Chapter 101: Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 101: Chapter 101: Behind Closed Doors The moment Lily and Zayn entered the dining hall together, everyone started whispering. All eyes were on them, tracking their movements, listening to their potential conversation. Lily quickened her pace slightly, her nerves getting the better of her. At first, there was a small distance between them. But not seeing where she was walking, Lily accidentally bumped into Zayn She stiffened, expecting him to pull away or scold her. But he didn’t. Zayn didn’t flinch or move away. Lily didn’t pull back either. They continued walking, closer now, their arms occasionally brushing. The whispers grew louder. A kitchen servant rushed forward, bowing deeply before them. “Alpha, Luna,” he greeted, his voice tinged with nervousness. “Would you like the private dining room prepared for your meal? It would take just a moment.” Zayn shook his head. “No need. We’ll eat here in the main hall with everyone else.” Lily glanced at him, surprised. She had expected him to keep his distance from her in public, especially after everything that had happened. Instead, they walked to the kitchen counters where trays of food were being served. The line of pack members parted instantly to let them go first. Lily grabbed a tray, and Zayn did the same beside her. As they moved down the line, a server reached for a large spoon of mashed potatoes, ready to heap it onto Lily’s plate. “No!” Zayn’s command was sharp, causing everyone nearby to freeze. His eyes narrowed at the server. “Are you being careless on purpose? Luna Lily is allergic to potatoes.” The kitchen staff paled. “I—I apologize, Alpha. I didn’t know.” “Well, now you do,” Zayn replied coldly. “Make sure everyone in the kitchen is informed.” Lily stared at Zayn, stunned. He remembered her allergy. The first time it happened, she thought it was a coincidence. But it happened again. The server quickly replaced the spoon and offered her other vegetables and bread instead. Lily nodded her thanks, still processing what had just happened. With their trays filled, they found an empty table. Zayn pulled out a chair for her before settling into his own. The action was so casual, so normal, yet it felt monumental. An awkward silence stretched between them as they began eating. Lily kept her eyes on her food, hyperaware of every movement Zayn made. “Your newly decorated room is ready,” Zayn finally said, breaking the silence. “You can move in tonight.” Lily looked up, meeting his gaze. She nodded, trying not to show her disappointment. Despite the tension between them, sleeping in the same bed had provided a sense of comfort she hadn’t realized she needed. “If you need anything, I’ll be close,” Zayn added, as if reading her thoughts. She nodded again, grateful for this small concession. They finished their meal in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. After returning their trays, they were intercepted by Ezra. “Alpha,” he greeted, nodding respectfully to Zayn before acknowledging Lily. “Luna. The merchants we’ve been discussing have arrived with the rations. They’re waiting in the living room.” Zayn’s expression shifted to one of business. “Good. Let’s not keep them waiting.” He turned to Lily. “Come with me.” Lily hesitated, unsure why he wanted her present for what sounded like pack business. “I want you there,” Zayn clarified, sensing her confusion. It wasn’t a request. The living room was one of the grander spaces in the packhouse, with large windows that bathed the room in natural light. Three merchants stood as they entered, bowing respectfully to Zayn. “Alpha Knightmoon,” the oldest merchant greeted, “we’ve brought samples of our finest grains for your consideration.” Three wooden boxes sat on the table, each containing different types of grain. The merchants didn’t acknowledge Lily’s presence. Without Martha to translate, they likely assumed she had nothing to contribute. Zayn gestured toward the boxes. “Luna Lily, would you take a look?” The merchants exchanged confused glances as Lily stepped forward. Lily was surprised by Zayn’s request. She didn’t let it show on her face as she examined each sample diligently. She ran the grains through her fingers, sniffing them. Her time working in the fields had taught her a thing or two. Something was wrong. The grains were either spoiled or of poor quality, disguised to look acceptable on the surface. She looked at Zayn and shook her head firmly, pointing to the samples and signed to him her findings. “Is there a problem?” the lead merchant asked, his smile tightening. “She says the grains are defective,” Zayn stated, voice hard as he folded his arms, waiting for the merchants to give their response. The merchant’s face reddened. “With all due respect, Alpha, perhaps your Luna