Ch. 186..190: Alpha King’s Lost Luna Chapter 186-190
Chapter 186 You may be clever, but…
CASSANDRA
It wasn’t difficult at all to find Kaleb.
Not long after I left the clinic, a tall, muscular guard approached me with long, confident strides, and asked me if I was looking for my son. When I nodded, the guard’s expression grew serious and his eyes bore down into mine with intensity, and asked me to follow him
“Someone wants to speak with you before you can see your son,” he stated firmly. His tone was so bold that I was almost scared for a moment but I managed to stay calm.
As I studied the unfamiliar man, I noticed the badge of the Beta family that Becky had mentioned seeing on his shoulder. Anger swelled through me at the thought of the Moses family being involved in this terrible uprising. I had long hated Oliver and Adalyn, but knowing that they had worked with the king of Yurene to bring all of this to fruition… it only made my hatred grow worse.
Despite my rage, I didn’t say anything and followed the guard quietly.
The streets of Anemond were as bustling as usual. The guard led me through the winding streets and my eyes darted around as I tried to remain aware of my surroundings. Luckily, no one seemed to be waiting around the corner, and we were completely unnoticed by crowds.
The guard brought us to the entrance of the lane leading through an open park and then came to a sudden stop.
“Enter,” he stated as he gestured forward. “He’s waiting for you inside.”
I gulped as I stared ahead. From what I could remember, this park had been built in memory of the late queen, Asher’s mother and former Luna of the Crescent Pack. I didn’t have strong memories of it from my youth, since I hadn’t had many chances to visit this place. Asher had never liked it, so we avoided it at all costs.
I took a short breath and then walked forward.
In the distance, I could see Kaleb standing on the wooden bridge that crossed over the man–made lake below. Selena’s Tear, it was called.
As I continued forward, I prayed Queen Selena would send me some of her strength.
Kaleb saw me approach and twitched his lips with amusement. He had taken the time to come out his long golden–brown hair and it flared around him dramatically. His otherwise handsome face held an arrogant expression and his navy eyes studied me cruelly.
“Cassandra,” he called out to me. “Come enjoy the beautiful scenery with me.”
Behind him, I noticed a single guard standing steadfast and tall. Usually, he was flanked by a trio, so
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Chapter 186 You may be clever, but…
perhaps the other two still hadn’t recovered from the anesthesia. I clenched the small bottle I tucked away in my pocket. I knew it would be a stupid idea to use it again, as I didn’t think Kaleb would fall for the same trick, but just having it there gave me courage. I could protect myself if needed.
As I stepped onto the bridge, Kaleb pointed out a goose swimming freely not far from where we stood.
“I must say this is the most enjoyable spot in Anemond,” he noted. “It’s nice to observe the nature,”
Though he was a villain, he was right. The scenery was indeed enjoyable and was exactly why the place. had been built in the first place. But I wasn’t in the mood to enjoy any of this at all.
“Where are Finnick and Erika?” I asked him directly.
“They’re perfectly fine,” he mused. “Safe and sound.”
y son to threaten me,” I shot back.
“It’s low to use my
1 don’t disagree,” the king of Yurene replied, and then he raised an eyebrow. “But I don’t mind being low if it means I get what I want. People in power have all done something low to maintain their power. It’s the way of the world, Cassandra.”
I glared at him. “And what if I don’t want to comply with your request? The Alpha King may be detained now, but he won’t be gone forever.”
“You have a lot of faith in Asher Collins,” Kaleb chuckled, and he shook his head slowly before turning out to face the lake. “Don’t get me wrong. He’s a formidable power, but at the end of the day… he’s weak. He lacks the true discipline required of a king. He’s soft, with no ambition or drive to come to his true potential. It’s sad, really. I pity him.”
“He’s more of a man than you’ll ever be.” I hissed, and my hands balled into fists at my side. “Here you are threatening a woman and her child to get your way. I’d say you’re the more pathetic one.”
“Mind yourself, Cassandra,” the foreign king warned with narrowed eyes. “While I need you and your healing expertise, I won’t take your insults lying down. You amuse me, but don’t get too comfortable.”
I’m not scared of you,” I said, and I raised my chin defiantly. “You talk a big game, but I know you aren’t going to hurt me. You said it yourself… you need me.”
