Ch. 136..140: The Rogue is a Female Alpha chapter 136-140
Back Where 136
The night had settled over us, and I stood at the window, staring at the amulet necklace in my palm. This text is hosted at find•novel.net
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I hadn’t worn it since morning, and I had my reasons. As much as I appreciated Lycannar’s gift, and his presence in my life, I respected him and his responsibilities too.
While I was his woman, I was also my own woman. I was an Alpha, a younger sister to the best brother, and I had to do what was necessary without burdening/anyone.
“It looks so beautiful,” Dessyn’s voice came from behind me. “Won’t you wear it?”
A few seconds of silence fell before I shook my head and turned to look at her. She sat on the bed, all her attention on me.
“If I put it on, Lycannar will feel it whenever I’m in danger,” I said quietly. “And he will definitely worry. I don’t want that.”
“Zephyr…” she sighed, panic flashing in her eyes. “I still think you shouldn’t go alone. What if… what if the Mirror Monger is also a villain? I really think you should tell the Lycan King where you’re going. What if you need help in there?”
“Dessyn…”
“I understand you’re an Alpha, with combat skills and everything else. You’re an Ashmere, and your kind don’t die easily. But…” she paused, swallowing hard, her trembling fingers giving her away. “Zephyr, I can’t lose you. I still hate Varyn to this night for leaving me, but I can forgive him because he would’ve returned if he hadn’t been betrayed on the battlefield. But you… I won’t forgive you if you don’t come back.”
Her words came fast, breathless. I left the window and approached her, gently sitting on the bed to search her eyes. The tears had already welled up, fear written all over her face and I knew why.
“You have too many enemies, too many people who envy you for being an Ashmere, a female Alpha, and the King’s woman. You need backup. Jurrek begged to accompany you. He’s your second in command on the battlefield and your beta. Moon wants to go too. He’s no longer just a foot soldier, and he’s saved your life before. He could save you again, Zephyr. Please just…”
I cut her off by taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. Just then a knock came, and after a brief silence, the door opened.
Blue walked in and bowed.
“My lady, it’s time for your night bath.”
For a while, I stared into the blank space. At last, I turned to her and nodded. A bath would help. I might not know when I’d have another, not knowing if I’d return at all.
“Make the water. I’ll be there soon,” I said, and she nodded, retreating into the bath chamber. When the door closed, I turned back to Dessyn, holding her gaze.
“Blue will be in your care, Dessyn. She is precious to me. You’ll protect her, won’t you?”
12:54 Sat, Sep 6 G
She looked at me, surprised, before nodding. But I tightened my grip on her hand.
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“Someone may come for her. Anyone. Make sure she never leaves your sight. Don’t send her on errands alone. And if anything rises beyond your understanding, go to Lycannar. Promise me.”
Dessyn searched my eyes, her voice barely above a whisper.
“You sound serious. What is it with Blue?”
I swallowed hard and sighed.
“You’ll know when the time comes.”
No sooner had I spoken than the bath chamber door opened again, and Blue appeared.
“My lady, the water is ready.”
“Call my beta and Moon,” I said, and she nodded, leaving quickly. Moments later, she returned with Moon, who trailed behind her. Jurrek hesitated at the door. In Ash Pack tradition, men were forbidden to enter the chambers of women they weren’t bound to. But after a moment’s pause, he stepped inside.
I noticed Moon already dressed as if he had decided to follow me, with or without my consent.
“Jurrek, you’ll return to the pack,” I told him softly as he stood with arms crossed. “Attend to it in my absence. Tell the elders and my family I’m on a mission and will return when I’m done. In the meantime, prepare the invitation scrolls. When I come back, I’ll hold a ceremony.”
Jurrek went quiet for a long time before finally nodding.
“You’ll write to me if you need backup, right?”
I shifted my gaze to Moon before answering.
“Moon is enough as my backup. I’ll be fine.”
I rose from the bed and entered the bath chamber, Blue trailing behind me. She moved close, gently pulling off my gown as I stepped into the pool. The water warmed my skin, but when it touched the claw marks on my arm, a shiver shot down my spine.
I noticed Blue freeze.
Her eyes widened at the sight of the scars, her face paling.
“My… my lady…”
“You’ll keep it a secret from everyone,” I cut her off gently. “And you’ll be careful while I’m gone.”
“My lady…”
“I’ll be leaving tonight. And deep down, I know I won’t return for a while. Stay with Dessyn and listen to her. She will keep you safe. If anything troubles you, or even the slightest discomfort comes–go to Lycannar immediately. He’ll grant you audience. I know he will. Do you understand?”
