Ch. 156..160: The Rogue is a Female Alpha chapter 156-160
Back Where 156
I stepped into the long hall and a wave of feeling descended on me. Staring at the dais, I couldn’t help but surrender to the memories pulling me into the past.
There my father would have stood, commanding with words and orders. He had been my mentor, giving me everything.
He was a man who never spared the rod, but he never once forgot how to spoil me too.
I shifted my gaze to the other side, to my mother’s favorite spot. She had been Luna, a true leader, a faithful wife, and the best mother. She was my first tutor in grace, teaching me patience and calm, teaching me to sit properly, to keep my thighs closed, and to stay pure until the right man came.
Goosebumps prickled along my skin as I turned toward the wall where Varyn would lean. My brother, my guardian, my closest ally. Adored by his army, respected by the people. He had promised to return with another medal after the battle but… I swallowed hard and stepped back.
Then I felt it. The shift in the air. Someone else was in the hall. I turned and found Princess Mearez at the entrance. Just like that, my worries faded.
“You okay?” she asked, walking toward me.
“I am, now that you’re here.” I smiled softly, glancing past her to the entrance. “Where have you been?”
She searched my eyes and grinned sheepishly, color rising in her cheeks.
“Your beta showed me around Ash Pack. I must say, you were born with the purest golden spoon.”
I gave her a playful glance, and she smacked my shoulder.
“You’re even blushing,” I teased, giggling. “You like Jurrek that much? Just one glance and you’re already gone for him?”
“Says the woman who caught a cursed king obsessed at first sight,” she shot back.
I grinned wider, surrendering defeat, and we laughed together. Gradually, the laughter ebbed, and I noticed the panic rising in her eyes.
After she healed me, I had begged her to stay for the ceremony. There was no need for her to return to the Lycan Kingdom when the entire Blood family had been invited and she had agreed.
Last night, after visiting Luna Tahlia, I returned to dine privately with the Dusk household and Princess Mearez. Jurrek had joined as well, and I caught him stealing glances at her again and again. He couldn’t help himself and truthfully, I was happy to see it.
“Zephyrine?” she called softly, pulling me from my thoughts. “I don’t… I’ve never felt this way before. I don’t know if Jurrek would ever… what do you think he feels about me?”
Silence fell between us. I could see how much my answer meant.
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“Jurrek once asked Blue if you had a lover or were betrothed,” I said at last. “He wouldn’t have asked that if he felt nothing. He’s no wayward man. He’s had mistresses, yes, but none in the past five years.”
“You know his type then?” she asked again, her voice trembling. “Not someone who’s been raped multiple times, right?”
The words froze me cold. Goosebumps rose on my arms.
“W…what?”
She lowered her gaze, shrugging faintly, though the pain lingered.
“Raped many times, Zephyrine. He wouldn’t turn away from that, would he?”
I choked on my breath. I had heard whispers of the former king’s abuse but never imagined this.
“Princess Mearez…” I began, but the words faltered. Where could I even start? No wonder Lycannar had always been so protective. What sort of horrors had the former king inflicted on his children?
“Zephyr? Zephyr?” Dessyn’s voice broke through the tension, and I turned to see her enter the hall with Moon, Blue, and Isolde, who had been helping with preparations.
“Yes?”
“Everything is ready. How do you see the settings?” she asked.
I looked around, then toward the first row of tables. That row belonged to the Lycans, set slightly apart from the others, just as I had ordered. I had forbidden guests from entering the pack with holy relics. I knew they weakened the Lycan King. Without that safeguard, he would never step into my hall.
“It’s lovely,” I said at last.
Dessyn sighed.
“We’ve got a problem though.”
“What?”
“The guests are too many for the hall. I don’t know which pack to seat at the back.”
“Any pack but the Lycans,” I replied at once. “The Imperium Council’s table should also be front row. White Pack as well. Horn Pack too.”
Their eyes turned toward me, and I raised a brow.
“What?”
“Why do I feel like you’re arranging this just to call out the Lycan King?” Moon asked.
“It feels that way,” Dessyn muttered. “Like you’re just looking for an excuse to see Apex.”
I turned sharply to her.
