Casts 25_Crowned by Fate

Chapter 25 

 Skye’s POV

 I looked up casually—and froze in mid–swallow, barely managing not to choke.<fnce17> For original chapters go to FindN0vel</fnce17>

 wasn’t prejudiced. I wasn’t one to discriminate. But the werewolves filing into the room were undeniably… not normal.

 Leading the group was a striking ck woman in her mid–forties with high cheekbones and intelligent eyes that seemed to evaluate everything theynded on. What immediately caught my attention was that her left arm ended just below the shoulder, the sleeve of her silk blouse neatly pinned up.

 Beside her walked a handsome young werewolf who couldn’t have been more than twenty–five, with chiseled features and alert eyes. Despite his youth and obvious strength, he moved with an uneven gait, his right leg dragging slightly with each step.

 Behind them came a curvy young woman with cascading auburn hair. The bottom half of her face was visible–full red lips curved in a subtle smile–but the upper portion was concealed behind an intricately designed half–mask that covered her nose and eye area, leaving only mesmerizing green eyes visible through carefully crafted openings.

 Last was a tall, broad–shouldered man of middle age, his muscr frame suggesting years of physical training. Despite being indoors, he wore dark sunsses thatpletely obscured his eyes, giving his otherwise unremarkable face an air of mystery.

 I forced myself to maintain a neutral expression as I rose from my chair, extending my hand in greeting.

 These people were nothing like the pristine, physically perfect members of Frostshadow Pack, where any wolf with a physical ‘defect” was subtly but firmly relegated to the lowest ranks, kept out of sight during inter–pack gatherings.

 Adrian stepped forward, his expression warm as he began introductions. “Skye, I’d like you to meet some of our pack council members.” He gestured to the one–armed woman. This is Venus, our financial administrator. She manages all of Oasisborn’s resources and investments.” 

 Venus extended her right hand to shake mine, her grip firm and confident. “So you’re the famous bartender,” she said, her voice rich with a slight Southern ent. “Looking forward to seeing what you can do tonight.”

 Adrian continued, indicating the limping young man. “This is Garrett, our information technology speciamunications running.” The young man nodded politely, offering a brief smile that transformed his s

 is face.

 “Thedy with the mask is Lydia, our chief pharmacist and herbal specialist,” Adrian continued. Lydia inclined her head slightly but remained silent, her eyes studying me with calm interest. 

 “And finally, Marcus, head of our security team.”

 He stepped forward, extending his hand toward me. As we shook hands, he reached up with his free hand and removed his sunsses. I barely managed to suppress a gasp of surprise when I saw his eyes–</bpletely white, without pupils or irises, clearly blind.

 “You’re quite… unusual, Marcus remarked, his deep voice cutting through the room. “If I didn’t concentrate, I’d

 barely detect you at all.”

 I shifted ufortably, aware that he was referring to myck of typical werewolf scent–a trait that had served me well during my years of hiding, but now felt like another mark of my abnormality among these wolves.

 Just as Adrian finished the introductions, the door swung open again and a young man bounded in, energy practically radiating from him. He had thick, unruly brown curls and a boyish face lit with enthusiasm. Compared to the others who had entered before, he seemed almost jarringly… ordinary.

 “Don’t forget about me!” he announced cheerfully, shing a bright smile at everyone in the room.

 Nadia immediately scowled. “Ryder, you’re </bte. Again. That’s ten percent of your pay docked this month.”

 The young man–Ryder–didn’t seem particrly troubled by this announcement. He simply shrugged, his smile never faltering as he turned his attention to <ol><li>me. </li></ol>

 “You must be Skye!” he eximed, moving forward to shake my hand with enthusiastic vigor. “I’ve heard you’re the bartender for tonight’s celebration. Any chance you can hook a guy up with something special?” 

 1/2 

 Chapter 25

 You’re not even of legal drinking age, Nadia cut in sharply. 

 Ive already shifted, and I’ll be eighteen next month,” Ryder protested, rolling his eyes dramatically. What difference does it make? It’s not like alcohol affects us the way it does humans anyway.” 

 Venus approached, her sharp eyes assessing me with undisguised interest. “Adrian tells me you’re donating the specialty alcohol for tonight. That’s quite generous–saves our pack a considerable expense.”

 Before I could respond, she turned to Lydia with a mischievous smile. “If you want to add something extra to the drinks, Lydia could probably help. Her herbal concoctions are legendary.”

 Lydia’s eyes crinkled above her mask in what I assumed was a smile, but she remained silent, leaving me to wonder if Venus’s suggestion was serious or in jest.

 Adrian cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “Let’s focus on tonight’s arrangements, shall we?” He turned to Marcus. “Even during celebrations, I want guards stationed at all perimeter points. We can enjoy ourselves, but I don’t want everyone intoxicated at once. Keep rotation schedules tight.”

 Marcus nodded, his posture straightening almost imperceptibly. “Already arranged, Alpha. Two–hour shifts, triple coverage at the northwest approach.*

 As they continued discussing security details, I found myself studying these unusual council members with growing curiosity. Each bore some physical trait that would have marked them as “lesser” in my former pack, yet here they held positions of authority and respect.

 Adrian treated them not with the condescending tolerance I’d witnessed in other packs, but with genuine deference to their expertise.

 What kind of Alpha actively sought out the damaged and different? 

 Chapter Comments

NovelLamp

Casts 25