In a grand hall with towering windows from which bright light flooded in, illuminating dozens of luxuriously dressed people.
Apart from smelling rich, the men had a similar design of trench coats over their attire while the women wore ball gowns. These gowns were tight at the right places, most particularly at their torso and loose from their waist down—designed to accentuate their figures.
Some, however, opted for daring silk dresses that clung desperately to their figures like a second skin.
These women held power and two of them stood before a table, their fingers delicately wrapped around half-filled glasses of wine.
Mary leaned in close to Yuna. “There are so many eyes on me. Are you sure these clothes were the right choice?”
Yuna cast a sidelong glance, giving her the ‘are you serious’ expression. “Who else should they be looking at? When I was younger, Count Tigris’ daughter hugged all the attention for herself. Naturally, as an elf, she was the desire of many men and her talents were already in bloom but mine were mere sparks back then.”
Turning to Mary, Yuna’s voice softened. “What I’m trying to say is that you are not the same woman you once were—not even the girl from the academy. Your brother isn’t just a noble now; he is a count. And not just any count, a powerhouse in the north.”
The corner of Mary’s lips curled into a small smile.
“And he’s coming here. You have to look good, or he won’t be happy. Trust me, my father does not want your brother displeased—not even in the slightest.”
Mary’s eyes widened. She could hardly believe Yuna spoke about the duke, a man whom she couldn’t imagine as someone who would want to please someone.
Especially not someone as young as Asher.
“To make it even better,” Yuna continued with a smirk. “My father loves those who have beef with the Archduke.”
All of a sudden her eyes widened. “Will your brother come with the infamous Ashbourne pet beast?”
Mary blinked. “Infamous!”
“I did some reading. Every ruling Ashbourne pet beast—from the first, Shura, to your brother’s—is known to be executor. They’ve fed on dozens or even hundreds of humans. Their bloodthirstiness makes them second to the legendary dragons.”
“I don’t think he would bring Sirius to the ball…” Mary replied, though she didn’t sound certain.
What disturbed nobles the most was the Ashbourne code—an ancient law that always allowed them to bring in their pet beast wherever they went, should they wish to.
Denying the beast access meant denying the Ashbourne lord access. And since no Ashbourne lord had ever betrayed another lord, there was certain trust given to them, and so this code was permitted.
After centuries, the great name of Ashbourne had slowly returned to the lips of the region’s powerhouses.
“A pleasure ladies, allow me to introduce myself.”
A calm, measured voice cut through the conversation, making the girls turn. Their eyes widened slightly at the sight of the man standing before their eyes.
Lucas Adamos, a man who attended the Sacred Flame academy along with them and the son of Count Adamos. White locks fell down his olive skin and his piercing red eyes bore into their souls.
Dressed in a crisp white shirt, tailored white trousers and a dark green trench coat fastened at the neck with an almond-colored button, he looked appealing to the eyes.
The man had a soft smile playing on his lips.
Adamos!
An ancient house, much like the Ashbournes. But while the Ashbournes ruled with their monstrous pets, the Adamos line wielded a different kind of power—they fused with the spirits of the beasts they killed.
That way, they would possess the traits of the consumed beast—until they found a better one.
“Lucas. You came!”
Yuna and Mary were visibly awestruck. Lucas was a senior who had graduated along with Slade’s batch and while not many knew his strength, his intellect and composed demeanor were well known.
Known as the second brightest star, it was no wonder that the girls were amazed.
“I came with my father. It seems Duke Ohad has something appealing to draw him out of that castle.”
Lucas chuckled.
Then, he turned to Mary. “I don’t believe I have ever officially introduced myself to you personally. I’m Lucas Adamos.”
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Mary offered a soft smile and extended her hand. Lucas took her fingers gently, pressing a brief peck to the back of her palm.
“Mary Ashbourne.”
Lucas’ eyes went wide. His eyes had been drawn to Yuna as she looked absolutely stunning and fiery with her long red hair but this beauty with a calm air beside her was not just anyone!
He had assumed that she was one of those noble women who admired him. There were lots of them, so he wasn’t surprised at her slight squeal.
“Y…You’re an Ashbourne?” His voice faltered.
Yuna raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Dozens of nobles were out to get married to her a month back. Didn’t you hear of it?”
Just as Lucas shook his head, the main doors leading to the entrance of specially invited figures swung open. Two towering knights pushed them aside, revealing the figure beyond.
The host visibly shivered at the sight of the man approaching, but in the next moment, he adjusted himself and opened his mouth.
“Please, dear honourable guests, welcome the White Wolf, Conqueror of the Wastelands, War Bringer—Count Asher Ashbourne!”
A sudden wave spread throughout the entire hall. Who wouldn’t turn when someone was introduced with such an array of titles?
Step. Step. Another Step.
A tall, unmistakably handsome man with pure snow-white hair that caressed his chin emerged from beyond the door.
His black attire contrasted starkly with his pure white hair. His fair skin and vibrant golden eyes gleamed, making it seem like they were actually embedded gemstones.
His gaze—cold, authoritative, yet strangely calm—swept across the crowd.
Following closely behind him was Nero.
“You might want to come out now,” Asher murmured with a faint smile. A tiny wolf peaked out his trench coat pocket.
The host was stunned.
Before the eyes of dozens, Sirius cutely tumbled out, and in the next moment, grew until his head reached Asher’s shoulders!
“It’s him!”
Lucas’ pupils trembled.
Mary and Yuna stood frozen as they watched Asher descend the golden staircase, his movements effortlessly refined.
“That’s him! The one who killed Count William in three moves!”
A noblewoman gasped, covering her mouth in shock as she stared at Asher.
The man beside her looked doubtful. “He doesn’t even look like he is 25.”
“He’s not.”
“What?!”
Asher didn’t know if it was because of Sirius but everyone gave him space much wider than what the decorum demanded.
Nero chuckled. He could understand their fear. After all, this was a beast that was capable of fighting a wyvern!
Suddenly, while looking around, Asher turned his head to his left and his gaze landed on three figures.
Two women and one man.
And one of the women… was someone he had been yearning to meet.
A woman who troubled his heart with guilt. The one he had sent away despite her pleading to stay by his side.