Cassandra’s POV
The pressure was mounting, and I felt like I was running out of time.
My father had made it clear, if I wanted to inherit the pack, I needed to shift and have a partner by my side. It was a ridiculous condition, but I had no choice but to comply. Shifting at 17 wasn’t something I could control, but having a partner? That was something I could manipulate.
Adolphus had always been close to me, always at my side. It was only logical that he would be the one I chose.
Deciding that tonight would be the night to solidify my claim, I made arrangements for us to attend the noble gathering.
It was an event where high-ranking pack members and their allies mingled, a place where I could assert my dominance and remind everyone of my status.
I had planned everything down to the smallest detail. The dress, the venue, the way I would subtly show Adolphus off as mine, it was all designed to send a clear message.
I ordered one of the guards to fetch him, and when he arrived, I was already dressed in a form-fitting, deep red gown that accentuated my curves.
My hair was styled to perfection, my makeup flawlessly done. I wanted to be impossible to ignore.
"You’re accompanying me somewhere," I announced the moment he stepped in.
Adolphus barely reacted. He simply nodded, his expression unreadable, as though he had expected it. Of course, he had.
We had always attended these gatherings together, and tonight would be no different.
As we arrived at the grand hall, the air buzzed with the chatter of high-ranking wolves, their laughter mingling with the soft music playing in the background.
The scent of expensive wine and freshly cooked meat filled the air. It was a scene I had been part of countless times before, but tonight, something felt different.
I looped my arm through Adolphus’, ensuring that everyone saw him at my side. People greeted us with knowing smiles, their eyes flickering between the two of us as if silently acknowledging what they believed to be an inevitable union.
"Lady Cassandra," one of the elder council members greeted, raising his glass toward me.
"Of course," I replied smoothly, squeezing Adolphus’ arm.
Adolphus remained silent, his jaw clenched ever so slightly. I ignored it. This night was about appearances, and as long as he played his role, I didn’t care if he was brooding.
Just as I was about to guide him toward the main table, someone caught my attention.
Katrina.
She was standing near the far end of the hall, dressed in a simple maid’s uniform, a bucket and mop beside her.
My lips curled into a smirk as a wicked idea formed in my mind. She was cleaning during one of the most prestigious gatherings of the pack, reduced to nothing more than a servant. It was perfect.
Without hesitation, I pulled Adolphus in her direction.
"Well, well," I said loudly, ensuring that people around us could hear. "Look what we have here."
Katrina stiffened but didn’t turn to face me immediately. Instead, she finished wiping the floor before finally standing upright and meeting my gaze.
There was something in her eyes, something defiant, and it irritated me.
"You missed a spot," I said, pointing to the floor near my feet. "Do a better job, will you?"
Muffled laughter rippled through the nearby nobles, and I basked in the attention. This was exactly what I needed, to remind everyone, including Adolphus, of Katrina’s place.
Katrina didn’t react the way I expected. She didn’t cower, didn’t look away in embarrassment. Instead, she lifted her chin slightly, her eyes flickering toward Adolphus before settling back on me.
"If you want it cleaned so badly, why don’t you do it yourself?" she said coolly.
A hush fell over the group, gasps of shock echoing through the hall. Someone dared to speak back to me? A servant, no less? My blood boiled at the audacity.
"You seem to forget your place," I snapped, my voice sharp.
Katrina shrugged. "Maybe you’re the one who needs to be reminded of yours."
I took a step forward, anger burning through me, but before I could say another word, Adolphus moved. I felt his grip loosen on my arm before he completely let go.
My eyes widened in disbelief as he stepped past me and walked toward Katrina.
"What are you doing?" I demanded.
Adolphus didn’t answer. Instead, he stopped in front of Katrina, his expression unreadable. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the tension between them palpable. Then, without warning, he grabbed her wrist.
"We’re leaving," he muttered.
My breath caught in my throat. "What?"
Adolphus didn’t even glance back at me. He just turned and started walking, pulling Katrina with him. She hesitated for only a second before allowing herself to be led away.
"You can’t be serious!" I shrieked, my voice rising in disbelief. "Adolphus!"
But he didn’t stop. He didn’t even slow down.
The nobles around me were whispering, their eyes darting between me and the sight of Adolphus leaving with Katrina. My hands clenched into fists, my nails digging into my palm as humiliation burned through me.