Author's note: this is from Calista's point of view

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The party was suffocating.

I found it interesting how there used to be a time when I was looking forward to these events, but after some time of enjoying my freedom across Europe, I realized why my brother is avoiding official business that involves our family.

The pleasure of doing what you want, when you want, and with whom you want, is such a simple thing, yet it was a luxury unknown to me until recently.

In the castle, I'm always watched either by my parents, or our servants, or guests.

Going out without anyone knowing my identity as Lady Calista is liberating.

I didn't feel like representing the Mezzanotte family, so I stuck to a few familiar faces and made my way among the crowd while listening to the chatter around me.

Many were talking about Serina, wondering about the timing of Aldus introducing his daughter. If she is a teenager, they would think she is of age to be shown to the world, but she is older, so they were full of guesses why she was out of the public's eye until now.

There were also questions like, who is the mother and if Aldus is planning to marry Serina soon (and that's why he brought her here).

I wondered what Serina's reaction will be when I tell her that people she never met are matchmaking her already.

I was caught by surprise when Killian told me that there was an incident with Serina.

What incident? We are on the property owned and secured by the Council. In theory, it should be one of the safest places in the world, yet there was an incident? And the culprits fled? This shouldn't be possible unless it's an insider's job.

I followed Killian upstairs to a room and found Lazarus holding unconscious Serina in his arms.

He was chanting something unintelligibly, but I understood the parts that he is sorry and him urging her to wake up. No, it was more like he was begging her to wake up.

If not for his broken expression, I would slap him and demand that he lets go of her. Why the heck was he apologizing?

"What's going on?", I asked, and Lazarus's head snapped toward me with a growl. His eyes were flickering golden, telling me that his beast wants to come out.

"Watch it…", I warned him. "That's my niece you are holding."

If he was not protecting Serina, I would not let him off.

"You better calm down and tell me what happened.", I said and before he could answer, the door opened again, and Elena entered with Mira.

"I believe it's cold magic…", Elena said to Mira, and I understood that this is Elena's room.

Cold magic? On our way here, Killian told me that Serina was attacked and that Graike and Aldus went after the culprits, but I didn't know more than that. Who would dare to use magic on these grounds during an event where a number of guests can sense fluctuations?

Dragons are sensitive to magic. That explains why Graike is in pursuit, but not why he would help Aldus.

Lazarus growled at Mira and Elena, obviously not willing to let them come close and the two of them looked at him helplessly.

Stupid werewolf. How are they going to help Serina if you don't let them close?

The door opened again and Aldus and Graike made an appearance. Both of them had their eyes locked on Serina.

"Aldus", Elena called, getting his attention. "Mira can help."

"Put her on the bed.", Mira requested.

Aldus nodded faintly and made his way toward Serina. Lazarus growled for a second, but then his complexion paled, and I assumed that my brother is doing something to him. Serves him right.

Aldus took Serina into his hands without any resistance from the werewolf.

Aldus placed Serina on the bed and immediately Mira was next to her, chanting something with her eyes closed.

I could see worry rippling over Aldus's face.

Elena stepped next to Aldus and placed her hand on his shoulder.

"She will be OK.", Elena said softly.

Aldus didn't respond, but the fact that he didn't push her away reinforced my thoughts that there is something going on between the two of them.

There were some rumors about Elena and Aldus, but that was back in Lemuria before I was born, and my brother was never the one to talk about ladies in his life, so the only thing I have are rumors.

I heard a snort from the back, and I turned to see Bertram. He was slumped on the sofa with a grumpy expression. Well, I would also be grumpy if my date is not paying attention to me.

It's not a secret that Bertram is courting Elena for a loooooong time, and now that she finally appeared with him in public, they are here, with Elena next to Aldus.

Would Bertram be less upset if Elena was next to someone else?

Everyone jumped toward the bed when Serina made a faint groaning sound. Well, everyone other than Bertram.

Mira lowered her hands and stepped away. At the same moment, in a flash, Aldus sat on the edge of the bed and held Serina's hand in his.

Oh, God! He really cares about that child!

I thought of taking a photo to show to our parents, but this was not the right time. Note to self, next time, wear one of those mini button cameras that can be concealed as accessories.

Our parents would be surprised to see my usually aloof brother expressing emotions, other than irritability. And violence.

Serina stirred a bit and we all relaxed when she opened her eyes.

I have no idea how this would turn out if real harm came to her. My brother would probably flip this place, and I would help him.

Serina is a good girl, and I can't imagine why anyone would attack her, other than because she is connected to us.

Did someone try to use her as leverage against Aldus? My brother doesn't hold a high title, but that is because he decided on that. Everyone who is someone knows that Aldus has a lot of power and connections, even without flashy titles. But Aldus is also powerful as an individual and no one would dare to mess with him.

I knew that my brother has a lot on his hands, but I was glad for him. He found someone to care about and Serina returned his affection. It was not a romantic relationship that I wished for Aldus, but it was a connection that would keep him present. I feared that he might become detached and succumb to eternal sleep like many others who lost interest in the affairs of the world.

What confused me was the way Graike and Lazarus looked at Serina. They are known as obnoxious and cocky, but why do I see guilt in both of them? Did I drink too much?

Killian stayed behind with Elena to investigate the incident. Graike and Lazarus volunteered their help.

I returned with Aldus and Serina.

When we got into the helicopter, I wanted to talk to Serina, but Aldus blocked me.

"Serina needs to rest. Whatever questions you have, leave them for tomorrow…"

And just like that, the party was over.

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