“We’re doing this to stop the elders from growing suspicious. What are you both talking about?” My voice
wavered despite myself, and inwardly I wondered.
Was I truly doing this only to quiet gossip?
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“My lady doesn’t care what people think,” Blue said carefully. “I’m sorry, but I agree with Miss Dessyn this time.” This content belongs to Find★Novel.net
My eyes widened.
“My gods. Well, fine. Whatever you all think.”
“So where do we seat Hue Pack? And Blackbridge?” Dessyn pressed.
“Anywhere you see fit,” I sighed. Then I turned back to Princess Mearez, who had been watching me with quiet marvel. “Come. Let’s go shop for dresses. Ash Pack has the best.”
“Really?”
“Come see for yourself.” I entwined my fingers with hers, offering warmth and support, and together we left the hall.
Back Where 157
The clothing store in Ash Pack wasn’t as elegant as those in the Lycan Kingdom, but we were far from lacking.
The moment the designer saw me, the shopkeeper, Lala, a middle–aged woman rushed over and bowed low. Her gaze lingered much longer on Princess Mearez, and I smiled. Who wouldn’t steal a second look at such beauty?
“The ceremony is tomorrow, Lala,” I told her, and she snapped back to reality, blinking at me. “I’ll need a gown. For Princess Mearez as well.”
“Please, follow me,” she said quickly, and I obeyed, tugging Princess Mearez along. But before I could take more than two steps, Dessyn burst in, glaring at me as though I had betrayed her.
“Trying to get a dress without me, huh?”
“I wouldn’t dare,” I murmured, though she didn’t bother replying. She swept forward at once, following Lala.
We went in quietly, rows of gowns unfolding before us. Color, silk, and shimmer. Princess Mearez paused, captivated by the craft.
“Beautiful,” she breathed, stopping before a brown gown. At once, a sales girl rushed over.
“Would you like to try it on, my lady?”
Princess Mearez smiled but shook her head.
“It’s just beautiful. You made it?”
The girl froze, stunned the Princess would even spare her a glance. She bowed quickly and nodded.
“I did.”
“Back in my kingdom, a young lady just like you made beautiful gowns too.”
“You mean the dress you wore when you entered Ash Pack? I saw it from here and wondered at the craft. It was… so perfectly made.”
Their talk of gowns left me frowning a little. The thought stuck.
What if there could be trade, gowns like these passing between our realms? I glanced around the store again, eyes catching on another gorgeous dress.
The lady back in the Lycan Kingdom was also skilled. I remembered how Princess Mearez had once taken Dessyn and me shopping, months ago, and how I had loved every single piece she picked for me.
I swallowed hard, smiling at the memory, forgetting the present, until I heard a deep, gentle voice.
“How about this?
”
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I blinked. Jurrek Bane stood just ahead, beside a pure white gown. I swallowed again. The masterpiece nearly took my breath. He wasn’t speaking to me, but to Princess Mearez. Still, she turned to me first, as if seeking permission, then stepped forward to study the gown.
“White,” she whispered.
“It represents the justice Ash Pack upholds,” Jurrek told her softly. “It would look lovely on you tomorrow. Don’t you think?”
Right then, I saw where this was going and panic stirred in me. What if Lycannar found out? What if he grew angry, or worse, disapproved? Check latest chapters at find(ɴ)ovel.net
***
That night, I climbed into bed and let out a long sigh, my eyes fixed on the chandelier where candles glowed faintly. Isolde moved quietly about, lighting the incense and blowing out the final candle at the end of the chamber. She came forward, tucking the blanket over me, smiling gently.
“Your party is tomorrow, my lady. I’m happy for you.”
I returned her smile.
“Thank you, Isolde.”
She nodded and slipped out, leaving me alone.
I had said my goodnights to Princess Mearez and the others. Blue had gone with Moon on an errand, promising to return before nightfall, though it seemed they had been delayed. I wasn’t worried. Moon would take care of her.
Still, in my own bed, fully healthy at last, I couldn’t sleep. Last night had been the same. I hadn’t slept at all, only closed my eyes so Blue, who had curled up beside me on her rug, wouldn’t worry. I tried again, forcing sleep, but failed.
