Chapter 127: Bitter Resentment

The Red Lodge was far livelier than usual that evening. The rich red and gold decorations that adorned the interior seemed even more striking beneath the crimson lighting, which bathed the walls, ceiling, and polished floor in a warm, luxurious glow. Golden accents framed the elegant wall panels, while decorative lights cast a reddish sheen over the furniture and glass surfaces. The entire place radiated exclusivity, its lavish furnishings and carefully arranged seating making it feel less like a student hangout and more like a private lounge reserved for the empire’s most privileged young wolves.

Unlike the usual days when the lodge remained relatively empty, with only the occasional student lounging around, tonight it was filled with members of the Elite Circle. Students dressed in expensive gowns, tailored suits, and designer outfits occupied the lounge, their conversations blending with bursts of laughter and the occasional clink of glasses.

Even the bar, which was usually deserted despite the bottles of wine and assorted drinks displayed neatly along its shelves, had become a center of activity. Two male students stood behind the counter, mixing drinks with the confidence of people who had done it countless times before. One shook a cocktail shaker vigorously while the other poured a brightly colored mixture into several glasses, the two exchanging jokes that sent them into fresh bouts of laughter. Nearby, a few girls perched on the tall bar stools, their elegant dresses arranged carefully around their legs as they watched the preparations.

One of them lifted a glass filled with a pale golden liquid, exchanging a challenging look with a male student standing beside her. "One go. Don’t you dare stop halfway," he teased, earning an indignant scoff from the girl.

She raised the glass to her lips and downed its contents in a single attempt while her friends erupted into cheers and laughter.

"That’s what I’m talking about!" the boy exclaimed, slapping the counter as she placed the empty glass down with a triumphant grin. Their playful challenge attracted a few amused glances from the surrounding students before the conversations resumed.

Away from the commotion surrounding the bar, a more secluded seating arrangement occupied one of the rounded corners of the lounge. Several luxurious sofas had been arranged in a semicircle around a low, polished table, creating a private space that offered its occupants a clear view of the entrance without placing them directly in the middle of the crowd. It was there that Nikolai and Mikhail, the Crown Twins, sat with the kind of ease that came naturally to those who had never needed to fight for a place among the academy’s elite. Nikolai occupied one end of the spacious crimson sofa, his posture relaxed but unmistakably authoritative, while Mikhail sat beside him, one arm resting along the backrest as his gaze occasionally drifted toward the entrance. Beatrice Hawthorne sat on Mikhail’s other side, close enough to make her association with the Crown Prince apparent without appearing overly eager to claim his attention.

Beatrice looked striking in a fitted golden gown that hugged her figure before flowing gracefully toward the floor. The rich shade complemented her complexion, while delicate gold embellishments along the neckline caught the crimson lighting whenever she moved. Unlike her usual hairstyle, which involved pulling her brown hair tightly into a high ponytail, she had styled it into soft, polished waves that cascaded over her shoulders, with a few strands framing her face. The change softened her features and brought out the natural beauty that her usual severe styling tended to conceal. Her makeup was equally refined, accentuating her eyes and lips without appearing excessive. She looked every bit the privileged heiress of the Perigee Clan, elegant and impeccably dressed.

Unfortunately, the perpetual look of pride on her face did little to make her beauty more approachable. Even as she sat among some of the most influential students in the academy, her expression suggested that she considered herself a cut above everyone else in the room.

Across from the Crown Twins’ sofa, Sera sat alone on another plush crimson couch, her white gown standing out against the predominantly red and gold surroundings. The dress was elegant and understated, its smooth fabric falling neatly around her figure while subtle detailing around the waist added a touch of sophistication. Her dark hair had been arranged carefully away from her face, allowing her composed features to remain unobstructed. There was something almost characteristic about the way members of the Umbra Clan seemed drawn to white despite the darkness associated with their clan’s name. Sera wore the color with effortless grace, her appearance refined without being unnecessarily showy. She sat with one leg crossed over the other, holding a glass in one hand while observing the conversations unfolding around her with quiet interest.

Kage Everhart occupied a sofa nearby, looking entirely at ease with himself. The Apogee Clan’s heir had one leg crossed casually over the other, his back resting against the cushions as though he had nowhere else to be and no reason to hurry. His white hair, styled neatly away from his face, looked almost silver beneath the red lighting, creating a striking contrast with his sharp features. He wore a pristine white tuxedo with a fitted jacket, matching trousers, and a dark shirt beneath the lapels, the combination lending him an effortlessly handsome appearance.

His clothes were immaculate, his posture relaxed, and his expression carried the familiar air of someone who rarely allowed anything to inconvenience him for long. However, as he glanced toward the entrance for what felt like the tenth time, his easygoing demeanor began to give way to impatience. He pulled out his phone, checked the time, and clicked his tongue in irritation. "What the fuck is keeping Okami?" he muttered, lowering the device onto his lap.

"He knows what time this thing starts, so what’s taking him so damn long?"

Sera took a small sip from her glass before turning her gaze toward him. "You know Okami. He likes making a statement wherever he goes," she remarked dryly. "At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if he decided not to show up at all. That would be entirely in character for him."

Kage let out a short laugh, shaking his head as he settled more comfortably against the sofa. "Yeah, I think you’re right. Knowing him, he probably found some way to turn a simple invitation into an opportunity to cause trouble."

His comment drew a quiet scoff from Beatrice, who had been listening to their conversation with an expression of growing disdain. She rolled her eyes and waved a dismissive hand. "Forget about Okami. We have more important things to discuss than whether that attention-seeking idiot decides to grace us with his presence."

Her lips curled slightly as she glanced toward the entrance, her expression hardening. "For instance, we should be talking about that arrogant Starlight Dawson. Can you believe this entire gathering is being held partly to introduce her as a new member of the Elite Circle, and she hasn’t even arrived yet? Who does she think she is? She should be grateful that she’s even been considered for membership in the first place."

Beatrice adjusted the fabric of her gown, looking thoroughly offended by the mere thought of Starlight receiving the same recognition as the students who had spent their entire lives surrounded by privilege. "Honestly, I still don’t understand what everyone sees in her. She’s a nobody who suddenly found herself in the middle of matters far beyond her standing, and now everyone is expected to treat her as though she belongs among us. It’s ridiculous."

Sera lowered her glass and turned toward Beatrice, her expression becoming more serious. "Didn’t you receive a message from your father?" she asked. Beatrice frowned, clearly displeased by the sudden change in subject.

"What does that have to do with anything?"

Sera held her gaze for a moment before answering. "I don’t know, Beatrice. Perhaps you should consider getting on Starlight’s good side instead of constantly looking for reasons to insult her. That was essentially the message we all received, wasn’t it? We were told to make an effort to accommodate her. Or was your father against whatever the other clans were planning?" Her question was calm, but the implication behind it was unmistakable.

Beatrice’s expression twisted with contempt. "I couldn’t care less what my father thinks, and I certainly don’t care what the other clans are planning. Let them do whatever they want." She leaned back against the sofa, folding her arms across her chest. "Besides, we all know why they’re suddenly so interested in her. What else could it be? They’re looking at her as though she’s some rare prize, something valuable they can claim for themselves. Perhaps they have found out that, she’s exceptionally fertile, that’s the only explanation that makes any sense to me." Her gaze shifted toward Sera, and her lips curved into a cruel smile. "It’s not as though she’s something extraordinary. She’s just a human girl. What makes everyone think she’s worth all this trouble? If one of them wants to get her pregnant so badly, they can go ahead and try. It’s not as though she’s the only fertile girl in the empire."