The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven-Chapter 588: Meredith, The Matchmaker

[Third Person].

As the evening gradually drew to a close, the atmosphere in the grand hall softened.

Conversations lost their sharp edges, laughter became lighter, and servants moved efficiently between tables, clearing dishes and refilling glasses one last time.

A few women approached Meredith, attempting small, polite conversations, compliments about her gown, vague remarks about the performances, careful comments meant to keep themselves in her good graces now that it was clear where the balance of power truly lay.

Meredith responded with grace, but without warmth. She smiled, thanked them, and excused herself one by one, making it clear that the night had taken enough from her already.

Helena found her just as she turned away from the last group.

"Luna, leaving already?" Helena asked quietly.

Meredith nodded. "Yes. I think I have had my fill of socializing for one evening."

Helena smiled, relieved. "I was hoping you would say that."

Together, they made their way out of the hall, past towering doors and down the wide palace corridors. The cool night air greeted them as they stepped outside, the sounds of the ball fading behind them.

Meredith’s gaze immediately lifted toward the compound. She recognized the vehicles at once.

Draven’s jeep stood closest to the steps, unmistakable. Behind it were two black cars, identical and imposing, their presence deliberate.

Her lips curved slightly into something steadier. "They are here," she announced.

Helena followed her line of sight, her expression neutral but curious.

Meredith turned to her. "I want you to meet someone."

Before Helena could ask who, Meredith began descending the palace steps. Helena hesitated only briefly before following her.

As they reached the lower steps, the car doors opened.

Draven stepped out first, tall and composed, his presence commanding without effort. Dennis emerged from the jeep moments later, adjusting his jacket, his gaze already scanning the area out of habit. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

A few of Draven’s warriors exited the black cars as well, spreading out subtly, their movements disciplined and alert.

Dennis’s eyes lifted and then stopped. Helena felt it before she understood it. While Meredith slowed her steps just enough to notice the shift.

Dennis stared with unmistakable recognition, as if something he had been circling for weeks had suddenly taken solid form in front of him.

Draven noticed immediately as his gaze flicked from Dennis to Helena, then to Meredith. This was not an accident.

Meredith met his eyes briefly—calmly, intentionally. And as she and Helena reached the last step, standing between the two groups, Helena bowed respectfully.

"Good evening, Alpha Draven."

Draven inclined his head in acknowledgement, his expression calm and unreadable.

Meredith smiled faintly and stepped in, her tone warm yet deliberate. "Draven, this is Helena Aurelion. She attended my event and helped the older women that day."

Then, as if the realization had only just settled, she added, "I also learned moments ago that she is from the Silvercrest pack. Her uncle ruled Stormveil before King Alderic."

Draven’s brows lifted slightly in recognition before he nodded again, this time with more weight. Dennis, however, froze.

The moment Meredith spoke Helena’s name in full, something snapped into place inside him.

His wolf surged forward, restless and electrified, the pull sharp and undeniable. The matebond reacted instantly, thrumming beneath his skin as his gaze locked onto Helena anew—this time with clarity, not confusion.

So this is who you are.

Meredith caught the change immediately. She turned her head just enough to glance at Dennis from the corner of her eye, a knowing smile tugging at her lips.

Then she faced him fully and made the introduction. "This is Dennis Oatrun," she said smoothly. "Alpha Draven’s younger brother."

Helena, despite the same invisible pull tightening in her chest, remained composed. She dipped into a polite bow, her voice steady. "It’s a pleasure, sir."

Dennis cleared his throat and inclined his head in return. "You don’t need the formalities," he said gently. "Dennis is fine."

Meredith barely gave them a heartbeat more before acting. She could already sense movement behind them—the palace doors opening again, voices carrying as more women began to filter out.

She turned to Dennis. "Why don’t you escort Miss Helena home?"

Helena turned to Meredith at once. "There’s no need, Luna. I came in my family’s car."

Almost on cue, a sleek vehicle pulled up behind them and came to a stop.

But Meredith was already shaking her head. She met Helena’s gaze calmly and said, "It’s just one car. Let my brother-in-law see you home. Only then will I be at ease."

Helena parted her lips to respond, but Dennis spoke first, his voice soft, almost hopeful. "Please. Allow me."

For a brief moment, Helena studied him. Then, understanding flickered in her eyes.

Draven stepped forward decisively. "Take one of the cars," he told Dennis. "You can find your way back easily."

That settled it.

Draven turned and opened the jeep door for Meredith. Helena bowed once more. "Good night, Alpha. Luna."

Meredith stepped inside, and as the window rolled down, she leaned slightly toward Helena. "I forgot to exchange contacts with you."

Then she turned her head pointedly toward Dennis. "Please help me get her contact."

Dennis bit back a smile and nodded. "Of course."

Meredith lifted a hand in a small wave as the jeep pulled away, one of the black cars following behind it.

Finally, Dennis turned to the two warriors still standing nearby. "Take my car and follow Miss Helena’s vehicle."

They obeyed immediately.

Dennis then opened the rear door of Helena’s family car for her. She paused, met his gaze for a brief, charged moment, and murmured a quiet thank-you before stepping inside.

Dennis closed the door and moved to the other side, entering the car and taking the seat beside her.

The engines started, and the two cars rolled forward into the night—one following the other—leaving the palace behind, and with it, the careful silence that had held them apart for far too long.

---

The jeep rolled smoothly through the darkened road, the estate lights still some distance away.

In the back seat, Meredith sat beside Draven, the quiet hum of the engine filling the space between them.

Draven didn’t say anything at first; he just simply stared at her.