At last, I rose. Reaching for my robe, I slipped out. The hallway was empty, Isolde wasn’t there, and I breathed in gratitude. She would have worried again if she saw me like this. I headed down toward the underground.
It was there. My Spirit Guard.
The dim hall was quiet as I lifted a flame–torch lamp from the wall, holding it above my head as I descended the stairs. At last I reached the wide chamber, long abandoned. Memories pressed in, sharp and bittersweet, but before they could overwhelm me, I felt it. Immense power. The very best. Too divine.
My breath caught. Behind me, it was there.
I turned, lamp raised, and it took a moment, but then I saw it. Jaw–dropping, massive, the most magnificent Spirit Guard in history. Its eyes locked on mine, and I shivered at the grace it carried.
It stepped forward, one heavy stride shaking the ground. My breath stilled, but I held my ground. Slowly, its head lowered, bowing to me.
Goosebumps rippled across my skin. My heart clenched. I lifted my hand, laying my palm on its warm scales, and a shaky sigh left me.
“Le Fey,” I whispered. “That’s your name. I hope we’ll be a good team. I really hope so.”
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As though in answer, it exhaled and the rush of air nearly knocked me backward. But I smiled, trembling.
Back Where 158Sitting before the mirror, I realized how nervous I was. No, not because the massive gates of Ash Pack would be open for the first time in five years. Not because hundreds of guests were already arriving. Not even because Nyroth would be in my presence again.
It was because Lycannar Blood, King of the Lycan Kingdom, would be here.
Days had passed since I last saw him. We parted on good terms, but I couldn’t help wondering if we would meet again with the same grace.
Through the window, I could already see the guests arriving. Alpha Orod of Horn Pack had waved at me as he rode in. He had been an Ashmere ally; his father once helped mine, and in return my father had gone to war for him. Alpha Auedric had arrived as well, with his beta and Nathan, Dessyn’s father. I had grinned from where I stood and waved, grateful for their presence.
More Alphas from other packs had come, and Dessyn, as host, received them well. Until now. The party was about to begin, and I had to dress.
After bathing for the second time that day, I was robed in a graceful gown. Sitting before the mirror, I stared at my reflection. Not to boast, but beauty seemed too small a word and all of it, I felt, belonged to him. To Lycannar.
My eyes dropped to the ring around my finger, and I swallowed hard. What should I expect from him today? Would he even come?
No sooner had I asked myself that question than a maid stepped forward.
“My lady, Alpha Nyroth of Hue Pack has arrived.”
I gave no response. I only turned to the window, then back to the mirror. Of course he would come, but we were done. I had invited him only out of courtesy to his pack, nothing more.
“How about the necklace?” Isolde asked quietly, breaking into my thoughts.
My eyes fell on the amulet necklace, but I shook my head.
“I’ll leave my neck bare. It’s
fine.”
She nodded, obedient, and focused on my hair. She wanted to pin it up and slide in ornaments, but I had decided otherwise.
Lycannar loved my hair down. And I loved it more when he took a strand just to caress.
Isolde was finishing when footsteps echoed, and without knocking, the door opened. I didn’t need to look. I already knew it was Dessyn, bold enough to do that.
“Zephyr?” she called.
“Hmm?”
“It’s starting. The guests have arrived with that witch.”
I raised an eyebrow, turning to her fully.
“I don’t think we invited any witch.”
“Oh, please. That dubious Kaela. She arrived with her robber of a father.”
At her words, I went still. But then I shrugged. I had invited them, so of course they would come..
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“Everything is in place, Dessyn. After the ceremony, they’ll leave for their packs. It’s just an overnight event,” I said, and she nodded.
Her eyes drifted from my face to my cleavage, then back up again, a knowing smile curling on her lips. I glared instead. She had started.
“Alright, alright. Don’t take long. Your beta is already seated, and Princess Mearez too.” She smirked before leaving.
Once she was gone, I turned back to the mirror but my eyes lingered on the neckline of my gown. Slowly, a smile curved my lips. Oh, yes. Dessyn knew me too well. I had chosen this particular gown for a reason.
I was a sinner who had sinned against a king. If I couldn’t earn his forgiveness with words, I was willing to pay through seduction.
