as he looked between the two women, his mind working to piece together the situation. He hadn’t expected Valerie, especially not here, not in his pack house. They had no real connection, no reason to cross paths unless... unless there was something he didn’t know.

“You’ve known each other?” His voice was guarded now, suspicion creeping in despite his best attempts to remain composed. “I didn’t realize.”

Mailiya’s smile remained calm and practiced, through her eyes held a flicker of something more dangerous. “Yes, Alpha,” she said smoothly, her voice dripping with the honeyed tone of someone spinning a well-crafted lie. “Valerie and I have crossed paths many times in the past. She’s always been a valuable ally to me. We’ve done business together, as it were.”

Sebastian didn’t respond immediately, his gaze lingering on Valerie, studying her carefully. Something wasn’t right. He had his suspicions, but he had learned to keep his questions to himself, especially when dealing with someone like Mailiya.

Valerie’s gaze flicked to Sebastian, her eyes cold yet polite as she met his steady state. “I’m sure you have other matters to attend to, Alpha,” she said, her tone casual, but there was an edge to her words. “But I’m afraid I didn’t come here for small talk. I have business with my pack, and I can’t afford to stay long.”

Sebastian’s eyebrows shot up, surprise once again flashing in his eyes. “Business?” he echoed. “I thought you might stay for a while. You’re always welcome here. I’d even offer you a drink to relax after your journey. It’s the least I can do.”

There was a brief pause, the invitation hanging in the air like a tempting offer. Sebastian took a step toward the bar area, his hand already reaching for a bottle of dark liquor. His gaze remained on Valerie, the warmth of his offer contrasting with the underlying suspicion he felt.

But Valerie’s reaction was swift and firm, her voice cold as she shook her head. “Thank you for the offer, Alpha,” she replied, her words measured but direct. “But I must decline. There’s no time for drinks. I have urgent matters to attend to with my pack. I’m afraid this visit is brief.”

Sebastian’s hand paused in midair, the bottle of liquor still in his grasp. His eyes lingered on Valerie for a moment longer, a silent question hanging between them.

“I see,” he said slowly, placing the bottle back down. “If you must leave so soon, I understand. But know that my door is always open to you. And if you need anything while you’re here, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Valerie’s smile didn’t falter, but it was distant, almost imperceptible. “I will keep that in mind, Alpha. But for now, my time here is up.”

She turned to Mailiya, her gaze sharp. “Let’s go. I have work to do.”