She didn’t respond. She didn’t even breathe. Only tears welled in her eyes before spilling down her cheeks.
A lump formed in my throat, but I forced it down and looked away, steadying myself. Doubt pressed at me,
heavy.
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Here I was, heading to an unknown place, to meet an unknown man. Yes, I am an Alpha, an Ashmere. But I
wasn’t entirely whole. The claw marks on my arm were weakening me, bit by bit. I could feel it.
But before my strength failed, I had to make this journey.
I had to find my brother.
Back Where 137
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I can hear the distant liveliness of my people at the night market, the shattering of laughter and haggling of trade. It almost makes me smile. Almost.
But I turn it off and keep my focus on the report I am approving with the royal stamp. I am still in the royal chamber with my beta.
The elders have left, including my uncle Dareth, but Baron remains, seated a few chairs away, reading the report aloud while I do the needful.
Having a beta makes the work easier, and I value his service. He is hardworking, professional, and never crosses the line, which I appreciate. I am not close to any of my cousins, nor do I wish to be.
“This is the last report, Your Majesty,” he says, and I press the stamp to it. He takes it away, stacking it with the others, a sigh leaving his lips.
Just then, the door opens and my aunt Eiryn, his mother, enters, bowing briefly in my direction.
“Baron, my dear,” she says warmly, “you must be tired. I just arrived. Are you done for the day?”
Her voice is laced with affection, and they share a smile.
I glance at that bond, then lower my gaze to swallow hard. Their laughter echoes, stirring a dull ache in my chest. My eyes drift to the runes carved into the back of my palm. A spell etched into my skin to help me sleep after spilling too much blood.
I never had a mother’s love. She died giving birth to me, and I was branded her murderer.
The woman who tried to act as one, Blue’s mother, I killed her myself.
Sadness clouds my heart, and with it comes the faintest sound of mockery, echoing from the distance. My father’s voice, a hallucination. Slowly, I close my eyes to shut it out.
Footsteps approach. My lids flutter open to see my two sisters stepping into the throne chamber, smiles gracing their lips.
“Baby brother, are you done for today?” Serena asks, while Mearez steps closer, her tender palm resting on my shoulder.
Their presence soothes me like balm, and the heaviness of not having a mother fades in an instant.
“You must be hungry. I am starving,” Mearez says before taking a seat.
Her gaze lands on our aunt, and her face lights in surprise.
“Aunt Eiryn, I didn’t notice you.”
“You have been working so hard, how could you?” our aunt replies, then turns her eyes to me. I feel her stare, though I refuse to meet it. “Your Majesty, how do you find my son’s service to you?”
I do not answer. Before I can, a shift in energy washes over me. The arrival of Chantel.
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I ignore her question and turn toward the entrance, where Chantel enters. He does not speak at first, only stands there, his aura heavy. Something is wrong.
“Tell me,” I demand.
“You are needed in the Demon Realm,” he replies, and I pause.
He has not returned until now since last night. That alone means something gravely serious.
“Is my brother Hades well?” I ask, but instead of answering, Chantel pulls out a glass cylinder, the one containing my letter. My heart sinks.
I feel my sisters tense beside me. My aunt and Baron lean forward, eager to listen.
“The Demon King asked me to deliver this,” Chantel says, placing the decree before me.
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For a long moment, I stare at it before opening it. The words inside make my blood run cold.
I rise at once and head toward the portal! If Hades truly seeks to abandon his claim as the next king, then something dire has happened. The rightful source is FindN()vel.net
I pause briefly at the dining hall, swallowing down my unease.
“Lycannar,” Mearez’s voice trembles, drawing my eyes. She looks frightened. Serena does too.
“I will go and check on my brother Hades. You two must not leave the kingdom until I return,” I say firmly. Then, turning to Chantel, who has followed, I add, “Protect them both until I return. I will not be gone longer than necessary.”
There is no time for proper goodbyes. I am in such a rush I can hardly breathe. I do not kiss them farewell.
I only turn away, striding down the dark hall until I emerge outside, where the wide ocean waits.
It has been five years since I last set foot in the Demon Realm. I left then for one reason, and now I return for another.
Without hesitation, I step into the sea, summoning my power, my strength, my senses, opening the gate of the other world wide enough to slip through.
And as I cross, one thought grips me.
Zephyrine.
She has not worn the amulet. I noticed this morning and was surprised. But then I decided… perhaps she does not want me close.
