The Alpha's Unwanted Bride novel Chapter 512

Chapter 512: AMARA

The morning sun filtered through the high arched windows of the castle, gilding the marble floors in soft gold.

Coral sat stiffly at the breakfast table, spoon poised in her untouched cheese, eyes fixed on her aunt.

Cherry was radiant as always, her gown a deep crimson that shimmered as she moved.

She spoke lightly, her words dripping with sweet conviction. "You see, sister," she said to Rose, "I was thinking, I should visit the poor villages by the river. Just for a few days. Charity should be never be neglected, and as our parents taught us, compassion is the crown of nobility."

Rose smiled faintly, touched. "Yes, Cherry. That is kind of you. But a couple of days?"

"It won’t take longer than three." She assured.

Rose sighed. "Alright. Take Coral along. It will do her good to see the people. I’ll inform her father when he returns."

Coral was relieved that her father wasn’t present it could have been much difficult.

Cherry inclined her head graciously, though her eyes flicked to Coral with a secret spark. "Of course, Rose. She will come with me."

Coral forced a smile, her stomach twisting. She knew this was no simple charitable visit.

An hour later, the two women descended the castle steps, cloaks drawn tightly about them, and slipped into the waiting carriage.

The guards believed they were bound for the river villages, but once the gates closed behind them, Cherry leaned forward and rapped sharply on the wood.

"To the town of Greystone," she ordered.

The driver didn’t seem to hesitate, Greystone was known for its unsavory reputation, he went off

With a lurch, the carriage veered off the main road.

Coral clutched her cloak tighter. "Aunt... Greystone? Why there of all places?"

Cherry smirked, settling back against the cushions as if she were merely going to a festival. "Because, dear, when you seek shadows, you don’t search in sunlight. You search where darkness thrives. And in Greystone, darkness thrives splendidly."

"But wouldn’t the driver report?" Coral asked with worry.

"You worry too much child. He is my personal driver and he is loyal to only me." Cherry said leaning back into the plush velvet seat.

The journey was long, the scenery shifting from lush forests to barren fields, until finally, the carriage rattled into the crooked streets of Greystone.

The air smelled of smoke and stale ale, the buildings leaning like tired old men, their shutters half broken.

Laughter and screams echoed faintly from alleyways, giving the town a restless, haunted energy.

The carriage stopped before a sprawling, half-decayed mansion. Its windows glowed dimly, and faint music drifted from within. The iron gate stood open, as though daring visitors to step inside.

Coral wrinkled her nose. "This place..."

Cherry stepped down gracefully, her cloak swirling. "Ah, home away from home." Her smile was sharp, her eyes gleaming. "Come, Coral. Let me introduce you to an old friend."

The heavy wooden doors creaked as they entered.

The air was thick with perfume and smoke. Women in silken gowns and men with hungry eyes lingered in the corridors, laughter mingling with whispers.

At the end of the hall, a woman appeared, tall and striking. Her black hair gleamed under the lantern light, her lips painted a scandalous red. She wore a gown of emerald satin that clung to her curves, her presence commanding the entire space.

"Cherry."

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