“My lady?” The door cracked open, and Blue entered with a smile. “The Lycan Kingdom’s carriage has been spotted. I think they’re here.”
At once, I rose, hurrying to the window. There it was. The powerful sacred crest showing a creature on two legs, not four like us werewolves.
The beautiful, expensive carriage rolled to a stop in the courtyard, and I craned my neck to see them alight. My breath stilled when Aunt Eiryn, Lycannar’s aunt stepped out first. Elegantly. Followed by Baron, Lycannar’s beta. Then I waited. Beauty, Baron’s sister and Lycannar’s cousin, followed.
And lastly, Princess Serena.
My eyes fixed on them, and I swore I forgot to breathe. Different, radiant, undeniably beautiful.
I watched as Dessyn rushed out to usher them in, but Serena paused, her gaze catching mine at the window.
“Wow! Sister–in–law!” she called out, loud enough to turn heads. I giggled softly. That was her, outspoken as ever. I was used to it.
She waved, and I waved back before watching them go inside. Slowly, my smile faded into a sigh.
Wait. Did that mean Lycannar wouldn’t come?
“Maybe he’ll be represented by his beta?” Isolde murmured behind me, as though she had felt my emotions. I lowered my gaze.
I was about to step away from the window when another carriage rolled in. I turned quickly, heart skipping, only to see the Imperium Council members.
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My breath caught as Three of them alighted. Two men and a woman While Alphas owned and controlled their packs, there were laws we all abided by. Laws laid down by the council. Without them, peace between packs could never last. Read complete version only at find⦿novel.net
Dessyn greeted them warmly, ushering them in with her brightest smile. They disappeared into the hall without fuss.
I turned back to the mirror, sinking onto the seat. Maybe Isolde was right. Maybe Lycannar wouldn’t come.
What had I even thought. That he would ride all the way here just for me? That he would…
“My lady?” Blue’s voice cut through again, hesitant this time. “I… I think he’s here.”
My heart sank to the very bottom, my muscles freezing tight. Because I felt it too. The movement, the warmth of his presence.
Slowly, carefully, I made my way back to the window, my heart pounding.
And there he was. A rider on his horse.
Cold chills raced down my skin. Just when everyone, including the Imperium Council had arrived, he appeared. A king.
He reined his great black horse to a halt before the gate, and I went utterly still. Would he come in? Would he turn away?
My answer came seconds later.
He entered. And when he dismounted, standing there in the open, I finally understood the very definition of power and beauty.
Lycannar.
Dressed in all black as always, but this time with a fur cloak. His eyebrow rings glittered beneath the evening sky, and thick leather braced his forearms. He had always tied his hair in a knot when he left the Lycan Kingdom but tonight, he hadn’t.
Maids and errand boys froze where they stood, each one stealing glances at him.
Nobles outside turn their gazes to him.
“My… my gods,” I heard Isolde breathe behind me. “How… how can a man be so…”
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Settled. That was the word that came to me when I finally left my bedchamber and walked into the great hall. Silence. It reigned.
I never thought I’d feel nervous until now, when every eye shifted and settled on me. Looking around, my gaze landed on the table where Hue Pack sat, and I had to turn away to stifle a laugh. My gods. I had told Dessyn to place their table wherever she deemed fit and she had set it at the very last row.
I steadied myself and finally turned forward, ready to begin the night. I walked gently towards the Lycan table first, a smile lifting my lips as I greeted the guests.
“Thank you for coming.” I said softly, my eyes carefully avoiding Lycannar, who sat silent, his gaze pinned on the table as always.
I bow to his aunt who gave me a smile in response. Then when I was introduced to her she had called me a Rogue but now she grin brightly when she knows I am actually a female Alpha.
“You look stunning,” Princess Selena said, and I shot her a look.
“Don’t flatter me when you look even more radiant. Thank you for coming.”
I smiled at Baron and Beauty, bowed, then dared to let my eyes drift toward Lycannar. He wouldn’t look at me. His gaze didn’t shift, and I understood. My glance slid back to Princess Mearez, who wore white. I winked at her, and she smiled knowingly.
Quietly, I left their table.
Next, I moved to the Imperium Council’s table. There I bowed deeply in respect. Three of them sat. Three pillars of power.