“Sure,” he remarked, and then he crossed his arms against his chest, and took a step forward. My heart. thrummed in my chest, and though I’d said I wasn’t afraid, I suddenly had the feeling of a prey being cornered by a predator. It took all of my strength to remain in control of my emotions. “I do need you. But that doesn’t mean I’ll let you walk all over me. Don’t forget, I have your son after all.”
“You wouldn’t hurt him,” I said boldly. “Not if you want me to cooperate. I’m just trying to understand the point of all of this. What was your end game? Once Asher returns, everything is just going to go back to normal. You can’t defeat him.”
Kaleb let out a short, cruel laugh. “You may be clever, but you fail to see the truth. How could everything go back to normal when one of your Packs is suffering from that curious disease?”
Chapter 186 You may be clever, but
He took a step closer. “Since the only sorcerer who could possibly invent a cure is dead, how ever will you be able to save those poor people in that Pack?”
My blood turned to ice in my veins as I stared at him in disbelief. The king of Yurene continued to speak.
“You and your assistant are quite good,” he remarked. “I had never expected you to find the source of the disease so quickly. But sadly, you weren’t clever enough.”
Once he finished speaking, his smile widened and he stepped over to the railing of the bridge. He leaned against it and stared out at the water.
I hadn’t noticed it when I had first walked on the bridge, but now, I could see that the foreign king’s entire figure was covered in shadows cast from a tall tree not far away.
While I looked at him from where I stood, I felt as if I was staring at a devil who had just ascended from the abyss. He wasn’t the man I thought he was. He was a villain, through and through.
Chapter 187 Make the right decision
ADALYN
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d stared at Asher’s sleeping face so closely. As my eyes trailed over him and took in the handsomeness of his high cheekbones, his chiseled jaw, and his long dark eyelashes, I wondered if perhaps I’d never done it at all.
I had never had an opportunity to get so close to him in such a private space where it was only the two of us. Though I was his wife, officially and legally, we never had the opportunity to consummate our marriage. Asher had made it perfectly clear since the beginning that this marriage was solely for the sake of Marco.
But how could he let me wither like a dried flower?
And how dare he ignore me completely when that healer turned up?
I didn’t understand. While some thought me vain, I simply saw it as having confidence in myself. I was at catch, after all. I took great time and care to meticulously groom myself for his benefit. Daily, I brushed and oiled my long dark hair, I bathed myself in artisanal products crafted from one of the most expensive stores in Anemond, and my perfume was one of a kind. I was an expert at applying my makeup and spent many long hours perfecting my seductive glances.
So, why didn’t any of that work on Asher?
A divorce was forthcoming. I could sense it. Despite all of my efforts, he wanted to be with that plain. healer. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, Father was night. There was nothing I could do about that.
Asher would get anything he wanted, as he was the Alpha King. And even if I wanted to, I couldn’t bring harm to that vile healer. Margaret had only detained her maid, and that had ended poorly.
Since I couldn’t bring harm to Cassandra Keller, I had to take matters into my own hands and go in al
different direction.
Asher Collins wasn’t behaving properly as an Alpha King, and this needed to be corrected.
I watched his face closely and found myself craving his kiss. It was all I wanted, really, but I couldn’t do that. What would be the point of kissing him if he was unconscious? I no longer wished to be a pathetic woman who loved him secretly. I wanted him to know how deeply I was in love with him and that I would do anything to prove it.
Anything.
Thankfully, it wouldn’t be long if Father’s plan worked out smoothly. Of course, his plans always worked out, so there was a high likelihood of things going in my favor
So, I carefully and quietly stood up from the seat beside the bed. I paused for a moment to make sure that Asher hadn’t heard me, and once I was in the clear, I smiled down at the sleeping Alpha King and blew a kiss in
Chapter 187 Make the right decision
his direction.
We would be together soon enough.
I treaded softly across the wood floors until I reached the door. I lingered for a moment and then shut– the door behind me as I exited.
As I stepped into the corridor, I noticed Silas was leaning against the wall opposite me. His golden eyes, the same shade as mine, were distant, and his mouth was drawn into a thin line. He ran a hand
through his hair, as he often did when he was deep in thought, and then sighed.
