Ch. 246..250: The Rogue is a Female Alpha chapter 246-250
Back Where 246
I fluttered my eyes open when I heard the voice. At first, I frowned in concern, then turned to Lycannar, only to see him still deeply asleep.
“Your Majesty?!” the voice called again, louder this time. Lycannar creased his brows, the sound stirring him.
Slowly, his eyelids fluttered open and his gaze settled on me. One silent heartbeat, and I knew it.
He was the one I wanted. Again and again. I wanted to wake beside him every single day of my life.
Not Nyroth. Never him.
“Your Majesty!!”
This time Lycannar’s frown deepened. He blinked, making sure he wasn’t dreaming.
“You hear that?” he asked, voice low.
I nodded.
“Sounds like your people?”
“None of them has ever spoken to me directly,” he muttered in confusion, then rose from the bed. He reached for his robe, tied it, and walked slowly, very slowly, toward the corridor.
Silence followed. Curiosity pulled me from the sheets, and I went to peer through the window. Below, his people stood gathered. Not all, but a handful. Traders, servants, staff, even maids. Their faces tilted upward, worry etched in their eyes.
“Your Majesty, are you okay?” one asked, her tone cautious.
Why were they worried? Because of what happened last night?
“My king, is everything well with you?” another called.
I raised an eyebrow. What was going on?
Then one voice carried above the rest, a trader, her clothes still dusty from travel.
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“Your Majesty, behind the walls of your kingdom, the werewolves speak your name in a dark way. They say war is coming for you. We are worried.”
“Are you truly okay?” another echoed.
I froze. My heart pounded. Did I hear right? War? Why in the gods‘ names would anyone want to wage war against Lycannar or his kingdom?
“I am fine. Do not trouble yourselves,” the Lycan King assured them, waiting until they dispersed before turning back inside.
Only when the courtyard emptied did he return, pausing in the middle of the chamber, a frown shadowing his face.
“Something must have happened,” he murmured. Then his gaze shifted to me, heavy and searching. “Who else commands the largest army aside from Ashmere?”
I frowned at his question.
“No one will wage war against you, Lycannar. Not while I live.” I stepped closer, standing before him. “Just rumors, my love. Good morning.”
He hesitated a beat, then leaned in, murmuring against my lips,
“Good morning. How did you sleep?”
“Blissful,” I whispered back, kissing him softly. He pulled me up with ease, settling me on the table.
I slid the robe from his shoulders, revealing the powerful lines of his body, and smiled. gods, how I loved looking at him like this.
“What’s the schedule for today?” I asked, playful curiosity in my tone. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ FιndNovel.net
His eyes roamed over me, lingering at my thighs. He bit his lower lip softly, then parted my legs, exposing me bare before him. His gaze burned as it lifted back to mine.
“Schedule for today can wait. Let me taste you first.”
Without another word, he sank into a chair between my legs. His mouth descended, and my eyes fluttered closed as his tongue brushed me.
I trembled, heat rushing through me. My hand found my breast, squeezing softly as a shaky moan escaped me.
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Lycannar’s tongue swirled over my clit while his fingers slid into my core, stroking deep, steady.
My thighs quivered, body trembling as I clutched the table for support, no longer caring who might hear. His tongue pressed, flicked, his fingers curled, sending me higher.
“Lycan… Lycan, please,” I gasped, climax bursting through me.
He rose from the chair and kissed me hard. As his fingers slipped free, I squirted, shaking violently in his arms. He held me close, murmuring against my lips,
“Good… good girl. I love when you get this wet.”
His smile was warm, almost boyish as he searched my eyes. I turned my face away shyly, giggling when he chuckled.
“You love me, Zephyrine,” he said with the widest grin I’d ever seen on him. “You’re so in love with me now. What would you ever do without me?”
I lowered my gaze, then asked softly,
“And what would you do without me?”
The room fell silent. When I looked back up, his grin had faded. Sadness swept across his face.
I playfully reached to punch him, to ease the sudden tension, but he caught my wrist gently, holding it as his eyes searched mine.
There it was. Guilt. Fear. Uncertainty.
“Zephyrine,” he whispered, voice heavy. “Promise me one thing.”
I swallowed. His tone was so serious, so raw.
“Lycan.”
“Promise me… you won’t forget the good times we had. Too.”