Perhaps I have frightened her too much with my mysteries.
Perhaps that is why she refuses to put it on.
Perhaps.
Back Where 138
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An old shop. That was where Jurrek had directed me to find the Mirror Monger. Moon and I had departed from White Pack last night, and now I sat on the back of my great white horse, staring at the shop.
I could feel Moon’s eyes on me from behind. As the Mirror Monger had requested in his letter, he wanted me to come alone, so Moon stayed back, watching from a concealed place. At any sign of danger, he would show himself, but somehow, I doubted I would have any trouble here.
Finally, I dismounted and patted my mare’s mane before walking into the shop. The bell above the door chimed as I pushed it open, but no one was in sight.
All I saw were old books and strange ancient relics scattered about. For a moment, I hesitated, then headed deeper inside, stepping carefully. I had nearly reached the counter when a man suddenly appeared from the side.
I froze at his sudden presence, and he too startled, even letting out a small yelp. He looked like a shopkeeper, an old man with gray hair. I studied him, wondering if he was the Mirror Monger, but the odd way he stared at me told me otherwise.
“Fine lady,” he said. “The energy oozing out of you isn’t ordinary. Where are you from? Why are you here?”
I looked at him without replying, then lowered my gaze.
“I am Zephyrine Ashmere of the Ash Pack. I came to see the Mirror Monger.”
Silence fell. He stared at me in awe, his jaw slowly dropping before he bowed low.
“Forgive me, my lady. I didn’t know you were the Alpha my master has been waiting for.”
I raised a brow.
“Master?”
“Yes. The Mirror Monger. He has been expecting you. In fact, he left just this morning, leaving behind a letter. It was almost as if he knew you would come today.”
I said nothing as he fetched the letter from behind the counter and handed it to me. I took it, nodded, and stepped aside to read.
The message made my jaw tighten. The Mirror Monger claimed he had waited hours for me, but since I hadn’t appeared, he left for his citadel. If I truly cared about finding my brother, he wrote, I should meet him there.
My shoulders sagged at the words. Slowly, I turned toward the exit, staring at the door blankly for a long while. Then I stepped out, took my horse’s reins, and began walking away.
I had just left the shop behind when Moon emerged to join me. He studied my face, then dismounted to walk beside me, leading his horse.
“You didn’t meet him?”
I shook my head. Newest update provided by Find1Novel.net
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“He’s gone. He wants us to meet him at his citadel. It’s a day’s journey if we start tomorrow. Tonight, we’ll stay at an inn. The roads are dangerous.”
Moon nodded, and we walked in silence until we reached an old inn half an hour later. Moon went inside to arrange things while I led the horses to the stable. After patting my mare, I turned to head in only to collide with a staggering drunk.
The ale in his cup spilled down my dress. He stumbled back, scowling.
“Watch where you’re going, lady!” he snapped.
Before I could speak, Moon appeared from the counter, pulling me behind him protectively.
“You should be the one watching where you’re going,” he said sharply. Then he tugged me away.
When we were alone in the hall, he stopped to look me over for any injuries, but I shook my head.
“I’m fine.”
“That drunk,” he muttered under his breath, anger in his voice.
I smiled faintly.
“I’m fine.”
“That’s a relief. But we have a problem. There’s only one room available. Two beds. I’ve taken it, but you can have the space. I’ll spend the night in…” His words faltered when he noticed my expression.
I gave him a small smile and
Odded
“It’s fine. We can share a room.”
“But…”
“It’s really fine. Let’s go. I’m tired.”
Moon hesitated but led the way down the hall. I remained rooted for a moment, turning my gaze toward the bar where the drunk still sat, drinking heavily. Somehow, I couldn’t help but think of him.
Lycannar.
If he were here, that drunk wouldn’t live to see morning.
I sighed and followed Moon, letting the reality sink in. Moon was a knight in shining armor, He cared for me and would do everything to keep me safe. But Lycannar… Lycannar was a devil wrapped in a black cloak. His care was suffocating, choking, and terrifying even to himself. He would do not just the good, but anything and everything to protect me.
That was the difference between a soft, gentle lover like Moon and a gray, dangerous man like Lycannar.
Back Where 139
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It was a very cold night, the breeze swirling around the corridor as I stood with my arms folded across my chest, staring out at the horizon.
I had been surprised at how much Moon paid for the room until I saw it had a corridor of its own. My thoughts wandered back to the Mirror Monger, the man who claimed to know my brother’s whereabouts. To be honest, I was… nervous.
