Page 18

Seraphina's stomach growled again, breaking the tension.

"Your body has needs," Orion said, his lips curving into a knowing smile. "Let's address the simplest one first."

Heat rushed to Seraphina's face. The implication in his tone suggested something far more intimate than food, and her traitorous body responded with a flush that spread from her cheeks down her neck. What was wrong with her? This man had essentially kidnapped her, yet her body hummed with awareness whenever he looked at her that way.

"Food would be great," she said quickly, gripping the candlestick tighter. "Just food."

Orion's eyes glinted with amusement as he guided her down a corridor lined with ancient tapestries. Seraphina recognized the dining room from her earlier exploration—an immense space dominated by a table that could easily seat dozens. What she hadn't expected was the crowd.

At least twenty people turned as they entered, conversations halting mid-sentence. All eyes focused on Seraphina with an intensity that made her want to retreat into the hallway. She felt like an exhibit at a museum.

"Why are they all staring?" she whispered.

Orion gently pressed his hand against her lower back, steering her toward an empty seat. "They're just curious."

"About what?"

"About you."

The table overflowed with platters of roasted meats, colorful vegetables, and breads that smelled like heaven. Despite her anxiety, Seraphina's stomach reminded her that she hadn't eaten all day. She reluctantly set down her makeshift weapon and piled food onto her plate, trying to ignore the whispers and glances directed her way.

A woman with warm brown waves cascading over sun-kissed shoulders slid into the vacant seat beside her. Her hazel eyes sparkled with friendliness.

"I'm Macie," she said, extending her hand. "You must be Seraphina."

Seraphina took her hand cautiously. "Everyone seems to know my name."

"Word travels fast here." Macie grinned, passing a basket of warm rolls. "I'm married to Chance—he's the tall one over there talking with Orion."

Seraphina followed Macie's gaze to a handsome man with dark features who was indeed in deep conversation with Orion. The two seemed comfortable together, like old friends.

"So your husband is friends with..." Seraphina trailed off, realizing she didn't know how to categorize Orion.

"With the king?" Macie nodded. "They've been best friends for a very long time. Chance is his beta—his second-in-command."

Seraphina practically choked on her food. "King? Orion is a king?"

"Of course." Macie's brow furrowed. "Didn't he tell you?"

Seraphina set her fork down, her appetite suddenly diminished as she stared at the man down the table. Orion was gesturing emphatically about something, his presence commanding the attention of everyone around him. Now that she knew what to look for, she could see it—the regal bearing and the easy confidence of someone born to lead.

"No," Seraphina said finally. "He neglected to mention that detail."

Macie took a sip of deep red wine. "I heard from Chance that your arrival wasn't exactly... conventional."

"You could say that," Seraphina muttered, watching Orion. Even at a distance, something about him drew her gaze like a magnet. "One minute, I was having visions outside my broken-into home, the next I'm waking up on a private island with a man who claims he's a wolf and is apparently also a king."

Seraphina set her napkin beside her plate. "I don't understand any of this. Why am I here? What do these people want with me?"

Macie's expression softened with sympathy. "I know it's confusing. Trust me, I've been in your shoes."

"You have?"

"Different circumstances, but yes." Macie leaned closer. "Look, I know this isn't ideal. But you're safe here, and that's what matters right now."

"Safe from what?" Seraphina asked, increasingly frustrated.

Macie's eyes darted to Orion and back. "That's probably something he should explain."