The Hidden Gem

Chapter 6: Masks at the Table

Sebastian laughed heartily after the woman from the waterfall had bolted away. His wolf interrupted his laughter.

"You're laughing your heart out. That's new," his wolf said.

Sebastian grinned. "You're too serious. Smile a little, will you? She stormed off and slapped us, thinking we’d chase after her. Maybe she believed we were desperate. In her wet dreams, dude. She’s not worthy. Her type—trying to lure a big fish like us—is nothing new. We’re not that gullible." He glanced at the clear waters of the falls. "Let’s head back. I’m no longer in the mood for a swim. It feels... tainted."

The waterfalls marked the boundary between the Dark Moon Pack and his own, the Silver Moon Pack, where Sebastian ruled as Alpha. His wolf said nothing but lingered with a strange uneasiness he chose not to share.

Sebastian returned to his pack, heading straight to his room to pick out clothes for the night. His mind wandered — wondering if chasing something impossible was just wasting his time. A knock came at the door. Recognizing the scent, he called out, "Come in, Demetri."

Demetri, his Beta — soon to pass the title to his son, Damon — entered, handing over the wireless phone. After a short conversation, Sebastian hung up and returned it.

"Alpha, the Royal Pack called. Emergency meeting for the Prince’s coronation," Demetri said.

"It’s fine. I’ll handle it later," Sebastian replied. "Thanks, Demetri. You can leave now."

Left alone again, Sebastian groaned. He should be helping, but deep down, he trusted the others to manage. Shaking off the guilt, he headed into the shower to prepare for the evening ahead.

Meanwhile, at Dark Moon Pack, Aurora was almost done preparing the table when Madeline strutted into the kitchen.

"I’m just here to check what you’ve plated," Madeline said with a smug tone, brushing a hand over the table setting as if she were inspecting it.

Moments later, the sound of a car door slamming signaled their parents' return. Madeline dashed to greet them. After a whispered conversation, she stormed off, fuming.

Aurora watched her in confusion until her father summoned her.

"Get dressed immediately," Alpha Steve ordered. "We have visitors. You’ll dine with us tonight."

Aurora's mouth fell open in shock. It was the first time she was invited to dine with them in front of guests since Penelope's death. In her room, she spoke to Mystic.

"Did you hear that? Father wants us at dinner!"

"Don’t get too excited," Mystic warned. "Something feels off."

Still, Aurora hurried. After a quick shower, she wore a sapphire summer dress Dorothy had gifted her. It matched her eyes perfectly. Drying her hair, she decided to leave it loose, wearing simple flats to avoid attracting attention.

As the sound of an approaching car echoed outside, she rushed downstairs to help finalize the table. Just as she placed the final fork, Madeline appeared, dressed provocatively in a fire-red dress and sky-high wedges. She shoved Aurora aside, pretending sweetness.

"Thanks, Aurora. You can call everyone now," she purred.

Before Aurora could speak, she sensed anger radiating behind her. Turning, she found her parents glaring. Lowering her gaze, she obediently stepped aside.

"Welcome to Dark Moon Pack, Alpha Sebastian, Demetri, and Damon," Alpha Steve said warmly. "Please, sit and enjoy the meal."

Aurora sensed a familiar scent — one she hadn’t been able to place earlier. Curiously, she looked up... and froze.

There he was. The jerk from the waterfall.

He smirked at her knowingly.

Luna Martina introduced her daughters. "This is Madeline, our eldest, and Aurora, our youngest."

Madeline beamed seductively. "Nice to meet you all. I've heard so much about you, Alpha Sebastian," she said, flicking her hair flirtatiously.

Aurora, still nervous, said simply, "Glad to meet you, Alpha Sebastian, Demetri, and Damon."

Demetri and Damon smiled warmly. "Please, drop the ‘sir,’" Demetri said kindly.

Sebastian, however, added with a smirk, "Nice to see you again, Aurora." He winked.

Aurora's jaw dropped. "Mystic, what should I do?!" she cried out mentally. "That jerk!" Mystic growled.

Alpha Steve, suspicious, asked, "What do you mean, you’ve seen my daughter before?" He mindlinked her quickly: "We will talk after dinner."

Aurora's heart sank.

Sebastian answered smoothly, "We bumped into each other by the waterfall earlier. She was about to leave when I arrived."

"I thought you had classes today, Aurora?" Alpha Steve asked.

Before she could respond, Madeline jumped in.

"Dad, there were no classes today. Preparations for the Prince’s coronation. Aurora asked if she could visit the forest instead of helping me cook... I allowed her," she said sweetly, lying without shame.

"Good thing you were there, Alpha Sebastian," Alpha Steve said. "Aurora can’t shift yet, and the forest is dangerous for the weak."

Sebastian smirked coldly. "A wolf who can’t shift is a weakness. Any strong wolf would reject her immediately. We must breed strong bloodlines — the weak belong with the weak."

Aurora clenched her fists under the table, struggling to hold Mystic back. But before she could respond, Damon spoke up.

"For what it’s worth, I believe the Moon Goddess chooses our mates for a reason — strength isn’t just physical. If I met my mate and she couldn't shift, I’d still accept her. Especially if she’s as beautiful as Aurora," Damon said, winking at her.

Aurora felt a wave of gratitude and smiled genuinely at Damon. He smiled back warmly.

Sebastian bristled but said nothing. Instead, he focused on eating, tamping down his irritation.

Maybe, he thought bitterly, Damon could have his ideals. But Sebastian had no time for weakness — or for girls who thought they could tempt him.

The dinner progressed with an uncomfortable rhythm, the clink of silverware echoing like sharp notes in the silence. Trays of roasted pheasant, seasoned root vegetables, and garlic-buttered rolls were passed around. A thick gravy pooled in a silver bowl, its scent rich and mouthwatering.

Aurora picked at her food, pushing a piece of roasted carrot around her plate. Her appetite had vanished.

Madeline, by contrast, ate like a poised predator — gracefully, but with a performance behind every bite. She leaned closer to Sebastian, brushing his arm. "Oh, excuse me," she giggled.

Sebastian gave a polite chuckle, though his gaze momentarily flicked to Aurora.

Damon complimented the food. "This is really good. Compliments to the chef."

Luna Martina smiled. "Thank you, dear. Madeline prepared most of it tonight."

Madeline beamed. "Of course. I don’t just look good, you know."

Damon nodded. "Well, not everyone can manage a meal like this. It’s impressive."

Alpha Steve shifted the topic. "Damon... Have you taken a chosen mate yet?"

"No, Alpha. I’m waiting for my true mate. I trust the Moon Goddess."

Sebastian commented casually, "Even if she gives you a weak one?"

"Even then. Weakness is relative. Some wolves break bones. Others survive them," Damon replied smoothly.

The air grew thick. Aurora stayed quiet, letting the warmth of the food distract her. The gravy soothed her throat, the vegetables soft and comforting. For a moment, it felt almost normal.

Until Alpha Steve cleared his throat. "Aurora, you will remain after dinner. We have things to discuss."

She froze. "Yes, Father."

As dessert arrived — slices of apple tart glazed in honey — conversation drifted into coronation plans. Aurora felt more like a shadow than a person.

She caught Sebastian watching her again. His eyes sharp, unreadable. She looked away quickly.

When the meal ended, Alpha Steve stood. "Thank you all for joining us. The guest rooms are ready."

Sebastian nodded. Damon stood and offered Aurora a hand. She accepted.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Anytime," he said.

As the guests left the dining hall, Aurora turned slowly to face her father — and the reckoning waiting in his eyes.