El
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A sharp knock wakes El from sleep. She sits up quickly, heart racing, still half‑caught in dreams of yesterday’s chaos.
An omega stands at her door with a folded note.
“For you,” he says, then leaves.
El opens it.
Bring two plates to breakfast.
Lira and Kai will not be at breakfast this morning.
Thank you again for the birthday dinner.
—Ryker
She blinks.
Two plates?
Her mind races.
He must be having a guest. Someone important. Maybe another Alpha? Maybe a council member? Oh no — what if she messes up? What if she disappoints him?
She springs out of bed.
“I better look my best,” she whispers.
She opens her small closet — the one Kai stocked for her — and her eyes land on a bright yellow sundress. Soft, cheerful, warm.
She curls her hair, letting it fall in loose wave