I lowered my gaze with a quiet sigh. I was running out of time. I could feel it. The claw mark from Lycannar still burned on my skin, a dull, relentless pain. I had believed it would heal soon, but now I wasn’t so sure. Why wouldn’t it fade? Why was Lycannar’s slash so deadly?
Blinking, I looked out again at the endless night. My thoughts betrayed me. What would he be doing at this very moment? Sitting in his black tower, perhaps reading, or already in bed, or… My throat tightened when a darker thought settled. What if he was with another woman?
No. No, he wouldn’t do that to me.
I was still wrestling with the ache of my own thoughts when I heard soft footsteps. Moon came to stand quietly at my side.
“You’re sure you won’t take any dinner?” he asked.
I nodded. I had no appetite anyway.
Silence stretched between us as we both stared into the night. Then I felt his gaze shift, lingering on me. His sigh was soft, almost lost to the wind.
“You miss him, don’t you?”
I turned my head slightly, meeting his searching eyes. I knew exactly who he meant.
“I have nothing more to do with Nyroth,” I said at last. “We’re more like strangers now.”
Moon studied me, then asked again, more carefully this time. Chapters first released on Find1Novel.net
“You must love His Majesty so much, to let him erase even your first love. Is he really that good?”
A small smile curved my lips despite myself, I turned away, but Moon’s eyes followed me,
“Tell me, Zephyr,” he pressed softly. “What is he like with you? In public he’s so… strange. He keeps his head down, rarely speaks. I still don’t understand how you fell for him.”
I breathed out slowly, then gave him a small smile.
“Lycannar is… romantic, in his own obsessive way. He’s beautiful, powerful… and so….” I broke into another helpless smile. “I don’t even know why I love him so much. All I know is he makes me feel alive. And I get jealous when he so much as mentions another woman.”
Moon went very quiet. Too quiet. It made me turn fully toward him, reading the pain etched across his face.
I had said too much.
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“You’re a woman of power and wealth,” he murmured. “I know you don’t love him for that. It must be… how he treats you.”
His eyes dropped, a sigh escaping his lips.
“How I wish I had treated you like that sooner. Maybe then…” He gave a small, sad smile, shrugged, and finished softly, “As long as you’re happy, Zephyr. As long as you’re happy and safe.”
The conversation had turned heavier than I wanted. I didn’t want to break his heart any more than I already had by ignoring the feelings I knew he carried for me.
I swallowed and forced a gentle smile.
“I’ll go to bed. Tomorrow will be a long day.”
“Yeah,” he said quietly. “I’ll join you soon.”
I left him there in the corridor. Inside, I found the bed already prepared. For a moment I paused, turning back to look through the doorway. Moon still stood where I had left him, staring into the night. I could almost feel his heart breaking. If only I could ease it. But instead, I turned away, slipped into bed, and lay down.
Time dragged, yet the moment my head touched the pillow, I drifted into a deep sleep. When I woke, it was with a scream and a violent jerk. Moon was beside the bed, worry carved into his face as the morning sunlight poured into the room.
“Zephyr, are you okay?” he asked urgently. “You’re
so pale… are you alright?”
Pale? Weakness clung to me like a fog. My limbs trembled as I rose without answering and hurried into the bath chamber. Shutting the door behind me, I rushed to the mirror, tearing at my dress to reveal my arm.
My heart plummeted. Instead of healing, the mark had w “ed. The c
into my skin.
Lycannar. What had he done to me? He must know the cure. He must
“Zephyr?” Moon’s knock rattled the door. His voice was laced with concern. open the door.”
blackened, spreading deeper
Phyr, are you alright? Please,
I stared at the claw mark again in the mirror, then forced myself to cover it. I washed my face briskly, trying to steady my breath, my resolve. This was not the time to crumble. I had to find Varyn. I had to see the Mirror Monger today. Moon Goddess, let him bring me good news. After that… I would seek healing.
I finally opened the door. Moon’s eyes widened at the sight of me.
“Are you okay?”
“I am,” I lied smoothly, though his frown told me he didn’t believe me.
“You were murmuring his name in your sleep,” he said quietly. “The Lycan King’s.”
My heart lurched, but I forced my face blank, brushing past him before he could see through me.
“I’m perfectly
fine.
Let’s get
going.”
Back Where 140
The first time I stepped into the Demon Realm, I carried thousands of questions, and the one who answered them was my stepbrother, Hades.
Finished
He explained why their sun sets and rises differently, why nearly everything in the Kingdom is black, and why they bear long fangs and horns.
