Ch. 296..300: The Rogue is a Female Alpha chapter 296-300

Back Where 296

I refused her help, silent and cold. I bathed myself and dressed up, my eyes fixed on my reflection in the mirror until it choked me up. The truth and the cruel reality of what is happening.

Lycannar will not remain weak or tamed for long. He might lose control soon, and when he does, he will become a ravaging beast, one who could slaughter even his beloved people.

Dessyn had betrayed me. If she hadn’t… then Varyn wouldn’t have had the audacity to order our warriors to march into the Lycan Kingdom to seize the princesses.

He knew the king who would save them was weak, but he had forgotten that Chantel still stands.

My gaze slowly moved from my reflection to my hand. The ring around my finger, which I had begun to wear with pride, gleamed faintly.

The runes over my skin still pulsed faintly, hidden beneath my clothes. Perhaps soon, I would stop hiding them altogether.

But not yet. Not now. I had to face what awaited me in the meeting chamber, where even the Council members had gathered.

I rose from the chair and left the room, ignoring Isolde, who bowed as I passed. She had brought the tea that made me pass out. If she cannot be trusted, then she does not deserve to

serve me.

Stepping into the open corridor, I turned toward the hallway and entered the chamber. The door opened before me, and I paused in the doorway.

They were all there, seated, everyone except my brother, who was pacing with a deep frown carved into his face. The seat at the head of the table awaited me, and I walked to it, settling down without a word.

“The armies from Moonveil Fortress, more than half a thousand, will march into the Lycan Kingdom in a few days to end the Cursed King,” said Lady Sylvara, her voice echoing through the hall. Silence followed.

“They have to pay for what they did to your father, Zephyr,” Lord Osmir began, his voice. rising. “The King must answer for…”

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“And we should answer for what we did to his armies on the battlefield,” I cut in sharply. My eyes lifted to meet theirs, three council members who had fanned the fire of this empire from the beginning, and the elders of Ash Pack who refused to help when I needed them most.

The same people who spat on the name Ashmere.

“Zephyr…”

“No one is marching into the Lycan Kingdom,” I said firmly, my tone calm but unyielding. “I won’t allow it. The civilians there are innocent. The princesses are innocent…”

“Are you sure they are?” Varyn stopped pacing and turned to me. His eyes were sharp, watching. “Last night, when the five Ashmeres went to retrieve the princesses, something happened.”

“They paid with their lives as they should,” I said, chin lifted.

He smiled darkly.

“Chantel. Does that name sound familiar, little sister?”

My heart dropped. I said nothing.

“They said he’s a demon,” Varyn continued. “He shifted before everyone’s eyes to save the princesses. A man with wings and horns, living in the Lycan Kingdom, beside the same king you’re so madly in love with. Tell me, Zephyr… did you know this?”

The words hit me like a blade. I stared at him in stunned silence, the ache spreading through my chest.

“I should have known,” he went on, laughing bitterly. “He didn’t tell you, did he? Just like he didn’t tell you he killed our father. A man who hides this much from you, do you truly think he loves you?”

Goosebumps raced across my skin. I lowered my gaze as the burn of tears blurred my vision. Lycannar, after everything… still kept such a secret from me.

“We need to kill the Lycan King,” Lord Eryndor said grimly. “He’s cursed, and soon he’ll become unstoppable if we don’t act. That’s what his father feared too.”

Tears threaten to trickled down my cheeks, soundless.

“We should have known he’d be a problem,” another elder murmured. “When the prophecy first came, we thought it was just a tale. But now it makes sense. If demons walk among us, they’ll bring imbalance. We no longer know who’s demon and who’s not. Even the King

20:22 Mon, Oct 6

himself might be… a full–blooded demon.”

A cold wave swept through me.

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Lycannar once said his stepfather had gifted him Chantel and Ravana, the talking raven so he wouldn’t be lonely.

If his stepfather could gift him a demon, then who was he?

