Chapter 20. The New Identity

“They’re back,” Hyena muttered, a lazy grin curling on her lips.

Eagle strode toward their table. Aquila and Aetos returned to their seats, but their eyes clung to his retreating figure like iron to a magnet.

“Ex-girlfriend of yours, Aethel?” Hyena teased with a smirk, his voice a low whisper.

“Fancy a trip to the stratosphere?” Eagle shot back, his tone icy, devoid of expression.

Hyena froze.

He swallowed hard, the image of being yanked by the collar, dragged to the edge of the heavens, and dropped flashing vividly in his mind. He shuddered and clammed up instantly.

The hall’s atmosphere began to settle. The leaders took their places, composed and poised, awaiting the main event.

A Beastfolk’s voice boomed, resonating through the hall: “The Lion King…!”

Instantly, every Lion clansman in the room dropped to one knee, a hand pressed to their chest. The scene turned solemnly majestic.

From the wings, a towering figure emerged, each step thundering like a war drum against the stone floor.

Lion strode to the throne, his commanding presence filling the space, every gesture exuding the aura of one born to rule. A faint smirk played on his face, his lips curling as he scanned the room, as if weighing the worth of every soul beneath him. Satisfaction gleamed in his eyes as he saw all gazes lifted to him.

“And Marshal Lin!”

A figure no less imposing followed, her steps steady, her face an unreadable mask.

Ami glanced at her. Lin gave a subtle nod, a silent acknowledgment, then took her seat at the honored table beside Lion.

“My thanks to you all for accepting my invitation tonight,” Lion’s voice rang out, firm and resonant. “The Lion Clan is honored to host.” He let out a hearty laugh, waving a hand. “Tonight, make yourselves at home. The feast—begins!”

Thunderous applause erupted, mostly from his fellow Lions.

The other leaders remained still, their gazes somber. Only Tiger flashed a grin, clapping enthusiastically.

“It’s a privilege to gather with the mightiest leaders of the Beast Realm,” Lion said, raising his goblet. “I, leader of the Lions, propose a toast.”

The other leaders raised their glasses mechanically and drank.

Tiger roared with laughter. “I’m thrilled to be invited to this lively feast, Lord Lion. Here’s another toast to you!” Lion matched his laugh, clinking glasses with him.

In stark contrast to their fervor, the others remained silent, their expressions lukewarm.

Lion set down his goblet, covertly gauging everyone’s reactions, then smiled.

“Hmm… it seems all our esteemed guests have brought companions as I requested. My gratitude.”

“Of course, a guest follows the host’s wishes,” Tiger replied, his tone laced with subtext.

“To liven things up, why don’t we introduce our companions?” Lion suggested, pulling the woman beside him into his embrace. “I’ll start—This is my most cherished beloved, Chrys. Isn’t she a vision of beauty?” He held her tightly. She managed only a strained smile, her eyes tinged with fear.

Tiger laughed heartily.

“Sadly, I’ve no beauty by my side, only Mei—my battlefield companion.” The female tiger warrior beside him bowed, her face stern as stone.

“Haha, as expected of Lord Rajan,” Lion said, then glanced around.

“And… the rest of you?”

Aquila clearly wanted no part in this farce but knew refusing would stir trouble.

“This is Aetos, my strategist,” she said curtly, her face sour.

Lion smiled, turning to Nereus.

“Nereina, my sister,” he replied just as briefly.

“Surprising. I’d thought you’d bring your mates,” Lion clicked his tongue, his gaze settling on Caelan’s table. “Or… perhaps not everyone is as fortunate as Lord Orson here?” He smirked, each word deliberate, dripping with insinuation.

The hall fell deathly silent.

Hyena and Eagle exchanged glances. Here it comes. The charade so far was just paving the way for this strike.

Bear remained silent for a moment, then spoke slowly, his voice low and clear. “My companion, Ami.”

Ami gave a slight bow, her face an impassive mask.

“Forgive me if I’ve been rude, Lord Orson,” Lion said, his tone devoid of remorse. “But your companion is truly remarkable. I’ve lived over a century and never seen such beauty.” He laughed loudly, sparking murmurs throughout the hall.

Aquila stared at Ami, her brow furrowing, her gaze appraising.

“Aquila… don’t stare so obviously,” Aetos whispered, leaning in.

“Doesn’t she just irk you?” Aquila said, clutching her goblet, eyes still fixed on Ami.

“Well… to be fair, she’s quite pleasing to look at—” Aetos began, but Aquila’s elbow jabbed his ribs, making him yelp.

“Tch! Don’t let her look fool you,” she hissed. “Damned Celestials.”

“Huh?” Aquila’s eyes widened, then narrowed fiercely.

Ami had just glanced their way—a cold, fleeting look—before turning away as if they were beneath notice.

“D-Did you see that, Aetos? She just glared at us! That was contempt, right?!” Aquila growled, her grip tightening on her goblet.

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“Calm down, Aquila. This isn’t our training ground,” Aetos urged, trying to soothe her.

“What do you think… Nereus?” Nereina asked, her voice silent, projected directly into his mind.

