The Alpha's Table

Nina hesitated for a moment, her hand resting on the towering wooden door before her. When she opened the door, her eyes beheld the biggest dining hall she had ever seen in her life.

The dining hall was vast, its high, vaulted ceilings supported by beams of dark wood that gleamed under the glow of a massive chandelier. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting battles fought long ago. At the far end of the room sat a figure who Nina assumed was the alpha.

He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with silver hair, which fell to his collar in loose waves. His sharp features-angular cheekbones, a strong jawline, and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see straight through her-commanded attention. He wore a dark tunic embroidered with silver thread, its patterns resembling the phases of the moon. Even seated at the head of the table, his presence was overwhelming, radiating authority and power.

To his right sat Astra, her silver hair flowing over her shoulders like a waterfall of moonlight. Her expression was calm, but her watchful gaze followed Nina's every move. On the left was Lucian, who, upon seeing Nina enter, gave her a subtle wave.

Nina felt her nerves settle slightly as she managed a small smile in return.

"You must be Nina," the alpha said, his voice deep and commanding, yet not unkind. "I've heard so much about you. Come, come, join us for breakfast."

Nina swallowed the lump in her throat and walked toward the table. As she approached, the alpha gestured to the seat next to Lucian. She slid into it quietly, glancing around the room.

The alpha clapped his hands once, and the double doors at the side of the room opened. A procession of maids entered, each carrying trays laden with food. The aromas hit Nina immediately-roasted meats, warm bread, spiced fruits, and something sweet that she couldn't quite place.

The maids arranged the dishes on the long table with practiced precision. A golden-brown turkey sat in the center, its glistening skin garnished with sprigs of herbs and slices of citrus. Plates of fresh berries, honey-glazed pastries, roasted vegetables, and cheeses were placed around it. Pitchers of deep red wine and clear crystal glasses sparkled in the light.

"I suggest you try the turkey," the alpha said, his piercing gaze fixed on her. "The chef took a lot of time preparing it."

Nina nodded politely, picking up her fork and knife. She carefully cut into the turkey, the knife slicing through the tender meat with ease. She placed a small piece in her mouth, the flavors exploding on her tongue-savory with a hint of sweetness from the herbs and citrus.

"It's delicious," she said softly, looking up at the alpha.

"I'm glad you think so," he replied, taking a sip of his wine. He placed his goblet down carefully and leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving her. "So, I've heard you're not from around here."

Nina froze for a moment before nodding. "Yes, you're right."

"And how is it where you're from?" he asked, his tone casual, though his gaze betrayed his curiosity.

"It's not bad," Nina said, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "Just... normal people doing normal things."

"Typical Earth," the alpha remarked, his lips curving into a faint smile.

Nina's eyes widened in shock. She hadn't expected him to know where she was from. Her heart raced as unease crept over her. How did he know? She hadn't told anyone except Lucian. What else did he know about her?

"I-uh..." Nina stammered, her mind scrambling for words.

"You seem surprised," the alpha said, raising an eyebrow. "Why? Did you think we wouldn't figure it out?"

Nina forced a smile, though she could feel her hands trembling slightly. "I just... didn't think it was that obvious."

The alpha studied her for a moment before continuing. "Tell me, Ms. Nina, do you know anything about vampires?"

The question caught her off guard. "Vampires?"

"Yes," he said, his voice steady. "Have you encountered any before? Or perhaps heard stories about them?"

"Just the stories everyone knows," Nina said carefully. "You know, the myths-pale skin, fangs, drinking blood."

"And do you believe in those myths?" the alpha asked, his tone unreadable.

Nina hesitated. "Not really. At least, not until recently."

The alpha nodded slowly, his gaze narrowing slightly as though he were trying to read her thoughts. Before he could ask another question, one of the guards entered the room. He leaned down to the alpha, whispering something in his ear.

The alpha's expression darkened, and he nodded curtly before standing. "I'm sorry, Ms. Nina, but we'll have to finish this conversation another time."

Without another word, he strode out of the room, the guard following closely behind.

Nina stood abruptly from the table, her appetite gone. Without a word, she turned and walked quickly toward the exit, her mind racing.

"Hey, Nina!" Lucian called, jogging after her. His voice was lighthearted at first, but there was concern beneath it. "You know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? Why are you skipping it?"

"Lucian, how did your dad know I was from earth?" Nina asked, her voice quieter than usual.

Lucian hesitated, running a hand through his silver hair. "I, uh... might've mentioned it."

Nina's shoulders tensed. "You told him about me?"

"I didn't think it was a big deal," Lucian said, his voice soft. "You're staying with us, and he asked questions. I just... answered."

"You didn't think it was a big deal?" Nina repeated, her voice rising slightly, but not in anger-more in disbelief. "You didn't think I might want a say in who knows where I'm from?"

Lucian took a step closer, his expression serious now. "I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to upset you. I just thought..." He trailed off, searching for the right words. "I thought it would help him trust you."

"Trust me?" Nina said, shaking her head. "What's there to trust? I'm just a human stuck in a world I don't understand, surrounded by people who-" She stopped herself, biting her lip as her eyes darted to the ground.

Lucian's voice softened further. "Who what?"

"Who probably don't want me here," she said quietly.

"That's not true," he said firmly. "I'm glad you're here and I'm sure Astra and my dad are too. It's just taking them time to adjust to having you around."

Nina let out a shaky breath, crossing her arms. "This was a mistake. I shouldn't have stayed this long. I need to find a way back to my grandmother."

Lucian stepped in front of her. "Nina, wait. I promised I'd help you find a way back, and I still plan to. But going out there won't help. It's dangerous."

"Staying here doesn't feel much safer," Nina said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your father... he knows more about me than he should. What if he decides I don't belong here? What if he..." She trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Lucian shook his head. "That won't happen. My dad might be intimidating, but he's not going to hurt you. And neither will anyone else. You're our guest. We weren't trained to attack our guests."

Nina sighed.

"You need to trust me on this," Lucian said, his voice gentle but resolute. "I know this place is overwhelming, and I know you miss your grandmother. But you'll be safer here. And I'll do everything I can to get you home."

Suddenly, a guard approached them, his face pale and his steps hurried.

Lucian noticed the urgency and frowned. "What's wrong?"

"It's the alpha," the guard said.