Dizziness struck. I rose to my feet, emotions too heavy to contain, and nearly stumbled. Varyn caught me, steadying me.

Our eyes met. His hand was warm over mine.

“Maybe you should sit this war out, Zephyr,” he said softly. “Just as Jurrek has done.” Latest content published on Find1Novel.net

Jurrek. Jurrek Bane.

At once I realized why I haven’t seen him around recently.

That explained his absence these past days. He, too, had withdrawn… for the love of Princess Mearez.

I looked at my brother’s hand on mine, then gently pulled free. Without a word, I turned and walked out, my heart splintering into a thousand pieces as I went straight to the carraige.

I won’t believe their words. Not theirs.

Only his.

And I still believe he is a Lycan. Entirely Lycan.

He’s never kept secrets from me. He never would.

As I made my way toward the carriage, a rush of memory struck me.

Morwen, Dessyn’s mother.

She had been against my relationship with Lycannar months ago.

Her words echoed in my mind now, sharper than before. She had spoken as if she knew something, something I refused to see.

She warned me about how he becomes under the full moon, dropping hints I had ignored for the sake of love.

20:22 Mon, Oct 6

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Swallowing hard, I turned away from the carriage and back toward my chambers.

Perhaps instead of going to the Lycan Kingdom for answers, I should find Morwen first and ask questions.

 

Back Where 297I dismounted my horse in the royal stable and headed toward the hall, pulling off my gloves and going to place my twin blades back where they belonged when my uncle’s voice rang out from ahead.

“Oh, thank the gods, the King is here,” he ranted, as usual. “Now explain how you intend to ensure we’re all safe from the sin you’ve committed because…”

He was speaking too fast when I suddenly drew one of my blades and threw it.

It whistled past him, striking deep into the pillar behind his head. My uncle froze, shivering in shock, and the elders around him went still, eyes wide in disbelief.

“Trust me, I have no time for your rant, Uncle Dareth,” I said coldly, my patience already at its limit. “You piss me off more than necessary, and I swear, I’ll wet this floor with your blood.”

He stood trembling as I approached, blinking like a man pleading for mercy.

“We are Bloods. Do we really have to fight one another now?” I asked sharply. Without waiting for an answer, I pulled my blade free from the pillar and turned to him again. “Gather all the food supplies we have, every last one, including those you sold to the nobles. Call them here. We’ll be having an important meeting.”

I walked away, heading toward the dining hall, the same place we royals once shared our meals. My steps slowed when my eyes drifted toward the stairs leading to the Black Tower. Goosebumps rose across my skin.

Even after the explosion, some part of the tower still stood.

Quietly, I climbed the stairs. The hallway was half–destroyed, the section where Chantel’s bedchamber used to be now completely gone.

I turned toward my own living quarters, only to find emptiness. Nothing but shattered

remnants.

Without a word, I went back down toward the dining hall, intending to check on my sisters, but stopped when I saw several men waiting for me.

They were my people. Judging by their expressions, they wanted an audience. I descended the stairs slowly, meeting their eyes.

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“Your Majesty,” they bowed deeply, and the man in front spoke. “We are builders, my King. About your tower… we were hoping you’d allow us to help you rebuild it.”

“We’ve already made a few designs,” another said quickly, as if afraid I might refuse. He handed me a set of sketches. “Considering the ring on your finger, we thought perhaps a… couple’s tower design might please you. You can choose whichever you like…”

He trailed off when I didn’t take the papers or speak. Slowly, they lowered their hands and stepped back.

I sighed quietly, lowering my gaze. I knew what they were doing and I didn’t want it.

Yet something inside me stirred. I turned back, walked to them, and finally took one of the sketches. I studied the drawings for a long moment before shaking my head.

“The normal living room and a bedchamber,” I said quietly. “In the bedchamber, a small chamber for armor where I’ll keep my armor and twin blades. A hallway with two bedrooms and a bath chamber. A kitchen at the end where my sisters and I can spend time together. A corridor overlooking the kingdom gates, two windows, and an exit that leads to these stairs and this dining hall…” I met their eyes. “Restore my tower exactly as it was before. Can you do that?”