is mistaken. These are premium rations from the southern packs.” Zayn’s eyes never left Lily’s. “Show them what you’ve found.” Lily picked up a handful of grain, separating it to show the discoloration hidden beneath the surface layer. She pointed to tiny black spots that indicated rot, and to the unnatural lightness of what should have been heavier grain. “She says these black spots indicated early signs of rot. The grain also feels lighter than they should,” Zayn translated on Lily’s behalf. “That’s preposterous!” the youngest merchant sputtered. “She can’t possibly—” “Show me the wagons,” Zayn cut him off. “Alpha, you–” Zayn clenched his jaw, death glaring at the merchants as he spoke, “Show me the wagons or our deal is off.” The merchants gulped, glancing at each other. With no other choice, they obliged. Outside, five large wagons stood loaded with sacks of grain. On the surface, everything looked in order. But Lily wasn’t convinced. She climbed onto the nearest wagon, gesturing for help to move the top layer of sacks. Zayn immediately ordered some warriors to assist. Once they had moved the top layer, Lily dug deeper, eventually pulling out sacks from the bottom. The difference was obvious. While the top sacks contained decent quality grain, the hidden ones were filled with inferior product, some even showing signs of mold. She showed the grain to Zayn and the merchants. Zayn’s face darkened with fury, “You tried to cheat us.” The lead merchant raised both his hands, pleading innocence. “Alpha, there must be some mistake...” “Mistake? The evidence is right here for all to see. Or would you like me to check the remaining carts of grain, to further prove your guilt?” Zayn growled, stepping closer to the trembling merchants. The merchants paled, clearly fearing the worst. Lily touched Zayn’s arm gently, drawing his attention. She began signing, her movements deliberate so he could understand. ‘Keep the grain, fine them, and spread the word to other packs about their deception.’ Zayn’s expression softened slightly as he watched her hands. “That’s a brilliant idea,” he said, surprising her with his praise. “We’ll keep the grain at a significant discount. You’ll pay a fine for attempting to deceive us. And every neighboring pack will hear about your dishonesty.” “But Alpha—” the merchants protested. “Would you prefer I have all of you whipped and beheaded instead?” Zayn asked coldly. The merchants exchanged frightened glances before bowing their heads in submission. “No, Alpha. Your terms are... acceptable.” Zayn nodded before adding, “To ensure you’ve learned your lesson, each of you will receive ten lashes on each hand. That’ll serve as a reminder every time they try to cheat someone else.” The punishment was carried out swiftly in the pack courtyard, a public reminder of the consequences of dishonesty. Lily watched, trying hard not to wince. The punishment was harsh but fair, far more merciful than what her father or brother would have done. As the sun began to set, Lily and Zayn walked back to the packhouse together. Now they seemed more casual and relaxed. Martha met them at the entrance. “Luna, your belongings have been moved to your new room,” she informed Lily with a smile. “Would you like to see it now?” Lily nodded, feeling a mixture of anticipation and reluctance. As Martha led her upstairs, Zayn followed silently. The room was just as Lily had requested. Simple but comfortable, with soft blue walls and minimal furnishings. A large window overlooked the forest, letting in the last golden rays of sunset. Lily sighed in relief, grateful that things were now in order. She turned to thank Martha, only to notice Zayn lingering in the doorway, watching her. His expression was unreadable, his body tense as if fighting some internal battle. For a moment, Lily thought he might say something but he never did. Instead, he nodded once before turning away, disappearing down the hall toward his own room. Martha squeezed Lily’s shoulder gently before leaving her to settle in, closing the door softly behind her. Lily prepared for bed, washing her face and changing into a nightgown Martha had left for her. When she finally laid down on the comfortable bed to rest, sleep eluded her. The room felt cold and empty compared to Zayn’s, where his presence, even in silence, had provided an odd comfort. She pulled the covers tighter around herself, trying to find warmth. As she shifted, a shadow caught her eye, a silhouette visible beneath her door. Someone was standing outside. She heard a soft curse, Zayn’s deep voice muttering, “What the hell am I doing?” The shadow lingered for another heartbeat before disappearing. Footsteps retreated down the hall, followed by the sound of a closing door. Lily was left staring at the door. Why did she feel a tinge of disappointment?