The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven - Chapter 417

Chapter 417: No Ordinary Wolf
[Meredith].

The walk to the dining hall was short, though every turn of the corridor reminded me of how vast this estate truly was.

When Draven finally pushed open the door, I found myself standing before a modestly sized room—modest by Oatrun standards, at least.

A twelve-seater table dominated the centre, polished to a shine that reflected the morning light streaming through the high windows.

It was smaller than the one in Duskmoor, far smaller, and I doubted that this was the only dining room in the estate, as it was different from the one I had walked into the first time I was here.

Also, the Oatruns had always been known for their lineage and wealth; there were surely grander halls reserved for guests and banquets.

But this one was warm, intimate even, with soft amber light from the chandeliers and the faint scent of roasted herbs lingering in the air.

Dennis and Jeffery were already seated when we entered. The moment they saw Draven, they both made to rise, but he stopped them with a quiet command.

“There’s no need for formalities,” he said, his tone firm but easy.

The servants, however, still bowed deeply as we walked in, their movements graceful and disciplined.

Draven gestured toward the seat to his right. “Sit.”

I nodded and moved toward it. The chair was solid oak, its surface cool against my palms as I sat.

Draven took his place next to me at the head of the table, settling in with the natural authority that never needed to be announced.

The servants began to move then—setting silver dishes before us, lifting lids that released waves of rich, savoury scent.

Plates of seared meat, roasted vegetables, golden bread, and bowls of fresh fruit filled the table in neat arrangement. The sight alone could have fed twenty people.

Then, Dennis leaned back in his seat, smiling at me from across the table. “So,” he began, his tone teasing but respectful, “what do you think of the Oatrun estate?”

I met his gaze briefly, a faint smile curving my lips. “It’s too soon to pass judgment,” I said. “We only just arrived.”

Dennis chuckled softly and nodded. “Fair enough.”

Jeffery grinned beside him. “You will find your bearings soon enough, Luna. This place is… something else.”

“I can already tell,” I replied, then turned toward Draven. “Where is Xamira?”

“She is still asleep,” he said, his voice calm. “Her nanny is watching her. She will eat in her room when she wakes.”

I exhaled, feeling a small knot of concern unwind in my chest.

I reached for my cutlery, but before I could touch it, a deep, familiar voice called from the doorway—bright, unrestrained, full of energy that filled the entire room in an instant.

“Draven!”

My head turned sharply toward the sound.

A man stood in the doorway, about Draven’s height but slimmer, his short dark hair neatly combed and his smile broad enough to reach his eyes.

There was an ease about him, a sort of unshakable confidence that came naturally rather than being practised.

Before I could even wonder who he was, Draven rose slightly from his seat, a rare, genuine smile breaking across his face.

The next second, I heard Draven call the man’s name with an equal smile.

“Oscar.”

I blinked, a little surprised. The name was familiar.

Of course—it was that Oscar. The one Draven had once mentioned over the phone months ago, when he had come down here for a visit. His best friend.

Now, finally seeing him in person, I could put a face to the name.

I turned my gaze briefly toward Dennis and Jeffery. Both of them were smiling at Oscar too, their expressions open and warm.

It didn’t take much to tell that the four of them shared something beyond formality—this was the ease of old comrades, bound by years of trust.

Oscar reached the table just as Draven stood to his feet. Their handshake turned into a brief, brotherly hug—a firm, unspoken understanding passing between them.

“Welcome back to Stormveil, Alpha,” Oscar said warmly, clapping Draven once on the shoulder.

“It’s good to be back,” Draven replied.

Then, Oscar turned next to Dennis and Jeffery, greeting them both in turn. “Still standing, I see,” he said with a small grin.

“Dennis,” Jeffery replied, laughing.

Draven then gestured toward him. “Where have you been? You should have been here when we arrived. It’s been almost two hours.”

Oscar shrugged lightly. “I had an errand to run. I’m late, but I’m here now.”

He followed the words with an easy smile, but then gave a quick nod. “And my apologies for not being here sooner.”

Draven dismissed it with a wave of his hand. “You are here now. That’s what matters.”

Then his gaze shifted toward me. “I know you already know she’s my mate,” he said, his tone softening, “and the Luna of our pack—but meet her formally. Meredith Carter.”

I rose to my feet as Oscar extended his hand.

“Luna,” he said, his voice polite but measured. “I’m Oscar Elrod—Draven’s best friend and special adviser.”

His grip was firm, his smile faint but respectful. Yet something about it didn’t quite reach his eyes this time.

The warmth from earlier had dimmed. He wasn’t unkind, but there was a quiet distance in the way he held himself—controlled, almost restrained.

“I’m happy to meet you finally,” I said, matching his tone with equal politeness.

He nodded once, released my hand, and stepped back.

The faint ripple of energy that brushed against my senses was unmistakable. Strong. Steady. Dangerous, if he chose to be.

Oscar Elrold was no ordinary wolf.

“Sit,” Draven said, reminding everyone with a light gesture.

We all returned to our seats. Then Draven turned to Oscar again, his voice easy. “Have breakfast with us.”

Oscar smiled faintly. “I would have helped myself if you hadn’t asked.”

Dennis laughed aloud. “That’s the spirit.”

“Careful,” Jeffery said, smirking, “he will actually empty the table.”

Oscar glanced at him sideways. “Then you had better eat faster.”

Laughter rippled around the table. Even Draven allowed himself a small chuckle.

The air lightened briefly, though I could still feel the quiet awareness pulsing between everyone—the shift that came whenever old bonds met new realities.

Then I felt a gentle touch on the back of my hand. Draven.

I turned to meet his gaze, and he smiled—a subtle curve of his lips that was meant only for me.

“Do you want some wine?” he asked softly.

I smiled back, shaking my head. “No. I’m happy with my tea.”

Then, I lifted the cup slightly in a quiet toast between us.

Draven’s smile deepened, his fingers brushing mine for just a heartbeat longer before he withdrew his hand.