Poor, tortured Silas. Ever the wounded soul.
I rolled my eyes and resisted the urge to laugh. He was so pathetic, honestly, always thinking that he was above us all. My father’s care and adoration had made him arrogant and aloof. He’d placed distance between us as we’d grown older, and the further he’d pulled away, the more resentment had formed between us.
I had no intention of speaking with him, but as I began to walk, he turned to look at me.
“Adalyn?” he asked, and I stopped in place when he tried to follow me.
“He doesn’t want anyone to bother him right now,” I practically groaned in annoyance. “The Alpha King needs rest and time to think alone.“”
Despite my words, Sillas didn’t seem to believe me. He ignored me completely and turned around to head toward the door. I swiftly moved and stood between him and the door.
“You should really listen to me, Silas,” I said as I glared at him. “Bes des, this is what Father wants.”
My brother frowned in confusion. “What does any of this have to do with Father?”
I smiled back at him. “Why else would I be here?”
Silas‘ face hardened and his lean body stiffened as the realization came crashing over him. He looked shocked, more shocked than I was when Father had told me about the plan.
My brother was so pathetic.
No wonder Father trusted me over him now.
I was almost giddy at the thought. This felt good.
“You must be out of your mind,” Silas practically growled. “What have you gotten yourself into, Adalyn?”
“I’ve never been clearer than I am now” I said with a small laugh. “I know what I’m doing and that it’s going to be the best thing for Asher.”
I
Silas shook his head slowly and then straightened up to his full height. I was quite tall, but my brother was much taller. That being said, I couldn’t be intimidated by him anymore. He didn’t scare me like he thought he could, and I wasn’t about to roll over and show him my belly like a weakling.
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Chapter 157 Make the right decision
“Get out of my way,” he snarled, “Or else I’ll force you to do so.”
I laughed and shook my head. “Even if you got inside, Silas, nothing can be changed. The Alpha King was tired and needed rest. He wouldn’t be able to listen to your nonsense even if he wanted to.”
Silas‘ eyes narrowed in anger and I watched him put two and two together. Though he was thoroughly Irritating, he wasn’t stupid, and he seemed to understand what had happened right away.
“You drugged the Alpha King.” he uttered.
I shrugged and smirked at him. “I had hoped Asher would take care of himself. He needed rest. Hadn’t you noticed how haggard he looked? He needed rest, and as his wife, it’s my responsibility to make the right decisions for him.”
A laugh rose up from my throat as satisfaction coursed through me. I didn’t have opportunities like this often. Silas had always been the golden boy. He had always been smarter, stronger, and more loved than I was But now… the tables had turned, and I was the apple of Father’s eye. He had trusted me with this, not him.
I wouldn’t let Silas ruin this moment for me.
“I would suggest you don’t make a fuss about this,“I noted as my lips curled into a mocking smile. “You wouldn’t want anyone to find out what happened to the King of Wegalla. Even if you tried to claim you had nothing to do with it… well, there are ways of getting around that.”
“You’re sick,” Silas uttered in disgust. “Evil.”
“Whatever you say.” I remarked, unphased. “Now move along and spread the word if you please. The Alpha King won’t be able to answer any requests for the next few days. He needs his rest.”
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Chapter 188 Beta’s loyalty
P
ADALYN
As my words set in, a familiar expression appeared on Silas‘ face. I hadn’t seen it in years, and it sent a wave of satisfaction through me.
My brother was at a loss again.
No matter how tall and strong he now looked, he was still that poor little boy who didn’t even dare to cry for his stupid dead bird.
He clenched his fist at his side and stared at me as if he wanted to smash it directly into my face, but I knew he wouldn’t do that. He was a pathetic wimp, a fool with a wavering heart.
It would be his downfall.
I was sure of it.
After a long, steady silence, Silas seemed defeated. When he finally spoke, his voice sounded meek.
“Father can’t do this,” he muttered, but it was clear by his expression that he didn’t believe his own words. We both knew what Father was capable of. He appeared helpless, though he tried his best to hide that. “1 thought Father wouldn’t…”
His words trailed off and I kept waiting for him to finish his sentence, but he never did.
An uncomfortable pause resumed once again and I tried to imagine what he was thinking about. His gold eyes were distant and his every feature was timid, as if he were a child rather than a grown man.
