Defect of Servitude [Book #1]

"It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being."
- John Joseph Powell

Becca was thrilled that winter had finally given way to the warmer weather of spring, her favorite season. The manor was bustling with planning for the Srovyn pack to arrive. Queen Helen was spectacular at refining tiny details while keeping the affair professional. The entire crew was working overtime to please her vision of the party.

There was an undercurrent of unease beneath the upcoming ball's surface excitement. Denallsh had been unusually quiet, and the lack of new information made Commander Cole a gloomy presence I wanted to avoid. We speculated that the Lord was aware of spies in his midst and kept his plans secret, which could only mean that his next moves would be devastating.

Theodora, the Pixie of the Fae, was still under our roof, yet I couldn't speak to her. It wasn't for lack of trying. Clearly, she was avoiding me, but I couldn't figure out why. She warded the grounds, her sorcery flickering in waves over the perimeter. It was beautiful to witness; the magic was a pure light extending from her soul rather than the give-and-take powers the Wickeds dabble in.

I overheard her tell the Queen that her magic wouldn't be powerful enough to fully protect the entire manor without the help of the Wickeds, who were taking their time getting to us. I continued walking to them, wanting to speak with Theodora more than anything. The moment she saw me, she excused herself and disappeared.

I tried twice more to get her attention before giving up. If she wanted to have the conversation I've been begging for with my intentions, she would have to initiate it herself. Time was quickly getting away from me.

Over the past week, several introductions were made between the guard members and the wolves from the northern pack. It was a warm welcome when the boy, Benjamin, bolted through the door into the foyer and hugged me with as much strength as he could muster from his miniature frame. Behind him were two people I couldn't place from the meeting, and I quickly assumed they were the Alpha and his mate.

The man was covered in rugged scars across his visible tanned skin, yet he seemed slight of build and shorter than his mate. She was a woman who could have given Becca a run for her money based on her height alone, but her demeanor was disquieting. Her wild eyes scanned everyone around, not leaving a single nook untouched. She seemed exceedingly wary of her young son embracing someone in unknown territory.

"Benjamin," she hissed quietly, narrowing her eyes a fraction and still fidgeting slightly in her place. "Mind your manners."

"It's quite alright, Nadia. They've already met when my son and Madelyn met with your Beta." The Queen spoke, trying to offer comfort to the woman. It worked at the mention of my name.