Chapter 4: "Gathering at Alpha House"

The heavy wooden doors of Alpha House groaned open, revealing the dimly lit hall beyond. Chandeliers flickered above, their golden light casting long shadows across the polished black marble floor.

Inside, the first group had already gathered near the grand staircase. Avrille, Mary Julieth, Rachelle, Jhenny, Leslie, and Cora Millie stood in a loose circle, deep in discussion. Avrille's sharp gaze flicked to the entrance as the next arrivals stepped in.

Through the open doors, Khierra Sky, Velia Lair, and Ynah Blair entered together, their movements fluid, almost eerie in their synchronicity. Khierra's silver-gray cloak trailed behind her, and Velia exchanged a glance with Ynah, both sensing the weight of the gathering.

Further into the hall, near the arched windows, Celsy Rielle, Keisha Mayie, Ella Kim, Aella Reeze, Winter Briaella, and Kent Jeremiah Bainbridge stood in an informal cluster. Kent, his arms crossed, leaned against a pillar while Winter murmured something to Aella.

Celsy sighed, adjusting the sleeve of her coat. "I have a bad feeling about tonight," she muttered.

Keisha smirked, nudging her. "You always have a bad feeling about everything, Celsy."

Celsy rolled her eyes. "That's because I'm usually right."

Keisha only laughed, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Relax. If anything happens, we've got each other's backs."

The sound of boots against marble signaled the arrival of Rey Vien and Riyami Yuuki. They walked side by side, their presence commanding without words. Rey Vien's dark eyes swept the hall before she gave Riyami a knowing nod.

A murmur of conversation rose near the long banquet table, where Chrisha, Rheem Rosie, Chezka, and Kim Lovie stood together. Rheem tapped her fingers against the table's edge while Chrisha whispered something that made Chezka smirk.

Aella approached the table, arms crossed. "Plotting something already, Chrisha?"

Chrisha feigned innocence, placing a hand on her chest. "Me? Never."

Aella raised an eyebrow. "Right. And I'm the Queen of Elitia."

Chezka chuckled, shaking her head. "Careful, Chrisha. Aella's onto you."

Chrisha grinned but didn't deny it.

Near the ornate fireplace, Felia Owen, Rosette Miyumi, and Rayah Denise Van Goh gathered, their hushed voices lost to the crackling flames. Rayah adjusted the golden pendant at her neck, her eyes scanning the room.

The final group entered last, their presence immediately drawing attention. Theodore Janssen, Axel Devuncheek, Micko Lee, Harvie Deogracia, Ruscell Montenegro, Carl Perez, and Justin Pritz strode in, their arrival commanding the room. Theodore exchanged a glance with Axel, while Micko's usual smirk played at his lips.

Winter Briaella's gaze landed on Micko as he leaned casually against the staircase railing, watching the room with mild amusement.

"Something funny?" she asked, tilting her head.

Micko's smirk widened. "Just enjoying the view."

Winter narrowed her eyes but let a small smirk creep onto her lips. "Careful, Micko. You might enjoy it a little too much."

The air in Alpha House buzzed with anticipation. For some, this was a long-awaited meeting. For others, it was the beginning of something far more dangerous.

The grand dining hall of Alpha House was bathed in a soft golden glow, the candlelit chandeliers casting flickering shadows against the towering walls. A long, dark wooden table stretched across the room, laden with an extravagant feast—roasted meats, fresh bread, steaming soups, and golden goblets filled with rich, crimson wine. The scent of spiced dishes filled the air, mingling with the hushed murmur of voices as everyone took their seats.

At the head of the table, Avrille, Mary Julieth, Rachelle, Jhenny, Leslie, and Cora Millie sat together, their conversation calm but watchful. Avrille slowly cut into her meal, her gaze drifting across the table. "Strange, isn't it?" she mused, her voice barely above a whisper.

"That we're all here?" Mary Julieth asked, dipping a piece of bread into her soup.

"That," Avrille agreed, "and the fact that we don't yet know why."

Across from them, Khierra Sky, Velia Lair, and Ynah Blair sat side by side, their expressions unreadable. Khierra rested her chin on her palm, observing the others. "This feels too... arranged," she murmured to Velia, who merely nodded, her fingers tapping idly against the table.

Further down, Celsy Rielle, Keisha Mayie, Ella Kim, Aella Reeze, Winter Briaella, and Kent Jeremiah Bainbridge were caught in their own quiet discussion.

Keisha twirled her fork in her fingers before glancing at Celsy. "Still have a bad feeling?" she teased, taking a bite of roasted chicken.

Celsy shot her a look. "Absolutely."

Aella glanced up, her gaze locking onto Chrisha, Rheem Rosie, Chezka, and Kim Lovie, who sat opposite them. She smirked. "Chrisha, what was that about you not plotting anything?"

Chrisha grinned, taking a sip from her goblet. "Oh, I never said I wasn't thinking about it."

Chezka chuckled. "She's always thinking about something."

The atmosphere around the table was thick with both curiosity and tension. Even though they were dining together, an unspoken wariness lingered in the air.

At the far end of the table, Felia Owen, Rosette Miyumi, and Rayah Denise Van Goh exchanged quiet whispers. Rosette traced patterns on her plate, her mind elsewhere. "We should be careful," she muttered. "Not everyone here is trustworthy."

Meanwhile, Theodore Janssen, Axel Devuncheek, Micko Lee, Harvie Deogracia, Ruscell Montenegro, Carl Perez, and Justin Pritz were more relaxed, though just as aware of the underlying tension. Micko leaned back in his chair, cutting into a piece of meat while watching Winter from across the table.

"You're staring again," Winter muttered without looking up.

Micko smirked. "Can't help it. You have that 'I'm plotting something' face."

Winter arched a brow. "And if I was?"

Micko leaned forward slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Then dinner just got a lot more interesting."

Laughter and low murmurs filled the hall as the feast continued, but beneath the surface, the same thought plagued everyone's mind this was no ordinary gathering. Something was coming. And when it did, none of them would remain the same.