The next morning, their journey continued. They only arrived at Sumsum Pack after sunrise. The event was hosted this time by the Alpha of this pack, so all the other kings were gathering here.
Klaus's carriage pulled up at the entrance, and as the guards stepped out, every eye turned toward them—especially those of the wolves and witches.
"Demons…" Many stared at the carriage in disbelief.
"Will the demon king attend the kings' event this year?"
"He never does… Why do I get chills just looking at the demons?"
The maids whispered to each other, and Alpha Thomas hurried to the entrance as soon as he was informed of the demons' arrival.
Of course, it was customary for all kings to be present, but he had never expected the demon king. For more than two hundred years, the demon king had not attended such gatherings.
Thomas stood at the door, watching the carriage with tense anticipation.
"They're all so curious," Lisa said, feeling the weight of so much attention. Klaus nodded.
The blinds were pulled open, and Klaus stepped down. He walked to the other side and helped Lisa out of the carriage.
Now the curiosity was palpable. "It's Luna Lisa," some royal family members whispered. After all, Alpha Davin had always attended such gatherings with his bride.
"Come," Klaus said, walking with Lisa toward the entrance, stopping before Alpha Thomas.
"Uh…" Alpha Thomas was at a loss for words, unsure how to react or what to say—until his wife joined him.
"Welcome," she said, taking the initiative with a warm smile. "It's our pleasure to have you in our pack. Thank you for honoring our invitation." Lisa glanced at Klaus, who showed no intention of speaking, making the atmosphere tense.
"Thank you for having us," Lisa said, and Luna Keren smiled at her before clinging to her husband's arm.
"You must be tired after such a long journey—why don't you rest before the feast tonight?"
"Good idea," Lisa nodded, and Keren gestured toward the entrance.
"Please, come along."
She nudged Thomas, who cleared his throat, and they led the way, with Klaus and Lisa following.
"Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?" Keren whispered to her husband.
"I never expected him to come, and his gaze is so intimidating. I couldn't even see what he looked like behind that cloak," he whispered back. Keren clicked her tongue.
"Why do you care what he looks like? He's a king, just like the others. Just because he's not our specie doesn't make him intimidating," she admonished, before they stopped at a chamber and a guard opened the door.
"King…" Keren hesitated, unsure what to call him—no one really knew. They referred to him only as the demon king.
In fact, no one had ever really met him, only heard stories from parents and grandparents. They said he was ruthless and fed on blood—a predator, and they were all just prey.
"How could he attend any event when everyone calls him that?" Keren thought sadly, then smiled at Lisa.
"Luna Lisa," she began, but Klaus frowned.
"Queen Lisa," he corrected, his voice sending a shiver down Keren's spine, though she managed to keep smiling.
"I'm sorry—I'm used to calling her that… I apologize," Keren said.
"So, is this our chamber?" Lisa asked, trying to lighten the awkward moment.
"Hmm… Please rest," Keren said, watching them for a moment before leaving. Klaus and Lisa entered, and Lisa closed the door behind them.
"She's so kind, but you kept intimidating her," Lisa scolded Klaus, who stood by the window, hands behind his back.
"Do you think she's kind because she spoke kindly, or because you felt it?" Klaus asked.
"I felt it," Lisa replied, looking around and noting the large bed and attached bathroom.
"At the entrance, everyone gave me a judging look… You know, last time I was here with Davin, and now I'm here with you. But she didn't judge me," Lisa explained, and Klaus nodded.
"I have something to do. Get some rest," Klaus said, and Lisa walked over with a frown.
"Will you leave me alone?"
"Your maid-in-waiting is here, and the guards are posted outside. No one will hurt you," he reassured her, then suddenly vanished into thin air.
"Klaus!" she called through gritted teeth, clenching her fists. She couldn't believe he had just disappeared on her.
Lisa collapsed onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. She was exhausted but couldn't sleep—her mind a mess, racing from thoughts of Davin to the Shred Mark.
Eventually, exhaustion won, and she drifted off.
–
Lisa felt energized after a long rest. She got out of bed and scanned the room, but there was no sign of Klaus.
She left the chamber in search of Helen—at least she'd have someone to talk to.
Lisa had no idea where to start. She wandered down the stairs and spotted some maids. Approaching them, she asked, "Excuse me, have you seen my maid-in-waiting?"
A maid nodded. "I'll fetch her right away."
Lisa nodded appreciatively, then turned as she felt a wave of hostility from behind. She met Sia's gaze.
Sia was dressed in a long purple gown and flanked by her own maids. She stopped before Lisa. "I never expected to see you here," Sia said.
"It's your first time attending such an event, so you must not know—all the other queens are expected to come," Lisa replied with a mocking tone, and Sia chuckled.
"So, you're a queen now?"
Lisa nodded. "The demon king's queen."
"You really did marry the demon king…" Sia had heard the rumors from the witches, but it was still hard to believe. How had Lisa's path even crossed with the demon king? And he chose to marry her?
"You really are something," Sia said, stepping closer, now just an inch away from Lisa.
"My husband will get the Shred Mark. No one will stop him."
Lisa raised a brow. She knew that mark would come at the cost of her own life. "Good luck," she replied, wishing Sia well—but meaning every word as a warning.