They bowed instantly, as if they’d been waiting for those very words. When they lifted their heads again, I asked, “In return, you want gold bars?”

“Your health is enough,” they said together, bowing again. “We’ll start today without fail. Your tower will be ready in a week. You have our word.”

Then they left, and I watched them go, letting the truth sink in.

My people weren’t worried about Chantel being a demon. They were worried about me. About my health. They were still loyal, still mine.

Emotion surged in my chest..I walked to a chair and sat heavily, exhaling as I stared at the empty hall. If only my father were here, I’d tell him he was wrong.

He once said no one would ever accept me or my ways. That they’d turn from me if they ever saw who I truly was.

Would they still stay now… if they knew everything?

That question weighed on me as I rose again, leaving my twin blades on the table and heading toward my sisters‘ quarters.

When I arrived, I found Chantel standing guard in the hallway. He bowed briefly as I passed

20:22 Mon, Oct 6

and I entered Serena’s bedchamber, only to stop short at the door.

She was awake, her gaze fixed on me.

Guilt twisted my chest. I looked away, jaw tight, turning to Mearez instead.

“How is she now?” I asked quietly.

“Better,” Mearez said softly. “Now that you’re here.”

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Relief eased through me. I turned to leave, but Serena caught my fingers before I could make an escape. Gently, she pulled me down to sit beside her. Reluctantly, I met her eyes.

I had hurt her, nearly killed her, and if not for Chantel, I would have. Worse still, last night, I failed to protect her.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, voice low.

In response, she took my palm and pressed her lips to it.

“I love you,” she murmured, and spread her arms for a hug.

I leaned in and held her tightly, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

“I love you too, Serena. So much.”

I tucked a strand of hair away from her face gently. Updates are released by find·novel·net

“You’re alright now?”

“Yes,” she whispered. “All thanks to Chantel.” She turned her head toward the door and then back to me. “Can he come in?”

Her words made me pause, but I wasn’t against it. I nodded and kissed her cheek again.

“Stay in bed and heal. I don’t want you out there.” With that, I stood and walked out, stopping before Chantel. He bowed low, and I said, “My sister wants you.”

I expected hesitation, but this time, he turned and entered without a word, as if he’d been waiting for that permission.

I watched him move toward Serena’s bed. She reached for his hand and he hesitated, then slowly took it.

Mearez stepped out quietly, closing the door behind them to give privacy.

20:22 Mon, Oct 6

I sighed, realizing what this meant. In some cases, love happens at first sight. In others, it blooms in the aftermath of fear, in the hands of the one who saved you.

Perhaps my sister Serena had fallen in love with Chantel.

 

Back Where 298

“How do you feel?” Mearez asked, her eyes fixed on mine, searching as if she wanted to know whether I could now see the deaths of others again.

We stood alone in her bedchamber, and by the rise and fall of her chest, I could tell she was beyond scared and worried. I didn’t want that for her.

I reached for her hand and gently pulled her down to sit beside me on the bed, caressing her fingers in comfort.

“Some builders will begin rebuilding my tower, Mearez. I’ve given them permission.”

Hearing that, she nodded slowly.

“The people wanted to help in any way they could, Lycan. They care about you deeply.” Then she gazed into my eyes, her tone softening with concern. “What about the spell for the tower?” Original content can be found at find•novel.net

“We’ll hold on until Father opens the mortal gate at the next full moon,” I replied quietly. “I can manage until then, but… I feel I’m slipping, Mearez. It’s weighing on me. Earlier, I almost shifted in the Ash Pack, but Zephyrine brought me back, like an anchor. When I came to my senses, I felt weak.”

“Maybe it’s better to be weak than uncontrollable, Lycan. Don’t you think?”

“I wish I could be normal,” I whispered, frustration heavy in my tone. My sister eyes rose, looking at me with so much love that it almost hurt. “To be like others. No rules. No laws. No curse. I don’t want this life.”