It is because they are Demons, so unlike werewolves or Lycans, and they live far longer than us in the Mortal Realm. To them, our world is fragile and fleeting, but I… I can’t choose sides. I belong to both worlds, and I keep the peace between them.
As I stood before the Ocean now, I felt the gazes of everyone shift toward me. Just as the ocean portal exists in the Lycan Kingdom’s backyard, so too does the portal rest here, in the Demon Realm’s dark waters.
Most of them know me. They know my name, the blood I carry. They fear me, even though I have never once turned my eyes on them. They whisper behind my back, as though I were already guilty.
I had saved the Abyss from countless battles, cut down rivals so my stepfather could sit safely on his throne without challenge and still they feared me. Too dangerous, they say.
Dripping wet from the Ocean, I walked straight toward the castle, ignoring the bows and stares. Not when I could already sense Hades’s scent somewhere deep below.
“My goodness, it’s the Lycan prince.“]
“Prince? Haven’t you heard? He’s a king now.”
The whispers trailed behind me, but I gave them no heed.
I halted suddenly in the hallway. Evening shadows clung to the walls as I turned toward the royal chamber, intending to greet my stepfather, the Demon King. But the scent of my brother Hades was stronger, coming not from the royal wing,
but from the underground prison.
My chest tightened. Why is he there? Why wasn’t I told?
I turned, only to hear footsteps. The King’s advisor, Salo, appeared with a group of guards. They were mid- conversation, but froze when they saw me standing ahead. Their faces went pale.
eye
“Is…. is that… Apex?” Salo stammered, and before I could answer, he bolted off screaming, “Your Majesty!” Fresh chapters posted on
I ignored him, striding down into the depths. The prison was a pit of rot and shadows, cells reeking of despair. I passed several before stopping cold at one.
There he was. Hades.
He lay sprawled on a stone bed, surrounded by empty bottles of wine. Another was in his hand, halfway down his throat. He look every inch like the warrior I once knew, like the brother I remember. He wasn’t bothered to even be locked.
He drained the bottle, reaching for another when he froze. He had sensed me.
Slowly, his head turned, and his eyes widened. Then he grinned.
“My goodness. Little brother. You came for me?”
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I didn’t answer. My glare said enough. I turned away, jaw set, and climbed back to the royal chamber.
The throne room stretched long and cold. Salo stood beside the dais as usual, and my stepfather, the Demon King, entered just then. His eyes found me, and for a moment he stopped.
“Father,” I greeted, bowing, but he came to me first, clasping my arm with surprising warmth.
“I should have written sooner,” he sighed. “When I saw your bodyguard, I realized how foolish I was not to send for you. But you… ruling that vast Lycan Kingdom… I knew how busy you would be.”
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“Father.” I straightened, studying him. He looked worn, pale–lipped, shadows under his eyes.
“Apex,” he said, the name my mother gave me, the name they all call me here. “Did you read my letter?”
“I came as soon as I did. The letter said Hades refused the throne, that he’s forfeiting everything.”
“That’s right,” he said firmly. “And for that, I put him where he belongs.”
“A prison? Father…”
“He’ll be executed tomorrow. That is the order.”
I froze. My step faltered.
“What?”
“The sentence is sealed.” He waved it off. “Now, if you will listen because there are things I must tell you…‘
“No, Father. You can’t execute Hades. He’s my only brother…”
“Will you let me speak?!” His voice cracked through the hall, furious. I stilled. “Hades is not your brother. He has never been worthy of me as his father! Do you know what he did? Five years ago, at the battle of the Abyss, I ordered him to slaughter the Ashmeres. Every last one. But what did he do? He returned home defeated!”
“He wasn’t defeated,” I countered. “He left the battlefield. There’s a difference.”
“Hold your tongue, Apex, before I truly lose patience.” His eyes burned. “He came home without victory, disobeyed my command, and worse, he retired as warlord, hung his armor to rot. That was treachery I tolerated but never forgave. And now? I arranged his betrothal so he could ascend after me. But he refused. I gave him a choice. Throne and bride, or death. And he chose death.”
My heart sank.
“What?”
“I have only one son, and it is you. Thank the gods you are here, I will summon the elders at once and prepare.”
I stepped back, dread curling in my chest.
“What preparation?”
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“For you, Apex. To be Demon King. You will be betrothed to Xyrrha, and you will ascend this throne. Your mother was the true queen of this realm so you have the right to rule.”
My breath hitched, my knees weakened. Betrothed? Ascend the throne?
Wait… what?