I never understood my little brother. To be more exact, I never tried to understand him. Why would I want to do so? Silas had always been the one to receive endless amounts of attention and doting from the family ever since his birth. Ever since his arrival, he had taken everything away from me. No matter how much I achieved, no matter how well I excelled, it was never enough. Silas was the one who mattered most.
So, why would I ever want to understand him?
As petty as it sounded, it made me feel good to see him in this state of stupid agony. This feeling had been the exact reason I’d told Father all those years ago about that little bird of his. Sure, I could have remained silent and allowed my brother to continue taking care of the creature, but I’d seen an opportunity to mess with him and took it just as he’d taken everything from me.
I’d carried around this heavy resentment for Silas for so long that I could hardly remember the pleasant days before he’d ever been born. Maybe back then, I had been more like Cora, a girl who led a happy life with love from everyone around her, a girl who’d dreamt about being one of the leading warriors for this country.
Hazily, I could remember that back then, I had a dream like Cora, and my ambition had been no smaller. I
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Chapter 188 Beta’s loyalty
might have even believed that I would become the future Beta, the first one in Wegalla’s history.
But as I tried to think back on those dreams, I couldn’t determine if I’d truly had them or if it’d been a figment of my imagination.
Of course, none of that mattered now. Even if I’d dreamed of becoming the Beta of the Crescent Pack and warrior of Wegalla, Silas had arrived and taken Father’s former position. He was a male, after all, so he was the favored choice.
Silas finally spoke and interrupted my thoughts with a clearing of his throat.
“You and Father made a wrong move,” he warned. “A very wrong one. You both have made the hugest mistake, sister, and the whole family will be ashamed when they find out.”
I was taken aback by his declaration for a moment.
Silas had called me “sister“, perhaps for the first time in years.
I had to admit that I was surprised by this appellation. As far as I knew, Silas hadn’t called me that since the death of his bird, and I wasn’t sure why he was claiming me as family all of a sudden. Maybe he was trying to provoke a sense of closeness, or he was trying to show some softness in an attempt to coax me into doing what he wanted.
Either way, I wouldn’t be manipulated, not anymore.
“We shouldn’t spoil our responsibility and loyalty as Betas,” he said, and I blurted out a laugh.
“Betas,” I repeated back ironically. “No one has ever called me a Beta. They always say ‘Beta Silas” and “Beta Oliver‘, but never ‘Beta Adalyn‘. I’ve only ever been called a lady. You can’t imagine what that’s like, can you? To be reduced to nothing more than just a lady, when I come from one of the most prestigious families in Wegalla?”
I supposed Silas would never understand me either, because he then blurted out “Regardless of what people of the court say, you shouldn’t do this to the Alpha King. Adalyn. There could be no way back
from this. Imagine what’s going to happen when Asher wakes up. Things might seem exciting and grand now, but you can’t see from your excitement that actions have consequences.”
His expression softened. “Please, Adalyn. You don’t have to be Father’s pawn, Let me go in there and we can pretend this never happened.”
I supposed if he wasn’t speaking total nonsense, I might have been moved by his kind tone. He spoke in a way that suggested that he was really concerned about me as my brother.
But what he said was nothing more than complete and utter shit.
Had he ever imagined what my life would become if I just stood aside and watched that vile healer, Cassandra Keller, step into our world? If Asher were to divorce me and marry such a plain, backwoods girl, I would be the laughingstock of the entire Pack, if not the entire country. Who would want me after Asher cast me aside, and what would become of Prince Marco? Would we be expelled from the palace, from the only life we’d ever known?
Chapter 188 Beta’s loyalty
Had he ever thought about any of that?
No. No, he only cared about himself. Even if Asher and I divorced, he would maintain his place in the Pack. He would remain revered and then pass on his title and position to whatever children he spawned with his lowly mate, that horridly poor girl who worked with Cassandra.
His life would go uninterrupted.
But I would be in ruin.
I let out a short laugh again and then stared at Silas coldly.
“You can stop talking to me like I’m some pathetic, malleable child,” I snarled, and I shook my head back and forth. “You don’t get to tell me what to do. I’m in charge now, so here’s how it’s gonna go, Silas. You have two choices. You could either run downstairs and tell them I’ve drugged the Alpha King, or you could remain silent and act according to Father’s plan.”