“You are normal.”

“Don’t lie to me, Mearez. You’re

my

sister.”

“Lycan…” She called softly, taking my hand again and looking right into my eyes. “Maybe it’s time you start embracing yourself, just as you told me before you stormed to the Ash Pack. Chantel is a demon, and everyone’s seen him, yet no one treats him differently. They stare, yes, but that’s all. Don’t you think that’s a good sign? That maybe you, too, can exist without fear or shame?”

I froze at her words. Slowly, I pulled back, but she held onto me tightly, her gaze unwavering. I knew where she was heading, and it terrified me.

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“Lycan,” she continued, grounding me with her voice. “There will be questions. Your bodyguard is a demon. So what are you?”

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“They already know the Lycans sided with the demons in the war five years ago,” I replied quietly.

“Is that what you told your mate?” she asked, her voice suddenly sharp.

I swallowed hard.

“Zephyrine has been honest with us, Lycan,” she went on gently. “It’s unfair to keep her in the dark. She’s your woman, your mate, the love of your life. If she hears your truth from another mouth, she might never forgive you. And you’ve only just gotten her back.”

I met her eyes and slowly shook my head.

“She won’t accept me.”

“Lycan.”

“This secret is different, Mearez. I killed her father in a fit of madness, and she could still look at me. She can live with that because warriors die in battle. But this, this is my bloodline. My nature. Tell me, what woman would want to bear pups with a man who’s the first of his kind, a hybrid?”

“A woman who has already accepted your curse, your temper, your sins, and your darkness,” Mearez said firmly, tears brightening her eyes. “Do you truly think at this point Zephyrine would be held back by something as small as your identity?”

“Mearez…”

“It will weigh on her, yes,” she continued softly, “and she’ll need time to process it, but she’ll come around. I know she will. Lycan, it’s time she knows the truth. Once our brother Hades returns, the secret won’t stay buried. War is coming, and for us to face it, there can be no lies between you two. That’s the least you can give her. If she comes tonight and asks… will you feed her another lie?”

I couldn’t speak. I just stared at my sister until she sighed and reached up to caress my cheek.

“You’ve suffered enough, Lycan. You’ve hidden enough. Telling her the truth now will define what you both truly feel. You deserve a woman who loves every part of you.”

“What if she doesn’t?”

“What?”

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“What if she can’t accept some parts of me?” My voice trembled as the thought weighed down on me. Slowly, I lowered my gaze and murmured, “You know I saw Zephyrine’s death.”

Mearcz froze, her frown deepening, but I continued.

“A week and a few days from now, she’ll die defending us, defending the Lycans. Maybe you’re right. Maybe I should tell her who I am… what I am. Then make her leave. That way, she won’t have the heart to fight for us. She’ll hate me, and she’ll live. That will save her life, don’t you think?”

She didn’t answer. The color drained from her face, and I gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

“To save her life, you’re willing to let her walk away?” she asked at last, her voice breaking.

I sighed, tired and defeated.

“Maybe Zephyrine and I aren’t meant to be in this lifetime. Perhaps our love just isn’t strong enough to survive the trials set against us.”

Back Where 299

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“My lady?” Isolde’s voice came just as I paced across the chamber, and I paused, turning toward her. “The guard is here.”

I had sent him to make inquiries about Morwen, Dessyn’s mother, the priestess. She knows something about Lycannar that I don’t, and I must find out today.

I walked out at once to meet the guard waiting at the threshold. He bowed and said, “The horse is ready.”

I nodded, and he departed. Returning to my bedchamber, I exhaled shakily, trying to calm myself, to not think of the worst.

Lycannar has always been mysterious, yes, but never harmful. He isn’t a demon. If he were, he would have told me. He loves me. We love each other. He would have said it.

I steadied my breath and turned toward the door, only for it to open before I reached it. Dessyn stood there, wearing Varyn’s shirt, looking far too comfortable, too at home.

