Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Wov Family Estate — Annual Reunion

Every December 30, the Wov family gathered at the old estate.

The long ballroom glowed under warm chandeliers. Velvet banners bearing the Wov crest hung along the walls—an ancient emblem of a wolf beneath a constellation, guarded by a winged figure.

Relatives arrived in tailored suits and evening gowns. Conversations drifted between business ventures, diplomatic gossip, and family updates.

Wine glasses clinked softly. Laughter echoed across the marble hall.

To anyone watching, it was simply a gathering of a very old, very wealthy family.

At the center of the hall stood Zaren Wov. He wasn't speaking loudly or commanding attention. 

The head of the Wov Pact simply observed the room, sharp eyes quietly tracking every movement like a wolf surveying its territory.

Beside him, Anita Wov moved gracefully through the crowd. Though born human, she carried herself with the calm confidence of someone long accustomed to the family's world.

She greeted elder relatives, directed staff, and ensured every guest felt welcomed.

Across the hall, their eldest daughter, Margery, laughed with several cousins near the dessert table.

"...I'm telling you, Wayne Academy rumors travel faster," she said, waving a macaron dramatically.

The group burst into laughter.

Near the far corner of the hall—

Zatariel sat cross-legged on the carpet with his youngest sister.

Zadriana giggled as he balanced a small stuffed wolf on top of her head.

"Stay still," Zatariel whispered dramatically. "If it falls, the wolf spirit from our crest will be offended."

She burst into laughter and grabbed the toy. "You're lying!"

"Of course I am," Zatariel said. "I still don't understand why our ancestors chose a wolf as the family symbol. Other families get lions or dragons or pretty roses."

He sighed dramatically. "People basically call us dogs."

A few nearby elder relatives glanced over. None of them said anything.

Zatariel was only sixteen.

Every adult in the room remembered being exactly like him once.

Zatariel ruffled his little sister's hair.

Then suddenly, He felt a presence.

He looked up instinctively. And froze.

Aleanna Locsin stood a few steps away.

For a moment, relief flashed across his face.

"Aleanna?" he said, standing slightly. "You made it."

But the relief faded quickly.

Something felt wrong. Her scent was different. Like burned metal hiding beneath perfume.

And her eyes— They looked empty.

Zatariel forced a casual grin. "What, new perfume? It smells weird."

No response.

Aleanna simply stared at him. Unblinking.