He started to speak, but I raised my hand and stopped him.
“Don’t forget, dear brother, that you have a new bird back in Anemond now,” I reminded him quietly, and then I gave him the cruelest, most mocking smile I could manage. “So I would suggest you make a wise decision if you don’t want her to die.”
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Chapter 189 What a devil want
CASSANDRA
When my brother Ector and I were children, we would often get ourselves into a great deal of mischief.
At the end of the day, it was mostly just us having fun and messing about, but sometimes, when we were particularly naughty kids, Erika would sit us down and tell us stories. Once I reached adulthood, I realized these stories were meant to get us to settle down and listen to her, but at the time, I took every word as a warning.
Erika told us tales about ghosts and devils alike. While the ghosts were there to frighten us, the devils had different intentions in mind. As the fire in the fireplace blazed behind her, the maid would gesture for us to sit closer, and she’d tell us all about the devils.
The devils, she said, would drag naughty children down the ground. They were horribly ruthless, terrible creatures, and if a kid was snatched and taken by a devil, they would never be able to return to their homes and families.
The solemnity of Erika’s tone coupled with the chilling tales would scare me to the core. I would swear repeatedly that I would behave myself and be a good girl out of fear that a devil would seize me and take me away to some unknown abyss.
But Ector was another story. My golden–haired, brave brother would argue with the maid and insist that since Father could protect us, how would the devils even get to us?
Erika always found a way to explain it away. Devils were good at disguising themselves, she told us. They would appear to be kind and gentle, but deep down, they were extremely evil, vile monsters, with
hearts made of pitch–black onyx.
While my brother would insist that he didn’t believe in such stories, he would always discipline himself for a couple of days after they were told.
If Ector were here now, I could prove to him that what Erika had told us so long ago was virtually the truth. A devil could be smiling and well–mannered. He could be a literal wolf in sheep’s clothing, but that didn’t change the rotten, inner core within.
But I also recalled that I had once gone to my father because I’d been so frightened of the devil’s story. I’d asked him what to do if I was captivated by a well–disguised devil, and I remembered him saying with light laugh that I should remain calm and simply ask what he wanted.
Back then, I didn’t think Father was serious about my question, but as I thought about it more and more, standing on this bridge with Kaleb, I realized he was right.
What did the devil want?
I studied the king of Yurene for a moment and then asked the question that had been lingering in the back of my mind.
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Chapter 189 What a devil want
“Was Emmett a sorcerer?” I asked him.
Though he didn’t answer at once, his expression seemed to prove my speculation to be true. His forehead. crinkled slightly and he gave a small frown, but recovered quickly and resumed his usual,
mocking smile.
“Is that why you want me to go to the North with you?” I spoke again. “Because you think I might have gotten something from Emmett? I can assure you that I know nothing about any of that. I didn’t even know Emmett was involved in sorcery until very recently”
The foreign king tilted his head slightly and when he still didn’t speak, I continued on.
“Whatever the problem between you and Emmett was, I had nothing to do with it, and there’s nothing I can do,” I stated in an attempt to emphasize my lack of involvement. “Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t apply any of the sorceries to save your father… that is, if your father is even truly ill. Spike might have been able to contribute, but now that’s no longer an option.
Kaleb’s brow arched at the mention of his father, and then his mouth twitched ever so slightly.
“It wasn’t a lie,” he murmured. “My father’s illness. But unfortunately, even if that fool, Spike, was alive, he wouldn’t be able to help. My father already passed away.”
He looked away
for a moment and when he turned back to me, his face was desolate. His gaze lingered, and then he took a step away and leaned against the other side of the railing. He stared out at the lake and then shook his head.
“I now understand why you resisted so badly against the idea of you coming with me North to Yurene,” he mused. “You seem to consider me a villain. But I don’t think I am, not truly. Once you see the other side of the story, once you get the bigger picture, you might find that what I’m doing is justified, Cassandra.”
“Really,” I uttered, and I clenched my jaw in frustration. “And what kind of story will it be exactly?”
Kaleb turned around and lifted his chin to look at the sun. Despite the shadows cast by the trees beyond us, the sun blazed golden in the sky and shimmered off of the lake’s water. The king studied it for a moment and then smiled.
