Chapter 7

The grand hall buzzed with life, its lavish celebration moving like a tide of laughter and chatter. But the moment the kitchen doors slammed open, all movement ceased. The crowd turned as one, eyes drawn to the striking figure of Alpha Kaden stepping into the room, dragging Althea behind him. Althea stumbled, her steps uneven as her limp made it harder to keep up with Kaden's long strides. His hand gripped her wrist, firm but not harsh, yet every step forward felt like a noose tightening around her neck. Her pulse roared in her ears as her wide eyes darted toward the sea of stunned faces. “Wait,” she whispered, her voice trembling as she pulled back against his grip. “Please, don’t do this.” Kaden didn’t slow, didn’t even look at her. His focus was sharp, his expression carved from stone as he led her into the center of the hall. “Alpha Kaden,” Althea begged softly, panic climbing in her chest. “Please, stop—” His hand only tightened slightly, his low growl rumbling through her. “No mo