The busy sounds around the terrace were a welcoming distraction for Raven as she did her best to appear composed, despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. The tantalizing smells of meats and other delights tickled her nose, taunting her hunger. Seated at the enchanting table, Lady Armita and Lord Xion engaged in a serious conversation, their acknowledgment of Raven's presence a mere nod. As four graceful servants arrived with covered dishes, a delicate bell chimed, prompting them to unveil the dishes and place them before the guests. A voice announced the beginning of the first course.

"Well, my Lady, you must be famished. I hope everything pleases your palate," Lady Armita cheerfully remarked to Raven as she reached for her cutlery.

As etiquette dictated, everyone started reaching for their cutlery to begin their meal. Gazing at the poached egg poised elegantly on the intricate gold dish in front of her, Raven struggled to recall her posture while selecting the proper utensil. Following Lady Armita's lead, she picked up a dainty spoon.

Observing the practiced technique of others, she noticed that they tapped the egg with the back of the spoon before delicately cutting it into the egg white. "Appears simple enough," she thought, preparing to crack the top of her egg. Smiling at Armita, she raised the spoon, but her fingers fumbled, sending the spoon airborne. Before it could fall, she instinctively caught it, her cheeks aflame with embarrassment, her motion causing a slight tremor on the table. She sensed Dante's smirk but refused to make eye contact, focusing on scooping up some egg. Tasting it carefully, she savored the flavor, dismissing her mishap.

Xion's hearty laughter broke the tension. "Well! Well! Raven, you remain sharp indeed!" Ignoring formalities, he indulged in a generous portion of egg followed by two more, finishing the first course, laughing as those around him struggled to match his pace as etiquette called. "In situations like these, when everyone's eyes are on you, you can follow your own lead. Relax, young Luna, and relish your food." His encouraging smile eased her anxiety, and she finished her egg, less concerned with etiquette, eagerly expecting the next course.

***

Dante watched curiously, observing Raven's graceful recovery from her spoon incident.

Impressive reflexes, just like us.

He was intrigued, but his amusement gave way to annoyance as he sensed the prying gazes of other prominent families from the nearby terraces. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Despite their private terrace, it was still close enough for the very elite to get an excellent view of their honored leaders. Having always disliked such public events, he hastened to finish his meal, while his grandfather consumed his food greedily. His annoyance grew more as he noticed that several of the daughters of the Red Moon clan were facing him, hoping to catch his gaze. Quickly, he turned his attention to his grandfather.

"Dante knows how important it is to stay sharp in the sacred forest. Your guidance was crucial during the forest journey. I know you have been a perfect guide, have you not, my son?" Xion suddenly directed the conversation to Dante, looking to him for an answer.

Heat rose to Dante's face, recalling the various mishaps during the journey. Wavering slightly, he glanced at Raven, who smirked at his doubt. "Well, I my best considering having to escort someone so difficult and delicate. Like a child to the forest, so clumsy and loud, it was dangerous as she drew much attention to us. We owe our Ancestors for our survival," he replied solemnly. He watched her face as she slowly realized that his serious words were actually teasing her actions in the forest. Before she could respond, the servants arrived with the second course.

The bell rang and they began to lay out an array of assorted artisanal breads that included a selection of freshly baked breads, including rosemary-infused focaccia, honey oat loaf, and lavender sourdough. It was accompanied by a spread of jewel-toned jams, including ruby-red raspberry, deep amethyst blackberry, and golden apricot, served in intricate crystal containers.

Fluffy butter infused with delicate wildflower honey was placed beside their plates, presented in small golden bowls. Finally, in the center of the table, a medley of dragon fruit, starfruit, and kiwifruit was placed and artistically arranged on a golden platter. The spread delighted their senses as the smells rose from the table.

***

Dante watched curiously as Raven's expression shifted from surprise to delight as the servants laid out the sumptuous food. Her gaze appeared to draw him in even though she was not facing him.

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She is quite captivating.

He purposely shifted his attention, forcing his eyes away, deciding to remain quiet as his grandfather’s hearty laughter rang out as Lord Xion continued to talk with Raven and his grandmother. Dante silently sliced through a piece of toast, politely replying to Lady Armita as she asked him if he was okay. Feigning indifference, he is intrigued by Raven's answers to Xion's questions, finding her genuine responses refreshing amidst the formal setting.

***

"Ah, Fitheach, when you and Dante wed and complete the unity ritual, I shall finally find peace," Xion mused, reaching for a honey loaf and sharing it with Lady Armita, who lovingly dabbed at the corner of his mouth to wipe off a smear of butter.

Raven blushed at Xion's unexpected mention of marriage, having only asked how long he had been the Alpha. Dante coughed, choking at the mention of marriage. Instinctively, they both reached for a toast, hoping a full mouth would delay a response to Xion’s awkward topic.