Nereus sat still, unresponsive. But his hand on his thigh clenched slightly. “Daring to scorn the Merfolk…”

“Leave?” she asked.

“No. Since we’re here, let’s make use of it.” A faint smirk curved his lips. “Besides, the fun’s just beginning.”

Nereina stifled a chuckle.

“My sincere thanks for your praise, Lord Lion. I’m honored,” Ami spoke suddenly. Her clear voice silenced the hall once more.

“Haha, even her voice outshines us Beastfolks! Rare, truly rare!” Lion laughed, as if receiving genuine flattery.

“I wonder if Lord Lion is truly sober, praising a Celestial like that,” Aquila snapped, unable to hold back, her voice sharp as a blade. “Who knows if those delicate hands once chained our ancestors?”

Aetos rubbed his forehead, shaking his head.

Eagle, seated behind Ami, whipped around, his glare signaling her to stop. But it was futile.

“While we’re at it, I’ve some questions for Lord Orson,” Aquila said, standing, her voice low but provocative. “What were you thinking, bringing a Celestial into a hall full of Beastmen? Are you so confident in your power, or do you simply disdain us all?”

“Aquila—!” Eagle growled.

But Bear raised a hand, silencing him. Aquila’s fury flared brighter. “You speak of fighting for the Beast Realm, of breaking our chains! Yet your heart lies with them! Are you even worthy of that seat?!” She nearly roared.

Aetos quickly clapped a hand over her mouth, pulling her down. “Haha, our leader’s not herself tonight. Please overlook it,” he said with a forced smile, bowing apologetically while holding a snarling Aquila.

“Well, well. Perhaps Marshal Zephyr is truly unwell,” Lion interjected smoothly, though his eyes gleamed with unconcealed excitement. “If needed, you may retire early.”

Aquila shoved Aetos off, her smirk defiant. “Say something, Lord Orson. Or are you too ashamed to—”

Clang!

Her words were cut off by a piercing sound. A heavy silver spoon clattered onto the stone floor, the sharp ring of metal on stone breaking the taut atmosphere.

All eyes turned to the source of the noise.

Damn it! Lin cursed inwardly.

“Ahem! My apologies,” she said, straightening quickly, trying to maintain a serious expression, though sweat beaded on her brow.

“Lin, be more careful,” Lion chided softly, gesturing for a servant to bring another spoon.

“Sorry,” Lin said, bowing slightly to the guests, her face striving for composure but her mind in turmoil. Gods, I was enjoying my food!

A stifled giggle sounded behind her, barely audible, the culprit’s shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

Stop laughing, you bastard, Lin thought, grinding her teeth, knowing exactly who was reveling in her misery.

“My apologies, a minor mishap. Shall we continue the feast?” Lion said smoothly, redirecting attention with practiced ease.

Aquila, interrupted so rudely, clicked her tongue and slumped into her chair, her fiery momentum doused, leaving her humiliated and fuming.

Only then did Bear speak. His voice wasn’t loud, but its low, clear timbre silenced every whisper in the hall.

“Marshal Aquila.”

He addressed her directly, his gaze sharp as a blade, his presence heavy as a mountain, commanding without fanfare.

“If you have an issue with me, aim it at me. But I won’t tolerate any disrespect toward my companion.”

Aquila didn’t flinch. If anything, the defiance in her eyes burned brighter. But Aetos, sensing the danger, placed a firm hand on her shoulder, a clear signal to stop.

Bear continued, his voice steady, each word carved into the air. “Gossiping about another’s past at a banquet isn’t the act of a leader but of a busybody. If you have questions, meet me after this feast. I’ll answer. For now, don’t let your personal assumptions ruin Lord Lion’s hospitality.”

Tap!

Nereus lightly tapped his finger on the table, the soft sound drawing attention.

“Lord Orson speaks wisely,” he said evenly, his tone laced with mocking approval. “Discussing another leader’s companion in their presence is indeed tactless.”

Lion started, glancing at Nereus.

“Moreover,” Nereus continued, his gaze sweeping over Lion and Aquila, “focusing so much on Lord Caelan’s companion is hardly fair to the others.” He paused, then turned fully toward Lion’s table, his eyes settling on the figure beside the Lion King.

“Take Marshal Lin, for instance. A key figure in Leovara, a renowned warrior, yet she’s been silent since the feast began, with no chance to engage. Quite a pity for her.” He shook his head, his expression dripping with feigned regret.

Lin, mid-bite of a large piece of roasted meat, froze. Nereus’s mention of her name made the meat lodge in her throat, her face paling.

All eyes shifted to her, only to see the Marshal frantically grabbing her cup, gulping water to force the bite down.

Tch! What a nuisance! Lin cursed inwardly. I was eating so well—why drag me into this? Ever heard of letting a woman eat in peace? She shot Nereus a fiery glare, brimming with menace.

Nereus merely looked away, sipping his wine with an innocent air, as if he’d said something perfectly proper.

“Ahem! No need to mind me,” Lin finally said, swallowing the bite. She sat ramrod straight, her face cold and impassive, her eyes unwavering.

