Page 80 of The Alpha's Forbidden Heir

“Alpha Bane sent me,” Rook says, his voice calm but firm. “Elias, come with me. Your father wants to see you.”

Elias looks at me, his face alight with excitement. “Can I go, Mom?”

“Of course, sweetheart. Go see your dad.”

Rook extends his hand, and Elias eagerly takes it. “See you later, Mom!”

“Be good,” I call after him as they leave.

Once they’re gone, I sit back in my chair, my appetite suddenly diminished.

I finish my tea, but my mind keeps wandering to the event everyone seems to be buzzing about. Unable to sit still, I decide to return upstairs, hoping to distract myself.

As I step into my room, my breath hitches. Sitting in the center of the bed is a white box, tied with a delicate silver ribbon. The elegant simplicity of it immediately draws my attention.

“What in the world…” I murmur, stepping closer.

The box seems to radiate importance, and for a moment, I hesitate to touch it. My fingers graze the smooth ribbon when my phone buzzes on the bedside table. The sudden noise makes me jump, and I grab the phone quickly.

“Hello?”

“Luna,” Bane’s deep, gravelly voice comes through. “Did you see the box?”

I glance at it, my curiosity growing. “I did. What’s this about?”

“It’s part of the surprise,” he says, his tone holding a hint of mischief.

A wave of déjà vu washes over me. “Bane… what’s going on? Why does it feel like you’re planning something?”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” he says. “The maids will be up shortly to help you get ready.”

“Help me get ready? For what?” I press.

“Aria,” he says softly, but firmly, “trust me.”

I sigh. “That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the only one you’re getting for now,” he replies, and I can hear the smile in his voice before hanging up.

I stare at the phone, shaking my head.

Just as I’m about to untie the ribbon on the box, there’s a knock at the door.

“Luna?” a maid calls softly.

“Come in,” I say, stepping back.

Three maids enter, their arms laden with fabrics, brushes, and jewelry boxes. They move with purpose, their eyes lighting up as they see the box on the bed.

“Is this for the event?” I ask, crossing my arms.

“Yes, Luna,” one of them replies with a polite smile.

I frown. “Am I allowed to know what the event is, or are you sworn to secrecy too?”

They exchange nervous glances before the eldest speaks up. “Alpha Bane asked us not to say anything, Luna.”

I sigh, defeated. “Fine. Do your thing.”

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