As they both reached for a slice of the lavender sourdough, their hands touched and an odd sensation coursed through Raven's body as their eyes met fleetingly.

Do you feel it too?

Dante's voice resonated in her head, and she jerked her hand away. Dante allowed his hand to linger for a moment, his eyes fixed on her, before he retrieved his bread and jam in silence. His gaze appeared to draw her in, as she forced herself to turn away from him.

She instantly felt a consuming feeling to turn back to him, but she shifted her focus to Xion and Armita discussing marriage. She attempted to take part, her thoughts, however, fixated on Dante and the electrifying touch they had shared.

"Now, now, Xion, enough about the two of us," Lady Armita said with a laugh. "Let us hear about their journey here, the first encounter of the destined lovers." Raven blushed as Lady Armita began to giggle girlishly. She looked nervously at Lord Xion and Lady Armita, their eyes brimming with enthusiasm as they awaited more details about the journey.

"Well, it was quite an adventure," she said with a shaky voice, stealing a glance at Dante, hoping he might contribute to the conversation.

Almost as if sensing her unease, Dante began to weave an enthralling tale of their journey to Amber City. Even Raven found herself entranced, momentarily forgetting her role as a main character as his words painted their voyage with fervor and enchantment.

Xion's hearty laughter filled the air, casting a relaxed atmosphere around the table. "Well done, my Dante! What a splendid way to bring back our Luna." Xion's excitement bellowed over the terrace, followed by a resonant howl that appeared to traverse the forest. The chorus of howls from the pack members resonated in response.

"It must be a way to say congrats or something," Raven mused, observing the second howl following Xion's. She watched Dante's boyish smile as his grandfather praised him. With the howling subsiding, Lady Armita signaled the servants to clear the table in preparation for the next courses.

Raven found herself impressed by the succulent rounds of dishes. The third course featured a fluffy wild mushroom omelette, brimming with a mix of foraged wild mushrooms and adorned with delicate chive blossoms. Unsure at first about the crystal-clear salmon roe presented on a bed of seaweed, she allowed the exquisite flavors to dance across her taste buds before savoring the small cups of lemon-infused water meant for palate cleansing.

During the meal, Raven realized her recollection of Lady Selene's etiquette lessons had faded. However, she decided it was of little concern since Lord Xion appeared indifferent to etiquette, eating with an unabashed disregard for formality. Lady Armita on occasion wiping his mouth for crumbs and smears, a tender habit born out of their years of marriage.

As the food and laughter enveloped her senses, Raven could not help but dwell on Dante and the electrifying touch they had shared as they both reached for the bread.

"I hope that you enjoy sweets! Enjoy your dessert, dear," Lady Armita chimed as the bell for the fourth course rang.

The servants uncovered golden trays bearing layers of golden mango, candied pomegranate, and ethereal lychee, nestled among dollops of whipped cream and drizzles of nectar from the Moon Blossom Tree. Delicate pastries resembling celestial bodies accompanied the spread, along with miniature eclairs filled with velvety chocolate mousse and dusted with shimmering edible faery dust.

Raven felt like a child as she marveled at the luscious sweets before her.

Where should I begin?

She giggled, her eyes alight with delight at the tempting assortment.

"You should try this one," Dante's low, velvety voice seemingly touching her skin.

How had he gotten so close?

She realized that he must have shifted his seat when she was not paying attention. He was holding an eclair for her to taste. Nervously, she took a bite, the rich chocolate mousse enveloping her taste buds.

Satisfied with her reaction, he smiled. "Delicious, is it not?" Her enthusiastic nod appeared to draw her further into his magnetic presence. Her heart raced, unable to look away as he continued to feed her small bites of the chocolate pastry. At the final bite, he wiped her mouth gently with a napkin, and she found herself entranced by his gaze.

I want to touch him again.

As she reached for his hand, the trance was broke. The final bell rang and the servants interrupted, placing the final course on the table. The intimate moment disrupted, Dante quietly moved his seat back, and Raven awkwardly shifted her attention to Xion and Armita, who discussed clan politics.

The last course, Moonlit Mist Tea, a fragrant blend of chamomile, jasmine, and moonflower petals, was served in dainty porcelain cups adorned with celestial patterns. Conversations flowed as they sipped the tea, and Raven tried to be polite and engaged, though Dante's gaze remained fixed on her.

Finally, the bell rang again, signaling the end of the meal, and Marcellus arrived to escort Raven from the terrace. She smiled, taking Marcellus' extended arm, her eyes lingering on Dante before she rose from the table.

"Until we meet again," he mouthed, his words igniting a gentle warmth in her cheeks as Marcellus guided her away.