The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven novel Chapter 371

Chapter 371: The Day of the Meeting

Meredith.

Morning came softly, the pale gold light stretching across my room like a whisper.

For a long moment, I just sat up in bed, listening to the faint rustle of the curtains and the distant hum of life in the estate.

Today wasn’t just any day; it was the day Draven would meet Mayor Brackham face-to-face.

Just then, a knock sounded on the door leading to the bathroom, drawing my attention.

"My lady," Azul called out to me gently as she stood at the open door with a bright, composed smile that always managed to soothe my nerves. "Your bath is ready," she said softly.

I nodded, rising from the bed and wrapping a silk robe around me. "Thank you, Azul."

Steam greeted me as I entered the adjoining bath chamber. The scent of lavender, rosewood, and something faintly citrusy filled the air—warm, calming, the kind of fragrance that seemed to wrap itself around you like comfort.

The surface of the water shimmered with scattered petals of lilac, pink, and white.

Azul busied herself lighting another candle on the counter. "You have a long day ahead, my lady. You should start it feeling light."

"And you are right." I smiled faintly.

She left me alone, closing the door behind her, and I slipped into the bath.

The warmth spread through me instantly, drawing the tension from my shoulders and slowing my heartbeat. I closed my eyes, letting my head fall back against the rim.

My thoughts wandered to Draven, to the meeting, and to the strange satisfaction I had seen in his eyes yesterday at noon when we reviewed our plans one last time.

He thrived on control, on reading people before they could speak. And today, I would do the same, but only through their minds.

Valmora’s voice surfaced like a ripple beneath the water.

"You must keep your emotions in check. Men like Brackham wear masks, but his thoughts will show you what lies beneath."

"I know," I murmured under my breath. "And if I see something dangerous?"

"You will know what to do," she replied, her tone almost approving.

When I finally stood, the air was cool against my damp skin. Azul returned almost immediately, helping me wrap myself in a towel before leading me into the dressing room, where the others were already waiting.

The moment they saw me, their faces lit up.

"Good morning, my lady," Kira said, bowing slightly as the rest followed suit.

"Good morning," I returned with a smile.

Arya was already arranging the outfit laid neatly on the rack—a tailored lilac suit dress, fitted at the waist with a soft sheen that caught the morning light.

Though it wasn’t too loud, it held authority, dignified and feminine.

"Perfect," I said under my breath.

"The colour brings out your eyes, my lady," Cora uttered with a proud smile. "No one will look away from you today."

Deidra began drying and brushing out my hair, humming softly. "The Mayor will be too nervous to blink."

I laughed lightly. "Let’s hope so."

Once I was dressed, Kira clasped the necklace around my neck. I reached up to touch it, the cool metal grounding me.

Azul stood back, clasping her hands. "You look powerful, my lady."

I turned towards the mirror and examined my reflection—sleek hair styled into an elegant updo, light makeup highlighting the lilac shade of my dress and the violet hue of my eyes.

I didn’t just look ready, I felt it.

Just then, Azul stepped forward with my purse and heels. "My Lady, the Alpha is waiting for you at the dining hall."

Dennis gave a short nod. "Understood."

Jeffery added, "Brackham will fail if he tries to play politics with us."

When the plates were cleared, a servant poured fresh coffee into the cups. I stirred mine absentmindedly, glancing toward the tall windows where sunlight pooled over the floors.

"Do you think he will look nervous?" Dennis asked suddenly, his tone amused. "I mean, knowing what happened the last time his soldiers faced vampires?"

Draven didn’t look up. "He will try to hide it," he said. "Men like Brackham always do. But we will see through him."

Valmora’s whisper stirred faintly at the back of my mind. "And you, my dear, will hear what he cannot hide."

I lifted the cup to my lips, concealing a small smile.

The clock on the far wall chimed softly—a reminder that time was slipping closer to ten. Draven pushed his chair back, signalling the end of breakfast.

"Let’s go," he said, standing with quiet authority. "We make men like Brackham wait for us."

Dennis chuckled under his breath. "I love it when he says things like that."

Jeffery just muttered, "That’s only because you are a menace."

Draven glanced at me, a hint of a smirk touching his lips. "Ready?"

I rose, smoothing the fabric of my lilac suit dress. "Always."

As we stepped out of the dining hall, the servants bowed and opened the grand doors leading to the front courtyard.

The sleek black cars were already lined up in formation, the drivers waiting. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Draven led the way, his hand brushing briefly against mine before he opened the rear door for me.

By the time the convoy rolled out through the gates, my heart had steadied into a rhythm that matched the hum of the engines.