I paused, staring at her. Our gazes locked for a long, quiet moment that said everything words could not.

She knew what she had done. We both did. Now I wondered how she would beg forgiveness, how she would justify her betrayal.

“You’re going out?” she asked first, but I didn’t answer. I only stared blankly. She sighed and took a step forward. “Zephyr, let’s talk.”

Still, I stayed silent. She kept her voice calm.

“I did everything for you. I care about you. I’m concerned. Listen, I know you love Apex, but the truth is right before us. He’s dangerous, probably a demon, and you know it. You and I both do.”

Her words stung, hollowing something inside me. After all our years of friendship, the shared pain and tears, was this where we ended?

“Has Lycannar ever hurt you?” I asked quietly but She said nothing. “Or the princesses, have they ever brought you harm?”

“Zephyr…”

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“Do you have any idea what would have happened to them if Chantel hadn’t saved them, because of your hypocrisy?”

“Zephyr,” she called, voice trembling. “But the truth is out there. Chantel is a demon. Doesn’t that bother you?”

“What bothers me,” I said, stepping closer, “is an enemy pretending to be a friend.”

Her throat moved as she swallowed, heart hammering so hard I could hear it.

“Let me tell you a truth.” Her lips parted, but I didn’t give her the chance. “Varyn never loved you. The other night at Hue Pack, I saw him flirting with Nyroth’s sister. Once he gets what he wants, he’ll leave you empty and forgotten.”

I brushed past her, but she chased after me, grabbing my wrist and spinning me around. Her eyes were bloodshot with tears.

Right then, I knew, the foundation of our friendship had finally cracked.

“Now you’re making up lies just to hurt me for what I did?” she snapped, voice shaking with anger. “Your brother is right, Zephyr. That mad King has brainwashed you. I should’ve known you’d lost your mind the moment you ignored the fact that he killed your father! Maybe it’s right for him to die in this coming war. Him and his people, every one of them, need to perish, because we no longer know who among them are demons or Lycans or…”

Her venomous words cut short when I seized her arm. She gasped.

“What did you just say?” I demanded, horrified. “Say it again!”

“Zephyr!” Varyn’s voice thundered as he rushed in, prying Dessyn from my grasp and stepping between us. His eyes widened in disbelief. “Zephyr, what are you doing?”

Before I could answer, Dessyn broke down, sobbing. For original chapters go to find⸺novel.net

“My gods, Zephyr, are you insane?” Varyn snapped, glaring at me. “What has she done to you?”

“Because I told her the truth!” Dessyn cried. “Because I said Apex isn’t good for her! He hides things from her, how much more proof does she need that he feels nothing for her?”

My heart splintered. Varyn turned that same anger on me.

“You’d better get yourself together, Zephyr. The man you’re obsessed with doesn’t love you. He never did. A man who keeps secrets only sees you as a fool.”

Then he took Dessyn’s hand and led her away, leaving me standing there, cold and humiliated.

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I blinked rapidly to stop the tears threatening to fall. Slowly, I turned toward the courtyard where my horse waited.

My heart ached so fiercely I could barely breathe. Lycannar keeping secrets from me, it’s the one thing that always breaks me. I prayed with everything in me that it wasn’t true.

Finally, I mounted the horse and rode out of the pack grounds, past Dessyn and Varyn. Past the Ashmere warriors already preparing for war.

Before it began, I would find Morwen. I would confront her and learn the truth about who, about what Lycannar really is.

Back Where 300

Lycannar

It’s lonely. Just like before. Empty, heavy and I feel… sad. Alone in bed, I stare at the pages of the book I’m reading, but nothing sinks in. My mind is blank.

“Maybe you should rest,” Ravana’s voice murmurs beside me, but I ignore her. She was brought in by Chantel, who now stays in a separate chamber nearby.

I close the book, giving up, and rest my head on the pillow when a sudden feeling hits me.

Zephyrine. She’s coming.

