The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven novel Chapter 57

Chapter 57: A Happy Meredith

Meredith.

I didn’t flinch as I held Draven’s gaze. The air between us crackled with tension, his towering frame casting a long, silent challenge I refused to acknowledge.

His broad shoulders, now tightly drawn beneath his coat and his hair tied back in a bun, only made his expression more intolerable.

Azul must have sensed the brewing storm because her voice came softly from beside me. "My lady."

I blinked, finally pulling my gaze from his steel eyes and lowering it to Xamira. The poor girl looked utterly confused by my words. She didn’t understand the little verbal jab I had just delivered—good, because no child needed to.

I offered her a warm, calm smile.

"See you," I said in a light tone. But the words were pointed, and they weren’t only meant for her.

Just then, a sharp knock echoed through the door.

Kira moved to answer it. A quiet exchange followed, and then the door opened wider to reveal Jeffery.

His steps slowed upon seeing Draven in the room, but he bowed respectfully. "Alpha." Then he turned to me. "My lady."

"How can I help you?" I asked, brow arched.

"I forgot to collect your photo earlier when I came for the form. We will need it to complete your ID," he revealed.

My brow pinched slightly. "I didn’t bring any physical photos from Stormveil."

"That’s alright," he said quickly. "I will take one now with my phone."

"Oh..." I nodded slowly.

Before anything else could be said, Draven looked to Jeffery. "Meet me in my office when you are done."

Jeffery bowed slightly again. "Yes, Alpha."

With that, Draven turned and left the room with Xamira in tow. My shoulders dropped the second the door clicked shut. Relief surged like a wave.

Once the tension cleared, Jeffery gave Kira instructions. She placed the stool beneath one of the brighter sconces in the room and flicked the last light switch. Outside, the sky had dimmed into early dusk.

I sat down on the stool, posture straight. Jeffery stepped back, phone in hand. freewebnøvel.coɱ

"Look forward. Keep your back straight. Don’t blink."

I tried. I really did. But the flash went off, and I flinched, my eyes shutting on reflex.

Jeffery sighed, lifting his gaze from his phone. "We will have to do it again, my lady. This time, with the light off."

We managed a decent photo after that. He glanced at his phone once more and nodded, satisfied. "All done."

Then he left.

Azul stepped forward. "My lady, it’s time for your bath. You will feel much better later."

I let her and the others take over. For once, I didn’t argue. They helped me into the tub, warm water lapping at my skin, gentle hands working soap across my back.

By the time I was dressed again, I didn’t even dawdle. I headed straight for the dining hall, escorted by Azul.

And for once, I was early.

Only Wanda was seated before me. Her sharp eyes tracked my every move as I walked past her, but I didn’t give her the dignity of a glance. She was nothing but air.

I took my seat and ignored her.

Xamira arrived next. Her nanny helped her into the chair and disappeared behind her.

Then came Dennis. He greeted me with a simple, "Hi, Meredith."

I offered him a subtle nod. He had earned that much, for now, simply because he wasn’t that bad, and I didn’t want to insult him by ignoring him.

I noticed he didn’t acknowledge Wanda at all, which was interesting. Maybe they weren’t exactly the best of friends. I liked that more than I should have—having someone who saw through Wanda’s facade and refused to play along.

Finally, Draven arrived with Jeffery behind him, taking the head seat after Jeffery pulled it out for him. We all sat once he did.

His face was a scowl. My heart lifted instantly, a smirk on my lips.

The dinner began—the usual quietness, broken only by the occasional clink of silverware and glasses.

I requested the grilled pork among the various proteins available. It arrived, seasoned to perfection. I took a bite and smiled. It was heavenly.

**~Draven~**

’I forgive you.’

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