Osmir, an elderly man with grey hair, had been my father’s closest friend. He was the one who once presented the order declaring the demons had opened a portal to invade us. He bowed back to me, and I smiled in acknowledgment.
Then there was Ryndor, Alpha of York Pack, always respectful toward my father. And lastly, Lady Sylvara, once a great Luna when her husband still lived. I bowed before her.
“Your parents would be proud of you, Zephyr,” Osmir said, and I smiled in return.
“Your brother too,” Lady Sylvara murmured. The smile lingered until she added softly, “If only he were alive as well.”
At that, my smile faded. I gave no response, only moved on.
I approached White Pack’s table next, a grin spreading when I saw Alpha Auedric.
“It’s been years since I stood in this hall, Zephyr. It reminds me of your father, Warlord Vale,” he said.
I laughed.
“Same here. I can almost imagine him standing at that dais, beginning his speech.”
“Only this time, it’s you who will speak, not him,” he said warmly, and I nodded, smiling.
“Father,” I greeted Nathan, who clasped my hand.
“You did well,” he said.
“Thanks for coming. I appreciate it.”
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From there, I moved to the Horn Pack. Alpha Orød bowed, and I returned it. Thanks to his warning, I knew my pack was about to be targeted by the vile thieves of Blackbridge Pack but now I was certain they wouldn’t dare such foolishness.
After that, I didn’t bother greeting any other packs. I needed to prepare.
Jurrek approached and leaned close to whisper,
“Should we lock the gates?”
I shook my head.
“Leave them open. It’s fine. No one would be foolish enough to attack on a night like this.”
He nodded and stepped aside as I made my way to the dais. My heart clenched when I stood tall before them all, nervous, yet ready.
As great as this moment was, sorrow clung to me. Varyn should have been here tonight. He should have stood at this very spot, giving this speech. But fate had chosen me instead, and I would obey.
“Thank you all,” I began, my voice steady. The hall fell into silence, all eyes turning toward me except Lycannar, who still stared at the table. He hadn’t touched his wine, though some glasses were drained and others halfway emptied. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ find•novel.net
“I appreciate you all for honoring my invitation tonight. As the new Alpha of Ash Pack, I am happy to announce a few things, new changes that I believe will make an impact in this shifter empire.”
“What are they? War?” A voice cut through the air. My eyes found her before anyone else’s did. Kaela.
“We all know Ashmeres excel at nothing but shedding blood. Is that what you…
Her words died under my sudden laughter. My gods, Dessyn. Of course. She had placed Blackbridge Pack at the very last row, right beside Hue Pack.
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I turned away, trying to stifle it, but it only grew worse when Dessyn appeared from the side, instructing the maids only to stop when she noticed my state.
She raised a brow and approached.
“What’s so funny?”
“Why would you put her down there? She just spoke, and I can barely see where her voice came from,” I whispered.
Dessyn glanced at the row and scoffed.
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“Suits her.” She gave me a sharp look. “But you’re in front of everyone. Can you at least try to be serious? gods.”
She left, and I finally composed myself, clearing my throat before turning back to the audience.
“So… uh, as I was saying…”
“You haven’t answered my question,” Kaela pressed.
This time, I fixed my gaze directly on her.
“War,” I began, my voice firmer now, carrying across the hall. “War is one thing. Shedding blood is another. Fighting to preserve peace is yet another. Ashmeres have always fought for justice. And if you are so concerned, rest assured, there is no reason to wage war in this empire now.”
She stayed silent, and I continued smoothly.
“What I wished to announce is trade.” Murmurs stirred but quieted when I pressed on. “Ash Pack is ready to trade with worthy packs. Those who respect us and are prepared to stand in honest dealings.”
A sigh escaped me, heavy with feeling. Then I lifted my gaze, fixing it on Kaela with unyielding resolve.
“But let none mistake this. Just because we Ashmeres have hung our armor these past years, letting it gather dust, does not mean our skills have grown rusty or that we’ve forgotten who we are in this empire.”
I swallowed, then declared with steel in my voice,
“If war should rise, we will face it head–on. Not because we love bloodshed but because it is what Ashmeres do. And the likes of you…” My eyes pierced her where she sat. “I doubt you even know what that truly means.”