My heart squeezed at his words. I stared at him in awe, but before I could answer, a sudden voice thundered from outside the walls.
“Alpha Zephyrine!”
I jolted, slipping off the table at once. Grabbing my robe, I rushed to the corridor. Outside, a messenger sat atop a white horse, bowing low as his voice carried strong and clear.
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“Your brother, Varyn Ashmere, our great war strategist, has regained his health and valor. He requests your presence at once.”
The words struck like lightning. Information I never expected this soon, words that would mark the end of something sacred, and the beginning of the hell yet to come.
Back Where 247
“He is awake?!” Serena exclaimed in awe, slamming her palm over her mouth to stop herself from yelling again.
We were in the dining hall. Just me and my three siblings, and already my sister’s panic filled the air.
Mearez sat quiet where she was, eyes fixed on nothing for what seemed like an eternity. Then she finally looked up at me, just when I thought she was calm.
“Lycannar, please tell her before she leaves,” she urged.
I paused, turning to her, only to see her trembling. She looked at me with pleading eyes, then abruptly headed for the stairs.
“I will tell her myself then…”
I grabbed her wrist before she could leave, pulling her back into my arms. I held her trembling body until she stilled, until the panic quieted in her chest. Then I pulled back, steadying her with my gaze.
“It’s too late for explanations. Let her reunite with her brother in peace,” I said softly.
But in response, my eldest sister shoved at my chest and staggered to a chair. She gripped her hair helplessly, shaking her head.
“What if she doesn’t want you anymore, Lycan? What if…” Her voice broke. She sniffed, struggling to steady herself.
Silence fell after her panic, and I began to pace slowly. The words had struck deep. Her brother had regained his senses.
How much did he remember? And how far would he go now that he was whole again?
I was still pacing when Luna Tahlia entered with Dessyn, Zephyrine’s closest friend.
“Good morning,” they greeted.
None of us replied at first, until my sisters jerked back to themselves, distracted. Serena walked quickly to Luna Tahlia to take her son, while Dessyn glanced around.
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“Please where is Zephyrine?” she asked.
I never had the chance to answer. Footsteps hurried down the stairs, and there she was, fully dressed, prepared.
“Dessyn, we need to go. Varyn is awake and I don’t know what to expect. I don’t know how he will react or how he’ll take the new truths about me and…” She spoke so fast it was hard to follow, then stopped abruptly, swallowing hard.
Emotions flickered across her face. She bit her lower lip, looked away, and exhaled shakily.
“I don’t know what to expect from my brother. It’s been five years since I stood before him as his youngest sister.” She turned to Dessyn and smiled faintly. “He’s back now.”
“Yeah,” Dessyn whispered, swallowing down a lump in her throat. “He is.”
Zephyrine turned next to Luna Tahlia, her smile warmer.
“We will go together. Since you’ll be standing trial, my brother will too. You can stay in Ash Pack in the meantime.”
“Really?” my older brother finally voiced, shrugging like he didn’t care, though his eyes betrayed the truth. “Can’t she stay here longer?”
Zephyrine turned to me, but I said nothing. I was too focused on what this day would bring. What tomorrow would unravel. What truths were waiting. The rightful source is find✦novel.net
“I… I think it’s safer if she comes with me. Easier too,” she answered him softly. “Besides, I don’t want her to discomfort you more than she already has.”
“Nonsense,” Mearez muttered. “Luna Tahlia and her son were never a discomfort.”
She rose, moving toward Zephyrine. My breath caught, praying she wouldn’t spill out words we weren’t ready for.
“Zephyrine… you will come back, won’t you?”
My woman paused, then nodded firmly.
“Of course. I am engaged to the king here.”
“But what if there’s a truth that…”
“Enough, Mearez. Come here.” My brother drew her into his arms, calming her. Then he looked back at Zephyrine with a smile. “She’s emotional that you’re leaving. Don’t mind her.”
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“Please where is Zephyrine?” she asked.
I never had the chance to answer. Footsteps hurried down the stairs, and there she was, fully dressed, prepared.
“Dessyn, we need to go. Varyn is awake and I don’t know what to expect. I don’t know how he will react or how he’ll take the new truths about me and…” She spoke so fast it was hard to follow, then stopped abruptly, swallowing hard.