“It would be a story that you will definitely take an interest in,” he remarked vaguely. “A story about Wegalla, the country you’re so devoted to. Since we still have some time before our departure, I see no reason not to elaborate more. Perhaps, you might change your mind after hearing it.”
Tm failing to see any reason why I should believe any story you tell me,” I fired back, and this time, I narrowed my eyes at him. “Everything about yourself… your nature, your kindness, your motivations… all have been lies. You’re not the person you led me to believe you were back when we first met in the market. So, why should I believe you now?”
The king of Yurene smirked and then shrugged his broad shoulders. “You don’t have to, Cassandra. You could choose to believe whatever you wanted because that’s what most people in your position would do.”
He stood up straighter and used his long–fingered hand to shield his eyes. “The sun is starting to grow piercing. So, why don’t you and I return to the palace and find a cozy room to have some tea? Then, I can tell you my story.”
Chapter 189 What a devil want
I stared back at him momentarily and didn’t know how to react. Part of me wanted to rebuff this entire Idea and run away. Perhaps I could find one of Asher’s more trusted guards and explain the situation, grant myself some protection along with Erika, Becky, and Finnick.
But deep down, I knew what I had to do. It was clear that this villainous, foreign king, wasn’t going to stop until he got what he wanted. I could be putting everyone, myself included, in even more danger if I
didn’t cooperate and do as he asked.
So, I took a long, deep breath, thought again about my father and his advice on how to deal with devils, and simply nodded at Kaleb. Whatever he had to tell me, I knew it was going to be interesting.
Chapter 190 History
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CASSANDRA
I wasn’t sure what kind of game Kaleb was playing, but from the moment I agreed to hear his story, his mocking and arrogant demeanor shifted to that of a much kinder gentleman. It was as if he slipped his old mask back on and was the strange yet charming foreign king I’d first encountered in the market of Anemond.
As we walked back to Merliscire, he walked alongside me, and his guards lingered about ten feet back to give us some privacy. While my guard was still up around the trio from Yurene, I had a strong feeling that Kaleb was behaving somewhat genuinely.
When we finally reached the palace, my heart began to race in anticipation, but then the king turned to me and cleared his throat.
“Before we get on with this, I will take you to see Erika and Finnick,” he announced, and he gestured to the corridor before us. “So you know that I am being true to my word.”
My lips parted in surprise and my voice caught in my throat, so I simply nodded in response.
He then led me to a door at the end of the corridor, which was flanked by a few tall, muscular guards. They bowed to Kaleb in respect and after he flicked his hand, they parted and allowed us to enter the room.
I steeled myself for a terrible sight, but much to my surprise, Erika and Finnick were seated on a large, plush couch. The curtains were drawn open and sunlight flooded the room.
“Mommy!” Finnick exclaimed happily and he rushed over to me and threw his arms around me. “Mommy, you’re okay!”
I intercepted him gladly and drew him close. “Hi, baby. Yes, I’m okay. Are you alright?”
We stood there for a moment and then Finnick pulled away.
“We’re okay,” he said with a nod, and his gray eyes were serious as they stared into mine. “Auntie Erika and I have been sitting on this nice couch. She’s been telling me stories.”
“That’s wonderful,” I replied, and I shot a grateful expression toward Erika. The maid sent me one of her own and then I turned back to Finnick. “Finnick, I have some things I have to do, but I’ll see you really soon, alright? Be good for Auntie Erika. Everything is going to be fine.”
“I will,” my son swore. He hugged me again, and after I gave Erika one last glance, Kaleb held the door open for me and we stepped back out into the corridor.
“I told you,” he replied once the door was closed and the guards stepped back into place. “Safe and sound.”
I remained silent as the Northern king led me to another room. Though I’d told them that everything would
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Chapter 190 History
be fine, I wasn’t so certain I believed it myself.
We took a seat in a pair of plush chairs by a window, and after a set of Northern guards served us some tea, they stood aside and turned their attention to the door. I held the cup in my hands but didn’t
sip. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen and didn’t want to risk Kaleb poisoning me or something.
“So, Cassandra, if you’re ready, I’ll begin,” Kaleb remarked, and after I nodded, he crossed his legs and fixed his steady gaze upon me.
