Feast of Shadows

"A beautiful morning, isn't it, Sera?"

Serenith glanced at her mother, who was sitting by the window. The woman smiled gently, looking so serene in her wedding dress. The morning sunlight illuminated her face, still elegant despite her age nearing fifty. Beside her, a woman named Martha was carefully applying blush to her cheeks, which bore the marks of time.

Her mother frowned when she noticed Serenith watching her. "What's wrong?" she asked softly.

Serenith shook her head slightly. "I just didn't sleep well. The morning sun feels too sharp today."

Her mother studied her for a moment, concern flickering across her face. "Did something keep you up last night?"

Serenith hesitated before finally nodding. "I heard wolves howling all night. Is that normal around here?"

Martha paused her work for a moment, then smiled faintly. "Full moon," she answered simply.

Serenith observed the woman more closely. Martha seemed calm and mysterious—someone who clearly knew her mother well. Indeed, she had been here before, doing her mother's makeup for her second wedding.

Her mother seemed to remember. "Oh, right. They are more active during a full moon."

But that answer only unsettled Serenith further. "So there really are wolves around here?" she asked, seeking confirmation.

"Of course. We live in the middle of the forest, Sera," her mother replied lightly. But seeing the crease on her daughter's forehead, she added, "But the manor's walls are high and sturdy. They can't get in. There's nothing to worry about."

Serenith remained silent. Even though she knew the wolves couldn't breach the walls, their howls had sounded so close last night—as if they were right outside. The unease still lingered, like something she shouldn't ignore.

Just like the irritation she felt toward Kai last night.

Her stepbrother's words kept echoing in her mind, as if to remind her that she was nothing more than an intrusion in her mother's happiness. Why was she thinking about that now?

"Sera? Is something bothering you?" her mother's voice broke through her thoughts.

Serenith quickly shook her head, taking a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside her that refused to settle.

Her mother sighed in relief. "Hmm, alright. By the way, that dress looks wonderful on you. Martha picked it out."

Martha gave Serenith a small, knowing smile. "Do you like it?" she asked gently.

Serenith looked at her reflection in the mirror. The dress fit her perfectly, as if chosen with a deep understanding of who she was. Her mother might not truly know what she liked, but Martha seemed to have an impeccable sense.

The dress had a classic cut with an elegant silhouette. Its faded white fabric, tinged with pale green, gave it a mysterious aura, as if it held untold stories. Tiny pearls delicately lined the shoulders, adding an air of refinement. Somehow, wearing it made her feel stronger.

"I love it, Martha. Thank you," she said with a sincere smile.

The lively chatter in the garden made her chest tighten. Her heart pounded faster, and the air felt heavier. She took a deep breath, trying to suppress the unease creeping into her mind. Among these unfamiliar guests, she felt like an outsider.

Her gaze drifted toward the garden beside the greenhouse, where the leaves swayed gently in the breeze, and the scent of damp earth mingled with the fragrance of wildflowers blooming between the grass. It looked quieter there. Without thinking, she stepped toward it.

As she walked, she noticed the flourishing plants—lavender, rosemary, sage, and mint. The scent she had mistaken for wildflowers was actually the soft aroma of medicinal herbs, subtly wafting in the air.

Serenith narrowed her eyes. "An odd choice of plants." Grand estates were usually adorned with ornamental flowers, not medicinal ones.

But she knew them. She recognized these plants, not just because her grandmother used to grow them at home, but because their scent reminded her of a dream she once chased—a time when hope still existed.

"You can't go to medical school, Sera."

Serenith stared at her mother, who had spoken those words with a trembling voice.

"Why? Do you think I'm not capable enough?"

Her mother only looked at her for a moment, holding back the tears threatening to fall, but she gave no answer. Only silence surrounded them, as if something too heavy to be spoken hung between them.

Serenith clutched the edge of her dress tightly. Back then, she had believed that as long as she tried hard enough, everything would work out. But in the end, her mother disappeared before she could prove anything.

Leaving her with nothing but a letter of apology.

Serenith had finally given up. Not because she was weak, but because she was tired of fighting alone. Uncertainty haunted her, creating questions that had never been answered.

Why did her mother leave?

"Hiding?"

The deep voice shattered her thoughts. Serenith turned and found Kai standing there, his expression as unreadable as ever.

"Does it look that way?" she asked, half-reluctant to respond.

Kai didn't answer, only stepping closer, his gaze observing her in a way that was hard to decipher.

"Don't worry, I'll be gone after this party. Tomorrow morning, you won't have to see me again. Happy?"

Kai's steps faltered. He didn't reply immediately.

Serenith looked up, seeing the cold expression on his face.

"Running away won't solve everything," he finally said, his voice carrying something that almost sounded like frustration.

Serenith narrowed her eyes. "You clearly don't like me, Kai."

Kai held her gaze for a long moment before finally speaking carefully. "It's not that I don't like you. I just want you to know… even if you're not here, we would still support you."

Serenith let out a small laugh, but it lacked warmth. A thin smile played on her lips, but her eyes remained cold. "So you don't hate me, but you also don't want me here?"

Kai exhaled. "It would be easier for everyone if you were far from this place."

Serenith stiffened. "Of course. The rich always prefer to discard what they don't need, don't they?"

Kai met her gaze. "Leaving here is what's best for you."

Serenith studied him for a moment, then turned away. "Don't act beyond what's necessary, Kai."

And this time, she truly walked away. But as her footsteps carried her farther, something lingered behind—a silent wish, a small hope that maybe, just maybe, there could be a place for her here… if only things were different.

As Serenith approached the banquet area, a sudden gust of wind swept through, sending flower petals flying and making the candles on the long tables flicker wildly. Then, the screams rang out—panic-stricken, mixed with the sound of crashing plates and shattering glass.

Serenith quickened her pace.

Guests were running in all directions, some tripping over tables, while others shrieked in terror. When she looked up, her breath hitched.

Creatures with wings soared above them—not birds, not bats, but something far more terrifying.

They dived sharply, snatching unsuspecting guests and lifting them into the air before disappearing into the dark canopy of the forest. One of them let out a desperate scream as they were pulled upward, their voice fading into chilling silence.

Serenith shuddered. "What are those creatures?"

Before she could process an answer, another sound followed—a deep, resonant howl, sending a shiver through the air.

One howl… then another… then more, growing closer, surrounding them.

Serenith spun around, her breath unsteady. From the darkness of the trees, pairs of glowing yellow eyes began appearing one by one, watching from the shadows.

And this time, there was no wall to keep them out.