Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 786

Chapter 786: Move Up The Competition

Although Baron had outrightly stated he would not be making any moves during the competition, it did not mean his mistress shared the same restraint.

Celeste had never been a woman to wait patiently.

A dark shawl was pulled low around her face as she slipped into a secret location. It looked like an ordinary inn, but Celeste bypassed the front entrance, veering instead toward the stables at the back.

The scent of hay and animal sweat clung thickly to the air, and the moment she stepped inside, a stable boy glanced up, and his face lit up in recognition.

He did not bow, and moved quickly to her side without question. He led her toward one of the horses tethered near the far wall.

The creature was large and dark-coated, its eyes intelligent. Celeste ran her fingers through its mane, murmuring something affectionate, giving the picture of a woman visiting her favorite animal.

But all of this was a performance because while she stroked the horse, the boy slipped away, scanning the stable entrance, the alley beyond, and the shadows where someone might be lurking.

He then returned, announcing in a low voice.

"The coast is clear."

Celeste nodded, then pulled out a pouch full of coins. The boy accepted it with both hands, happiness written all over his face.

As soon as he pocketed the coins, the stable boy took her hand and guided her toward a concealed door behind a stack of feed barrels.

It opened to a narrow stairway descending underground, the air growing cooler as they moved down, torchlight flickering against the stone walls.

Four fae were already seated around a crude table in the basement below, and their heads snapped up the moment Celeste stepped into view.

A tense silence fell on the cramped space.

Councilor Enock was the first to react.

"What the hell is this?" He rose to his feet, craning his neck, checking the entrance and half expecting Baron to finally show his face.

He didn’t.

His face darkened instantly. "Didn’t Baron call this meeting? Why is he not here, and why are you?"

The others shifted uneasily in their seats, discomfort written plainly across their faces. This gathering alone was an act of rebellion against the Queen. Every one of them knew the risk they were taking by sitting at this table.

And now, Baron hadn’t even bothered to show his face. Instead, he had sent his mistress.

Every single one of them felt insulted.

Celeste wasn’t even affected.

She ignored the hostility entirely and walked over with the authority of one who had summoned them. Celeste pulled out a chair and sat without a care.

Enock’s glare followed her every move, hard enough to bore a hole straight through her forehead. If looks could kill, she would have been ashes on the stone floor.

Unfortunately for him, Celeste had long mastered the art of ignoring pompous fools.

Although Celeste and Enock belonged to the same house, their standings were worlds apart. Enock was blood and directly related to Baron. He was groomed within the inner circles and was raised believing he would always stand closest to Baron.

Good boy.

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