Liana POV
I had heard that Alpha Darius rarely ate in the main hall, preferring his private quarters. An invitation to join him was special – and slightly terrifying.
"Of course, Alpha Darius," I managed, quickly checking my reflection. My eyes were slightly red.
His private dining room felt warm and intimate. The table could seat four, though he usually ate alone. My heart melted a little when he pulled out my chair – not as a formal gesture, but something natural and protective.
"I heard about what happened in the hall today," he said after we'd started eating.
I focused very intently on cutting my steak. "It was nothing important."
"Liana." His voice was gentle but firm, and something in me unraveled at the sound of my name on his lips. "The mate bond might be new, but I can feel