Emotions flickered across her face. She bit her lower lip, looked away, and exhaled shakily.
“I don’t know what to expect from my brother. It’s been five years since I stood before him as his youngest sister.” She turned to Dessyn and smiled faintly. “He’s back now.”
“Yeah,” Dessyn whispered, swallowing down a lump in her throat. “He is.”
Zephyrine turned next to Luna Tahlia, her smile warmer.
“We will go together. Since you’ll be standing trial, my brother will too. You can stay in Ash Pack in the meantime.”
“Really?” my older brother finally voiced, shrugging like he didn’t care, though his eyes betrayed the truth. “Can’t she stay here longer?”
Zephyrine turned to me, but I said nothing. I was too focused on what this day would bring. What tomorrow would unravel. What truths were waiting.
“I… I think it’s safer if she comes with me. Easier too,” she answered him softly. “Besides, I don’t want her to discomfort you more than she already has.”
“Nonsense,” Mearez muttered. “Luna Tahlia and her son were never a discomfort.”
She rose, moving toward Zephyrine. My breath caught, praying she wouldn’t spill out words we weren’t ready for.
“Zephyrine… you will come back, won’t you?”
My woman paused, then nodded firmly.
“Of course. I am engaged to the king here.”
“But what if there’s a truth that…”
“Enough, Mearez. Come here.” My brother drew her into his arms, calming her. Then he looked back at Zephyrine with a smile. “She’s emotional that you’re leaving. Don’t mind her.”
Zephyrine’s brows furrowed, confused, but she smiled warmly anyway.
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“Anyone of blood is welcome in my pack. I don’t know how my brother will play this, but when I go to the wolf fortress, I’ll branch here as well.”
Her gaze shifted to me, and I nodded.
She moved toward Serena, taking Young Black into her arms. She hugged my sister tenderly.
“You stay safe, okay?” Serena whispered. “And don’t forget us.”
Zephyrine nodded.
“Why would I forget you? I dare not.” She chuckled, easing out of her arms before finally turning back to me.
Without words, she looked into my eyes, then rose on tiptoe to press her lips against mine. I kissed her back, swallowing hard against the thought of her light dimming once she heard the truth.
“I’ll walk you to your carriage,” I murmured, entwining my fingers with hers.
Together, we stepped out. My people paused to gaze at us briefly before bowing. In the courtyard, her carriage waited. Dessyn and Luna Tahlia climbed in after bowing respectfully, and I returned the gesture.
Then Young Black was placed back in his mother’s arms, leaving just the two of us. Me and Zephyrine Ashmere.
She searched my eyes tenderly, then smiled, almost sadly. Her gaze dropped to our joined hands, to the ring she had given me. She lifted my palm closer, admiring it.
“You are mine, Lycannar Blood,” she said with a soft giggle. “You’re not going anywhere now. You’re trapped with me.”
“Just like you are, Zephyrine Ashmere,” I replied, my voice soft, heavy with pain.
She must have heard it, because she searched my eyes again. Then she cupped my cheek with both hands, her touch warm with love.
“What’s wrong, Lycannar?” she asked, eyes wide, searching.
I shook my head, lowering my gaze, and whispered,
“I love you.”
She froze. The confession had never slipped from my lips until now.
“Lycan…” she stuttered, awe filling her voice.
I looked up, meeting her eyes once more.
“What?” I asked quietly.
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“You just…” Her words trailed off as she threw her arms around me, hugging me tight before kissing me deep. Breathless, desperate, she pulled back, panting. “Say it again. Say it.”
“I love you,” I confessed. “From the moment I set eyes on you, I have loved you. And every moment after, I’ve loved you again, and again, and again.”
Back Where 248
The massive gate of my pack stood wide open when my carriage wheeled in under the afternoon sky.
The sun blazed above when the carriage halted, and I felt the heaviness in the air pressing down on me.
Without wasting a moment, I alighted, only to stop short in sheer awe. In the middle of the courtyard knelt Kaela Yadev, her head bowed to the ground.
I froze, stunned. Dessyn alighted beside me, equally struck, and even Luna Tahlia stopped to watch the once–proud woman kneel so low.
“What is going on here?” I asked no one in particular, my voice thick with disbelief, just as Isolde appeared. She had seen our arrival and now approached quickly, pausing only long enough to bow before me.