But beneath the table, her hand clenched tightly, and sweat beaded on her brow under Ami’s piercing, warning gaze.

Don’t look at me like that—I didn’t do anything! Lin screamed internally.

That Nereus… Ami stole a glance at him.

He remained unfazed, calm as ever. Her eyes then shifted to the figure at the honored table, wearing her face.

Lena, what the hell are you doing? I trusted you with my role, and you’re making a mockery of it?

Her gaze was sharp as a dagger, locked on Lin.

The plan had been clear. After she successfully disguised herself as Ami, Lena would disguise herself as Lin, playing the role of Marshal during this time to fool Lion.

Her taking Ami’s identity was entirely without her brother’s approval. She knew he intended to use the Celestial girl as a perfect weakness, a hostage to gradually break Orson’s will and wrest the leadership of the Caelan Alliance—the most powerful position Lion coveted—from him.

But those were his ambitions, not hers. She would pursue her own goals, no matter the cost.

And at this rate, everything would unravel.

Ami narrowed her eyes, her vigilance at its peak. This game was proving more complex than she’d anticipated. But then…

“You haven’t eaten anything… Is the food not to your taste?”

A warm, gentle voice sounded close to her ear. Bear had leaned toward her, unnoticed until now.

The moment her eyes collided with his concerned gaze, Lin’s heart thudded. All her sharp suspicions and calculated thoughts melted under that look. She quickly lowered her head, hiding her flustered expression, and gave a shy shake of her head—a convincingly delicate gesture.

Bear, sensing her discomfort, nodded in understanding.

He looked up, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable resolve. “My companion is feeling unwell. Please continue without us; we’ll take our leave.”

“Of course, Lord Orson,” Lion replied, his smile brimming with subtext. The bait’s been taken. Tonight’s performance was more than enough. Keeping them longer wouldn’t serve his purpose.

Bear gave a slight nod. He stepped behind Ami’s chair, gently helping her up, his arm wrapping protectively around her waist as they departed.

Hyena and Eagle rose immediately, bowing. “Excuse us.”

As Eagle turned to leave, Aquila instinctively started to rise, ready to follow.

But then she met his eyes—a sharp, cold glare heavy with disappointment.

Her body froze, as if an icy gust had struck her chest. The fire of her anger snuffed out, replaced by a late-blooming guilt and regret.

She realized, too late, the weight of her mistake.

Finally, they’re gone. Lin took a sip of soup, her eyes tracking the retreating figures of the four. The Zephyr crew will probably clear out soon, too. She glanced at Aquila, who sat dazed, lost in thought.

As expected.

“Our leader is exhausted as well. We’ll take our leave,” Aetos said, helping Aquila to her feet, bowing before swiftly departing.

Lion merely nodded, a satisfied smile curling his lips.

Knew it. Lin took another sip of soup, her thoughts racing. Now it’s just the Tigers and… She glanced at the Merfolk, her brow furrowing. Tch. No wonder they’re so despised. Her lip curled, her eyes betraying unmasked disdain.

“Well, then?”

“Ack!” A sudden voice in her mind nearly made Lin choke on her soup.

“Haha, sorry for startling you,” the voice teased, dripping with amusement.

“No surprise from a killer whale—sharp ears, huh?” Lin shot back mentally, her tone laced with sarcasm.

A brief pause. “Oh? How did you know my species?” Nereus’s voice carried genuine surprise this time.

“Impressive, right? Haha, just kidding. I’ve studied the Beastfolk clans thoroughly.”

“Hmph. It’s a bit annoying to have my identity called out like that. Alright, my turn then.” Nereus’s tone sharpened. “You’re the true owner of that ‘Celestial’ body from earlier, aren’t you?”

Pfft!

Lin spat out the water she’d just sipped.

“What’s wrong, Lin?” Lion, mid-conversation with other guests, turned with a mix of surprise and irritation.

“My apologies. I was a bit too hungry and ate too quickly. I’m fine,” she replied, her voice even and emotionless, her posture rigid.

Lion shot her a warning glare before turning back to his guests with a smile.

“Haha, sorry again,” Nereus chuckled, covering his mouth to stifle his laughter.

“Spit it out. How did you know?” Lin demanded mentally, no longer in the mood for games.

“You see, what I hear is the true ‘sound’ of a soul. And the sound coming from you and that girl… they’re worlds apart. I couldn’t miss it if I tried.”

“Is that so?”

“I wondered why a Marshal of Leovara would need a voice-altering potion. Now it makes sense,” Nereus continued. “But meeting you like this only piques my curiosity about this little drama unfolding.”

“Hmph. I’ve no interest in making friends with you, so I’ve no reason to spill.”

“How cold,” he teased. “Fine. You can tell me later, when we’re closer… I’m looking forward to that day, A-m-i.”

He emphasized each syllable of her name.

Lin shot him a scorching glare, then severed the mental link entirely.

“It’s getting late. We’ll take our leave. Enjoy the evening,” Nereus said, standing. Before departing, he threw Ami a provocative glance.

She frowned, ignoring him.