Chapter 0110

Adrian approaches with an amused smirk, clearly enjoying my awestruck expression. The restaurant's grand entrance leaves me breathless. His fingers intertwine with mine as we step inside. My heart leaps when I spot Theodora at the hostess stand.

Her face lights up at our arrival. "Alpha, Luna... Evelyn, welcome to Celestia."

"Theodora." My smile feels impossibly wide. "What a wonderful surprise."

She returns my smile before casting Adrian an oddly apologetic glance that makes me curious.

"Right this way." Theodora guides us toward a secluded booth. As we pass through the dining area, the ambient chatter dies instantly. Every patron turns to watch our progress, heads bowing respectfully toward Adrian.

Our semicircular booth offers both intimacy and a breathtaking forest view. "Don't hesitate to call if you need anything," Theodora says, presenting our menus before withdrawing.

Adrian's hand finds mine as we peruse the selections. "Does this always happen when you go out?" I ask, unfamiliar with public outings with an Alpha.

He cocks his head. "What do you mean?"

"That." I gesture vaguely. "The sudden silence. Everyone staring."

A casual shrug. "Pretty sure they were looking at you too."

I snort. "Why would anyone bow to me?"

His expression suggests I'm being deliberately obtuse. "You're a Guardian," he states, as if explaining the obvious.

Before I can argue, our waitress appears. "Alpha," she purrs, barely glancing my way before devouring Adrian with her gaze. My fingers tighten around the menu. Yes, he's devastatingly handsome, but professional decorum exists for a reason.

Selene surges forward, equally offended by the blatant disrespect. Just as I open my mouth, Adrian looks up briefly. "Evening, Rosalind."

He turns back to me. "Wine?"

"Sure."

"Red?" He scans the wine list.

"Do you even like red?" I've never seen his preferences.

His answering smile makes my pulse stutter. "Tonight I do."

"Adrian-" I try to protest, but he's already ordering an expensive bottle along with water. Rosalind flashes what must be her most seductive smile, which Adrian completely misses as his attention returns to me. Her expression sours noticeably as she retreats.

In this moment, it's as if we're the only two people in the world. The intensity of his focus is intoxicating, pulling me deeper into his orbit with each passing second.