I had believed that Kaleb was going to avoid the key point and just tell me some banal story he made up in an attempt to get on my nerves, but I was quickly proven wrong. In fact, he began to speak about something that I had been wondering about for a long time and seemed to clear up some of my confusion.
It was a story about the establishment of Wegalla and the demise of Ewonmiams. According to Kaleb’s version of the story, the very first king of Wegala was a bastard who stole the fruit from the leader of the Ewonmiams. He abandoned them after he came into power and despite what they had done for him, he decided to hunt all of the sorcerors down and destroy them.
That was why the Ewonmiams were an unspoken secret in Wegalla.
The king had covered up their existence and wiped them from history.
As he spoke, I wished I had paid more attention to the history classes I’d taken in my youth, or at least had taken more time to read through that dusted book I’d found in the secret room of the royal library so I knew enough to refute Kaleb’s story.
Was it a coincidence that the founding of Wegalla and the demise of Ewonmiams happened nearly at the same time in history? Or was he telling the truth?
Kaleb continued speaking, mentioning that the surviving sorcerors ran and lived in shadows. They’d remained hidden away until decades ago when they formed a new Pack and named themselves Dark Abyss. Their motivation was revenge on the people who had forsaken them and cast them into the
darkness, but they were not as powerful as they had been in the old days, so they started to look for collaborators who could help aid their mission.
“My father,” he said with a strange expression on his face. “The former king of Yurene was at the top of their list.”
A frown formed on my lips. “I’m confused. I thought there was a battle between Yurene and Dark Abyss.”
Kaleb nodded. “There was a battle indeed. Not between Yurene and Dark Abyss, but between a secret troop of Wegalla and Dark Abyss. As soon as Dark Abyss made their move and revealed themselves from their hiding place in the shadows, Wegalla acknowledged their existence. It all became… complicated.*
“How so?” I wondered.
“The king of Wegalla wanted them to die,” he replied. “But soon, it became a greater dispute due to the magic Dark Abyss possessed. Wegalla and Yurene both wanted their power, you seo.”
I shook my head in confusion. “But that would be nonsense. Why would Wegalla want the power of black
Chapter 190 History
magic when it was strictly prohibited in the country?”
“It’s not a matter of wanting or not,” Kaleb said thoughtfully. “It was a matter of need, a matter of possession. It might be true that Wegalla could choose to own but not utilize the power and just kill all the sorcerors, as was its initial plan, but with Yurene involved… the stakes were different. It was competition, a race to see who could seize the power of Dark Abyss.”
He sighed. “Ultimately, there was no winner, of course. Both kings ended up getting the disease and had to let go of the sorcerer they were chasing.
My eyes widened in shock as I stared at him in surprise. Had Kaleb just said that Asher’s father had gotten infected with the disease? Was that why his physical condition deteriorated with no specific reason?
But Kaleb didn’t give me time to ponder these questions as he continued.
“The sorcerer they wanted to capture was Emmett Keller’s father,” he revealed suddenly, “Of course….his surname wasn’t Keller. Keller was the name of the poor family who offered them shelter, until the sorcerer’s wife gave birth to their son.”
My lips parted as I tried to make sense of what he was telling me.
The Kellers weren’t truly the Kellers?
They were imposters?
“After their son was born, the sorcerer family left Wild Cralwer, but before they did, the sorcerer gave the Kellers a magical amulet they could use to alert the sorcerer if they were ever in danger. The amulet, unfortunately, brought them bad luck. Everyone believed that the Kellers were murdered by a bunch of robbers, but that wasn’t the truth.”
“Then what was?” I blurted out boldly.
“They were all brutally executed by the king,” Kaleb replied matter–of–factly. “Even their youngest. All because they couldn’t tell him where the sorcerer family had gone. After all, they had no idea where they’d gone in the first place. But the king didn’t care about that. When the sorcere got the news it was too late.”
I shook my head as I processed this information.
“Was Emmett the name of the innocent child who was killed?” I wondered slowly as the realization: crossed my mind.
“Yes,” the king of Yurene confirmed. “Very good. And later, it became the name of the sorcerer’s son who, after all of those years, decided to return to Wild Crawler and live his life as a healer.