Back Where 160
“Good response you gave there, dear niece,” I heard my aunt Kostyra say behind me. I turned, settling my eyes on her.
She carried a goblet full of wine, and a man trailed behind her. A lord, I thought, judging by the richness of
his attire.
I smiled faintly at my aunt, and she turned to the man.
“Zephyr, let me introduce you to this good man of mine. He is the son of my dearest friend. Railan. He is a merchant.” She turned back to him with a nod. “Dear, this is my niece, the Alpha of Ash Pack. She is the one I told you about.”
My eyebrow rose slightly as I regarded him. Handsome, yes. He extended his hand gently.
“She looks even more beautiful in person than in the sketch you showed me, dear aunt,” he said softly, his eyes holding mine. “Railan, my lady.”
I glanced at his hand, then lowered my gaze as I murmured, “Zephyrine.”
He withdrew his hand with a smile tugging faintly at the corner of his lips. My aunt’s eyes flicked between us before she cleared her throat.
“Oh, I need to refill my goblet. I’ll leave you both to speak.”
Before I could stop her, she slipped away, disappearing into the hall where the afterparty continued.
After my speech earlier, Jurrek had stepped forward to pledge his loyalty, and others followed. Soon the hall had shifted into celebration. But through it all, I had felt Nyroth’s eyes clinging to me while Lycannar never lifted his gaze from the table.
Now, outside for air, my aunt had double–crossed me again by thrusting this man before me. I nearly rolled my eyes. I didn’t need to guess what she was trying to do.
“You look beautiful,” Railan said, watching me closely. “Perhaps we could go for a walk, if you don’t mind, my lady.”
I studied him in silence, then nodded. Soon, we walked together beneath the gentle night sky.
“You know, I’ve heard a great deal about you from your aunt,” he said softly. “She told me you are a warrior, an Alpha, a graceful lady. Daring, which I admire. And if you don’t mind, I would like to…”
“She didn’t tell you I’m also a killer?” I cut in.
He faltered, staring at me.
“I suppose she also forgot to mention that I am already in a relationship,” I added. Original content can be found at FіndNovel.net
A small frown creased his brow.
Finished
“According to the Moon Goddess, you cannot be with any man who isn’t your fated mate lest you bring her wrath upon your pack.”
I chuckled dryly.
“Goodness. I can’t believe my aunt fed you all that. Well, I tried, but my man doesn’t give a damn about what the Moon Goddess says. And my pack is just fine.”
He searched my face, then tried again.
“You haven’t even heard my request yet, Zephyr. I’m a merchant in my own pack, and I can…” His words. faltered when he saw my eyes. “You… you look angry.”
“Just disappointed,” I murmured. “That my aunt thinks a man like you could entice me with wealth.”
“I have… power too.”
I stepped forward, and he immediately backed away, as though fearing I’d unsheathe a blade and slit his throat.
“You don’t know what power is,” I said softly, almost as advice. “Stay back. The Lycan King is a mad beast when his woman is approached. You wouldn’t last a second in his hands, trust me.”
His face drained pale at once. Without another word, he turned and walked away.
I stood still, a lump rising in my throat. My aunt must have paid him, or pushed him, into this. But why? Couldn’t I trust my own blood anymore?
I lowered my gaze, heavy–hearted, and began to walk away. I had hosted the ceremony, invited half the empire, yet why did I feel so hollow, so unbearably alone?
Was it because, beneath the laughter in the hall, beneath every smile I offered, lay the agonizing truth that my own brother was trapped in a place worse than hell?
Lost in thought, I nearly stumbled when he came into view and my breath caught. Lycannar Apex Blood.
Railan had boasted of power, but this man didn’t need to speak it. His aura said it all.
He stood apart from the crowd, away from the glow of the hall, leaning against his great black horse, his gaze fixed low to the ground.
My heart clenched at the sight. It was as though he couldn’t survive a crowded hall, couldn’t endure eyes upon him. How small the Moon Goddess had set his limits.
He hadn’t looked at me once tonight. He hadn’t spoken a word in that hall.
Now my chest heaved as I stepped toward him, silently praying that when his eyes finally rose to meet mine, they would not hold rejection but forgiveness.