“Lord Varyn awaits you in the memorial hall,” she said, and for what felt like an eternity, I stood still, the weight of the name crashing into me. Varyn.
I tore my gaze from Kaela to let the truth settle in. The rightful heir to the Alpha seat. The war strategist brilliant enough to win with cunning rather than brute force.
My brother. The first and only male direct bloodline of Ashmere.
I swallowed hard at the news that he awaited me, then turned to Luna Tahlia.
“You should go to your abode. Word will reach you about the trial.”
She nodded gratefully and left with her son. After her departure, I turned to Dessyn, our eyes locking.
The tension in the pack was different now, charged, shifting, and I couldn’t help but wonder what had happened in my absence. Where was Jurrek?
With Dessyn beside me, I walked into the hall, passing maids and guards until we reached the sacred threshold of the memorial chamber.
She lingered at the doorway, but I pulled her forward. She was family, too. And this was Varyn Ashmere, the man she had waited years for.
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My fingers trembled as I reached for the door handle, my heart thudding wildly. Slowly. I pushed it open.
Cold air rushed out, greeting me like a harsh wind. My brother stood inside, dressed in his usual clothes, his blonde hair cut short and perfectly disheveled.
I froze, breath catching. The last time I saw him, he was weak and broken in his chamber. But now… now he was himself again.
Varyn had regained his valor. His dominance radiated once more. His shoulders were broad, his body restored, his hands no longer skeletal. His wolf whole again.
All thanks to everyone’s efforts. And especially Lycannar and Princess Mearez, who had made the most difference.
I lingered in the doorway, marveling. My brother’s back was to me as he lit candles before our parents‘ moonstone vessel.
When he finished, he blew out the match, turned slowly and froze not only me but Dessyn as
well.
He was back. Truly back. His green eyes blazed, sharp and alive. Varyn.
We should have rushed into his arms, but his piercing gaze rooted us both in place. His stare lingered on me, then moved to Dessyn.
“Go wait for me in my bedchamber,” he said to her, his voice firm, devoid of warmth.
My heart sank. That was no joyful reunion. Something had shifted. Something deep.
Dessyn trembled under his tone but obeyed, nodding quickly before leaving. The door closed behind her, leaving me alone with my brother.
He stood silent for a moment, staring into empty space before sighing and turning back toward the moonstone vessels.
“I heard
you
became an Alpha,” he said at last.
I swallowed hard, nodding.
“Y… yes. The man who had word of your whereabouts, he refused to speak to me unless I was Alpha. Because of that, I found you.”
“Hmm.” He murmured absently, then asked, his voice quiet but edged like a blade. “When I awoke from my trance, I found a Lycan in the pack. How is that possible?”
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“Oh, Blue?” My pulse quickened. “I… I must have forgotten to secure the proper scroll of permission from Lycannar. I’ll do it next time…”
“Lycannar?” he repeated, turning sharply to me. His eyes locked on mine, filled with raw hatred, and the weight of it nearly crushed me. The name of the Lycan King spat from his lips like poison.
Varyn’s gaze bored into me for an eternity before he stepped closer, taking my hand. Slowly, he lifted it, his eyes narrowing as he examined the rings adorning my fingers. Then he looked straight into my soul.
“Of all the thousands of men in this empire, little sister… you dared to choose a cursed, condemned, unholy man as your beloved.”
Cold chills ran down my spine, his words striking like daggers. My lips parted to speak, but he cut me off before a sound could leave me.
“Be ready. Tomorrow morning, we will be at the Wolf Fortress. All will gather to hear what has been hidden, and you, my love, most of all.”
With that, he moved past me. At the door, he paused, glancing back over his shoulder. Content originally comes from Find[ɴ]ovel.net
“Stay in your chamber tonight.”
Back Where 249
Talk about being stunned beyond belief by what I never saw coming. I stood frozen in the memorial hall, my eyes fixed on the empty space long after he had left, and for a while I could not breathe.
What lived in my heart tore free at the hatred in his voice, at the look on his face when he spoke my man’s name.
My fingers began to tremble, and I looked down at the ring. Lycannar’s ring. The one he had proposed with, the one I had accepted wholeheartedly, with the gladdest and most grateful heart.
Thinking back, I recalled his voice when we were about to part. He had told me he loved me. Lycannar. He did love me.