Hurriedly, I move to the window. My eyes pierce through the dark path beyond the gate, and there, riding up on her horse is Zephyrine.

White and regal, though never as breathtaking as the mare I once gifted her, the one she returned to me.

A chill runs down my spine as I pull away from the window and head out to meet her, my talking raven perched on my shoulder as I stride through the hall.

Zephyrine had promised she’d come tonight, and she’s kept her promise. And I, in return, have promised to tell her the truth about who I am.

The thought alone unsettles me. I fear the aftermath. The what ifs.

What if she can’t love me anymore? What if she turns away? What if…

The thoughts dissolve as I step into the cool night air. My hands fold across my chest as the guards, catching my silent command, open the massive gate for her.

There she is, so beautiful, as she guides her horse in, stopping before me. Our eyes meet briefly.

I extend hand toward her. She takes it, and I lift her down to her feet. For a moment, I hold her close, searching her eyes before she lowers them.

my

She smells different, like she’s been somewhere far. I’m about to ask when she slips from my arms, no kiss, no warmth.

“Are the princesses in? I’ll check on them,” she says, her tone clipped, and without waiting for my reply, she walks past me.

I pause, watching her retreat. Something’s wrong. I can feel it.

s

Quietly, I follow her, not close enough to catch up, as she heads toward and steps into Serena’s chamber.

my sisters‘

quarters

I stop at the doorway, watching her offer my sister a soft smile. They hug, exchange brief words.

Zephyrine sighs, her eyes flicking toward Chantel standing quietly at the side. Her gaze lingers on him longer than usual before she turns back to Serena and takes her hand.

“Let me apologize for…”

“I’ll hear none of it,” my sister cuts her off gently. “I’m fine now.” Chapters first released on find·novel·net

Zephyrine doesn’t argue. She only presses a kiss to Serena’s palm, then stands and walks out, passing me again without a word.

Ravana leaves my shoulder, fluttering toward Chantel, while I follow Zephyrine at once.

She moves toward my new chamber. Each step she takes grows slower, heavier, like something burdens her.

When she reaches the door, she opens it and steps in. I follow. She stands by the window, staring out at the night sky.

“You okay?” I ask softly, moving to stand behind her. She doesn’t answer. The silence stretches, thick and aching.

I move closer, brushing her hair aside to bare her neck. My arm circles her waist as I kiss her skin softly.

A sigh escapes her lips, her eyes fluttering closed.

I hold her tighter, my hand tracing from her waist upward, to her belly, her breasts, her throat, tilting her head back for a kiss.

She doesn’t respond at first, until she does, unable to resist. She turns to kiss me back, arms

my waist. curling around my neck as I lift her, her legs locking around

I kiss her deeply, hungrily, carrying her to the writing desk beside us. I set her down, our mouths still joined, hands desperate. I pull away her undergarment, needing her, thirsting for her, kissing down her neck, her chest, parting her thighs before me.

She’s trembling, her body reacting to my touch, but just as I lower my head, she gasps, voice

9:53 Wed, Oct 8

small.

“Let me wash

up first.”

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I freeze, looking up at her.

“It’s fine,” I murmur, but she swallows hard, her gaze wavering.

“I’ll wash up first,” she insists, voice firmer this time. She pulls away, reaching for her undergarment and aiming to walk pass me when I catch her wrist, pulling her gently back to face me.

This isn’t Zephyrine. Something’s wrong.

I search her eyes, but she looks away too quickly. My hand cups her cheek, gently forcing her gaze up, and that’s when I see it. Tears welling.

My heart sinks.

“Zephyrine…” I begin, but she pushes at my chest and walks into the bath chamber, slamming the door shut behind her.

I stand there, frozen. She said she wanted to wash up but it feels more like she needs space.

She’s learned something. Wait… about me?

No. No one knows the truth except my family. And as shrewd as my uncle is, he wouldn’t dare.

With a heavy heart, I sink into a chair, eyes fixed on the bath chamber door, wondering what I’ve done wrong this time.