Chapter 3 The North Wing
Sienna
“What do you think?” Sev asked, his voice low and casual, as we cruised past the gates and into the town.
“It’s… wonderful,” I muttered, trying to keep a straight face, but honestly, I was fighting the urge to gape like a tourist.
The place looks like a time traveler dumped a castle onto a modern suburb, like history got bored and decided to start dating technology. You've got those chunky, heavy stone buildings with dark wood beams, pure medieval aesthetic, but they're sitting right on streets that are actually paved.
Still, they have regular electric streetlamps casting a harsh white-yellow glow on walls.
The people were the best entertainment. One guy was strolling along in a rough wool tunic and those weird, high leather boots, looking like he literally just finished a crusade, but he was holding a cigarette and scrolling furiously on his smartphone.
I heard Sev let out a low, amused chuckle beside me.
“Shocked?”
“Culture shocked, yes,” I admitted instantly. I couldn't even pretend this was the kind of city I was used to.
We zipped past the town center, and then this enormous, castle-like building came into view. It was massive and completely old-school.
“That’s the academy,” he said.
I just gave a slow nod, my eyes wide, watching the fortress disappear behind us. This place was definitely living up to Dante’s 'tough' warning.
Finally, not far from the school, we arrived at a huge mansion. Still massive, but less 'fortress' and more 'old money estate.'
Before I could even think about reaching for the door handle, a guy who looked like he was modeling for a high-end catalog, a totally perfect butler, opened the door for me.
“Welcome, Miss,” he said with a perfect bow. I gave him an awkward, flustered smile as I stepped out. I mean, I'm used to the 'princess' treatment from my family, but this level of proper, formal service was totally new.
“You should settle in for now. We’ll check out the academy this afternoon.” Sev was already standing beside me, giving me one of those boyish, amused smiles. He was definitely finding my shock hilarious.
“I asked Jordan to sort out some new clothes for you. I apologize for not briefing you on the local aesthetic. Your brother insisted it was a necessary lesson: you being… disoriented.”
Disoriented was charitable. I was punked. I had packed all the wrong gear—too flashy, too urban, completely unsuitable for his "medieval chic" world. But I wasn't going to let that show.
I snapped on a tight, defiant smile. “No worries. I’m pretty much a professional at dealing with my brother’s bullying.”
Before he could even get a word out, a woman with fiery ginger curls came bolting out of the mansion. She was running full-speed toward Sev, clutching the front of her dress to keep it from tripping her. Her chest—which was absolutely straining and bursting out of a tight corset—was bouncing dramatically with every single stride.
Seriously, she looked like the Moon Goddess’s personal, perfect side project. All curves and confidence.
“Alpha!” she practically screamed when she finally reached him, throwing herself straight into a hug. “You’re finally back! The wait was pure torture.”
“Keisha,” Sev said, his greeting flat and totally lacking warmth. He stood completely rigid, not returning the hug. “We have a guest.”
“Oh!” She finally peeled off him and turned her full, judgmental focus on me, looking me up and down. “Who might you be, child?” She even put a hand on my shoulder and gave me a nasty, mocking smile.
I gritted my teeth. I was hardly shorter than her, but she dared call me a child.
“This ‘child’ you’re talking to is the youngest sister of Alpha Dante of Mount Clairelle,” I snapped, pulling my shoulder back. “You might want to watch your mouth.”
“Even the threat coming out of your mouth sounds so endearing… child.” She managed to say, her eyes gleaming with pure malice.
I clenched my fist, but I wasn't going to hit her. Not right in front of Sev.
She completely dismissed me, turning her full attention—and all her bouncing assets—back to him, smiling all flirtatiously. “You can expect me tonight, Alpha. Do you require me at the same time as bef—”
“Enough. Did I give you permission to act ill-mannered in front of my guest?” Sev cut her off, his voice instantly dropping to a dangerously cold, low pitch. “Go home.”
She scoffed, outraged. “You want me to go home, for this kid?”
He was clearly done. He let out a harsh sigh. “She’s the sister of a good friend. One more word, Keisha, and I’m taking that as direct disobedience toward your Alpha. Don't make me repeat myself. Go home.”
She bit her lip, fury flashing across her face, before she gave a ridiculously stiff, over-the-top formal bow. “Of course, Alpha. If you would excuse me.” She then dramatically stomped off away from the mansion, every angry step loud on the pavement.
Sev let out a harsh, exhausted breath. “I apologize for that, Sien. Her family is considered noble, so she can be… high-maintenance.”
“Sure. No problem,” I replied flatly. I was so over the drama. “I’m exhausted. I want to rest.”
Sev looked hesitant, like he wanted me to stay, but he finally conceded. “Of course. Jordan, please assist our guest.”
“Gladly, Alpha.” The butler, who had been standing totally still the whole time, stepped forward. “This way, Miss.”
I followed him inside. The mansion's interior was definitely better than the outside—all subtle luxury and dark wood—but I was too drained and annoyed to even care.
The realization was that I was just a kid to him. And that Keisha woman? She definitely had some kind of physical relationship with Sev. Which, objectively, was normal. My brothers had their flings all the time; it was only expected for a dominant, good-looking Alpha like Sev to do the same.
But still, the jealousy flared up inside me, sharp and unwelcome, even though I was only a "sister" to him.
“Miss,” the butler called, pulling my attention back. I hadn’t even noticed we had stopped walking.
“Yes? Sorry.”
“It’s alright. This will be your room. Your luggage will be brought up once you’re done resting. Before that, I must first remind you of one important rule here.”
“Oh, sure.”
His tone dropped, becoming noticeably serious. “You must never, under any circumstances, enter the only room on the North Wing.”
I raised an eyebrow, instantly intrigued but also confused, but I gave a firm nod. I was a guest; following their rules, even when it was strange, was required.
“That’s good. I shall be taking my leave now. Have a good sleep.”
As I lay on the bed, however, I couldn't stop thinking about the warning. My curiosity was immediately engaged.
What exactly was so forbidden about the North Wing?