My Sister Stole My Mate And I Let Her (Seraphina) novel Chapter 360

Chapter 360: Chapter 360 FEAST WITH NO FOOD

KIERAN’S POV

The Hunting Festival without Sera was like a feast with no food.

Everything was technically perfect—the banners strung high across the courtyard, the scent of roasted game drifting from the long tables, the rhythmic beat of drums marking the start of the evening’s competitions—but something essential was missing.

Her.

I stood beneath the carved archway of Nightfang’s main grounds, mechanically accepting greetings, clasping hands as guests approached, and nodding at praise that barely registered.

“Alpha Blackwood, the hunting grounds this year are remarkably well organized.”

“Nightfang always sets the standard,” another chimed in.

Another Alpha clapped me on the shoulder. “Strong turnout this year. It’s good to see stability.”

I smiled when required. I spoke when expected. I even laughed once or twice.

But Ashar was restless beneath my skin, his focus far from the festival grounds.

He was oriented northward—toward the packhouse. Toward the porch where Daniel had nearly knocked Sera off her feet earlier. Toward the dining table, where our son wanted to celebrate our reunion.

Home.

It had been a long time since I’d associated that word with something warm. Something beautiful.

Now it was tangible. Real.

And infuriatingly far away.

Another chip on my shoulder was Vidar’s noticeable absence.

The Shadow Claw representative had departed in suspicious haste at dawn, citing “urgent matters.”

My sentinels had picked up his trail before he crossed the outer perimeter and were now shadowing him.

If he was moving to consolidate anything after yesterday’s failed scandal, I intended to know about it.

Still, his early departure left a sour aftertaste.

Men like Vidar only retreated to recalculate.

“Alpha Blackthorne.”

I turned at the smooth, measured voice.

Astrid Volker stood before me, radiating polished control and elegance. Beneath the festival lantern light, her rings glimmered.

“President Volker.”

The image of her dance with Sera flashed through my mind, and the only thing I could manage by way of a smile was a grimace.

If Astrid noticed, she didn’t comment.

“We finalized the shipping agreement with your Beta earlier,” she said. “The revised tariffs will reflect in the next quarter.”

I inclined my head. “Efficient as always.”

“I try not to waste time,” she replied. "I see what I want; I go for it."

There was something pointed in the phrasing.

“And,” she added smoothly, lowering her voice just enough to escape nearby ears, “I wanted to say congratulations.”

“For?” I asked, though the smugness on her face told me everything.

Her lips curved. “I find that I prefer assets where the foundations are stable and united. Personal and political.”

I met her gaze evenly.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re rooting for us, I said dryly.”

“Alpha,” she said, almost amused, “I don’t root. I invest.”

A pause.

Then, softer—just enough to be genuine: "But yes. Feel free to call me a fan.”

Before I could respond, she stepped back, bowed slightly, and was already pivoting to greet another delegation.

I stifled a groan. All that exchange did was make me miss Sera even more.

My eyes swept the courtyard, looking for something to distract me.

And landed on Corin.

He stood near the fountain, Seabreeze colors subtle but unmistakable in the gold and blue threads woven into the trim of his dark jacket. Lantern light caught in his sandy-brown hair, turning it almost gold at the edges.

Women hovered near him like moths to a flame.

He acknowledged them with polite detachment, nothing more. A slight incline of his head. A courteous half-smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

One of Iron Hollow’s young members laughed too brightly at something he hadn’t actually said. Corin offered a polite nod and stepped aside, disengaging with surgical precision.

A second attempt came from a minor pack’s heiress—this one bolder, hand lingering too long on his sleeve.

His gaze dropped to her hand, cool, impersonal. She withdrew first.

I should have found the spectacle amusing.

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