I had always known it, deep down. But to hear him say it had gone far beyond mere knowing. It had carved itself into me.
Cold shivers wrapped my heart as the weight of my brother’s presence and the heaviness of
chamber. his words lingered. I left the memorial hall and headed slowly to my
The hall was oddly quiet. The guards who should have been posted at every corner were fewer now, as though they had all been sent elsewhere.
Lowering my gaze, I passed through, noticing the strange way everyone I encountered looked at me. Curious. Measuring.
Near the hallway to Varyn’s bedchamber, I slowed my steps, gods help me, to eavesdrop. And what I overheard stunned me cold.
“I leave for just a few years, and you, already you’ve gone to the Lycan kingdom? Even slept there? Why? You got a man there?!” It was my brother’s voice, sharp with accusation, tearing into Dessyn.
“I only went to fetch some clothes from my pack. Then I decided to stop by the Lycan kingdom to see Zephyr. But she was under a spell, and we couldn’t leave until night had fallen and she recovered.”
“Really? So you were there, my own woman, with my little sister, in a territory ruled by a dangerous man?!”
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“Varyn… why are you like this?”
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That was the last of Dessyn’s words I caught as I drifted past. My heart was drumming louder and louder, like a warbeat of doom.
Something was wrong. Deeply wrong. First Kacla, kneeling outside the packhouse, as though her only choice was to beg forgiveness or rot on her knees forever.
Then Varyn, his eyes fixed on the ring I wore as though it were the greatest sin I could commit.
I was tangled in those thoughts when the sound of my chamber door opening startled me. A voice followed, one I knew instantly.
“My lady!”
Blue.
Even in the dark, I would recognize her. Relief swelled through me, and only now did I realize how much I had missed her. I closed the distance at once, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her into my chamber, shutting the door firmly behind us.
“Spill it. Who came to my pack while I was gone?” I demanded.
Blue looked around quickly, ensuring no one lingered near. Then she lowered her voice.
“Last night, something happened. Lord Varyn, your brother… he regained consciousness. I was pouring him his potion when he suddenly looked at me, sniffed the air. The moment he caught my scent, the moment he realized I was Lycan… something in him snapped awake.”
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“What did he do?”
Blue’s eyes flicked to mine, then away. She shook her head.
“He rejected the potion. He said nothing. So I left.”
My arms folded tightly under my chest as I pressed, carefully,
“How did he reject it?” Inwardly, I prayed it wasn’t with violence.
“He only shook his head,” she said, voice low. “So I walked out.”
Then she added,
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“Later that night, he summoned Beta Jurrek. They spoke for hours in private. Afterward, Jurrek rode off. And under the cover of storm and rain, the three Council members arrived, with Kaela Yadev.”
I froze. My stomach clenched.
“They cane into my pack?”
“Yes. They all went into the long chamber, and your aunt Kostyra was called as well. They stayed in there for hours. When they finally emerged, Lord Varyn came out first. Then Kaela. She fell to her knees before everyone and cried aloud for forgiveness, her voice echoing through all four walls of the packhouse. The Council declared that all will gather at the Wolf Fortress tomorrow. They said the truth will be revealed before all.”
My breath caught. Varyn, working with the Council instead of cutting them down? How? Why? What was he planning?
“My lady…” Blue’s voice broke into my spiraling thoughts. She hesitated, then added quietly, “There’s more. I swear I didn’t mean to eavesdrop on your brother.”
I nodded for her to go on.
She held my gaze.
“I heard one word. War.”
Back Where 250
Back Where 250
Zephyrine
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The sun rose in the cast, and I gazed at it on the horizon. Somehow, I knew today would unravel a part of me I had never touched before.
I couldn’t sleep, and I could bet no one else in this pack had slept much either.
From my window, I watched groups of men and women, both great and small, all making their way toward the Wolf Fortress.
It was today. At long last, Ash Pack would be heard, and our name, once dragged through the mud, would finally be lifted back into the light.
All thanks to Varyn. But I knew the truth. Varyn would not even be alive if not for Lycannar Blood, who had saved him. I had only done the little I could.
“My lady?” Blue’s voice came from behind, but I did not answer. My eyes followed the carriages rolling past, the riders on horses, and those on foot, all in one direction. The Wolf Fortress.
I lowered my gaze to the spot where Kaela had knelt, but she was no longer there. In the darkest hours of the night, a carriage had arrived to take her away, and I had seen my brother watching her leave with his arms folded across his chest.
I hadn’t seen Dessyn either, and I couldn’t tell what she had gone through last night.
My throat tightened as I turned from the window, ready to prepare for the fortress journey. But before I could step away, I saw Luna Tahlia in the distance, raising her hand to me. I lifted mine in response, offering her a small smile, then returned inside to wash and dress.
Today, we would have justice. Today, it would all be set right.
Blue led me into the bathing chamber and was just about to undress me when the door opened quietly. The surge of power that swept in made me go cold. Varyn.
I froze where I stood, and Blue turned sharply to see him. At once, she bowed her head. He did not so much as glance at her.
“Leave us,” he ordered. She obeyed immediately, almost as if afraid.
The door shut, and silence fell. I lowered my gaze with a sigh, trying to ease the tension, but then his fingers brushed my back. He slid down the strap of my gown.
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“Lycans should live in their own kingdom, little sister. Don’t you think?” His voice was calm, steady.
I slowly turned to face him, swallowing hard, just as he slipped down the second strap and let my nightdress pool at my feet, leaving my breasts bare before him.
Our eyes locked. His fingers lifted to my chin, stroking lightly, then lowered to trace across my breast. He studied me closely, intently, almost clinically.
“You are not a virgin anymore, are you?” he asked.
I swallowed again, unable to form words. When I gave no answer, he raised his gaze back to mine.
“Yes?”
“I fell in love… Varyn,” I whispered.
Tension tightened the air between us instantly. For a long moment, he said nothing. Then he nodded once, dropped his hand from my breast, and leaned close to press a kiss to my temple.
“Maybe it wasn’t love, little sister. Maybe it isn’t.”
With that, he turned and left me standing cold, and somehow… broken.
***
When my carriage rolled to a stop inside the Wolf Fortress, my blood chilled at the sight before me. Thousands of people had gathered, and still the fortress held them all.
Each pack had its place, each group in order. Some sat, some stood, while the Alphas were gathered inside the great hall. Yet even from the courtyard, the pack members could see everything.
I had ridden alone in my carriage. My brother made sure of it. He had also ensured that Dessyn and I had no chance to speak, which only sharpened my suspicions.
Blue had not been allowed to ride with me either; she had been forced to walk with the other maids. My heart ached at that, but I had whispered for her to find me once she arrived.
“Zephyr!”
The loud call tore my thoughts apart. I looked up, and there was Moon. My gods. I ran into his arms, hugging him tightly.
“Zephyr,” he breathed.
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It had been only a few days, but it felt like years. I pulled back to look at his broader shoulders, and froze at his new buzz–cut hair. My gods. He looked so manly now.
“The training at Moonveil Fortress is hard, isn’t it?” I blurted, already knowing the answer.
He grinned, and my heart skipped. Beautiful, as always.
“I came as soon as I heard Lord Varyn had woken,” he said, loud enough for me to hear. Then he held my hand, his eyes locking on mine with intent. “Zephyr…. the name Ashmere is on everyone’s lips now. They are ready to obey your command.” Updates are released by find(ɴ)ovel.net
“Zephyr!”
The voice of Varyn cut through the air, from the entrance of the hall. I swallowed hard. Moon pulled me forward toward my brother.
Varyn’s eyes held mine for a heartbeat that seemed to stop time. Then he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and pulled me closer.
“Let’s go,” he said.
I obeyed.
With him behind me like a solid wall, I walked into the Wolf Fortress hall. This time, all the guards who had once looked at me like a criminal bowed and bowed and bowed.
Respect swelled like a tide.
The massive sacred doors opened. Inside, the Alphas sat in silence, and the moment we entered, the entire fortress went still.
The coldness that descended was absolute.
Nyroth. He sat among them, his gaze averted from me as though he already knew the weight of his guilt. The three Council members were there as well, seated in their rightful places.
Railan, the butcher of Ashmere warriors at the camp, the one whose hand I had chopped, stood aside.
And at the center of it all… Kaela. She stood tall, as though ready to confess.
Perhaps they all were. And judging by the crowds they had summoned, I knew whatever truth they were about to reveal would not only shake the Wolf Fortress. It would shake the very
bones of the empire.