Ch. 6..10: The Rogue is a Female Alpha chapter 6-10

Back Where 6

Zephyrine

I was just pulling my hair up when the knock came. I rushed to the door and opened it to see him already dressed.

Nyroth.

I smiled, relieved he was keeping his promise this time.

“I’m almost done. The ride to the memorial hall shouldn’t be…”

I was saying but my voice trailed off. The expression on his face made my chest tighten.

He had promised we’d go together.

What changed now?

“Zeph… I, uh…” he hesitated, then asked, “You heard about the death of the Lycan King?”

“May the Moon Goddess grant him safe passage to the afterlife,” I said. “But what does that have to do with anything?”

“Apex Blood,” he said, and a cold chill ran down my spine. “He’s opened the gates of the Lycan Kingdom, for the first time in history, to werewolves. His coronation is tomorrow. Hue Pack just received an invitation.”

That… is good news. Hue Pack had grown stronger since my arrival. Find the newest release on findnovel.net

I smiled and nodded.

“Then we’ll go together. I can’t wait to see the Lycan Kingdom, but first, we should head to the memorial hall. You’ll have plenty to do later today.”

He didn’t move. Didn’t speak. Just stared at me. And that was when I knew he was about to break my heart again.

“Kaela wants to host the coronation, Zeph,” he said at last. “She needs help convincing Apex. So… I’ll be accompanying her to the Lycan Kingdom.”

I froze.

The silence stretched like an eternity. My knees went weak. He is doing it again.

“The Alpha of Blackbridge pack can help with that.”

“Well it’s no news he has been unstable after his Luna left him.”

“You’re choosing her. Again.”

“That’s not what this is,” he replied quickly. “Your parents‘ ashes aren’t going anywhere. I’ll pay my respects eventually.”

His words hit harder than any slap. The silence that followed felt like a pit.

At last, he sighed. just as he always did when he thought he’d made the right call.

“This is an opportunity for Hue Pack. I’ll meet Apex, see if he’s open to trade. Don’t you think that’s wise?”

I said nothing. I turned away and walked to the window, staring out in silence.

Everything always had to revolve around him. The pack. His ambitions. His mother. Kaela,

Never me.

After a few seconds, I heard his footsteps retreating. Then the carriage wheels..

I looked down and saw him guide Kaela outside, his hand on her waist. She paused before stepping in and looked up. Right at

me.

A small smile curled at the corner of her lips. Taunting.

Nyroth helped her into the carriage. He never looked my way. Then he got in too, and they rode off, with his Beta and guards, toward the Lycan Kingdom.

Grief and silence filled my room after their departure. I pulled away from the window, turning to lie down but something moved outside again.

I stepped back to the window and saw Dessyn walking into the pack courtyard, waving.

A breath of relief escaped my lips. I rushed outside to meet her. She pulled me into a quick hug, laughing.

“Guess what, best friend?”

Dessyn Dusk, comes from White Pack. My best friend since forever and my brother’s first love.

She hosted most of the festivals back in Ash Pack as a planner, and her younger brother Aedric Dusk had fought beside me in battle. A fellow Sentinel. My junior. But now he is the Alpha of White pack.

“What is it?” I asked, my mood lifting already.

She grabbed my wrist playfully.

“Are you busy?”

“No.”

“Then how about you come with us to the Lycan Kingdom?”

I pulled back.

“Why are you going there?”

“You didn’t hear? Apex opened the gates for werewolves. He declared that anyone who can host the coronation can apply. Thousands have submitted requests, but Alpha Aedric set up a meeting. I’m going. He’s coming with me. Our carriage is waiting just outside. I thought I’d check if you’d want to join.”

My thoughts stilled. The same destination as Nyroth. The same opportunity.

Is this Fate?

“Zephyr, come along,” she said, nudging me. “You’ve been locked up in this pack too long. Let’s go see the Lycan Kingdom.”

Then she lowered her voice, grinning.

“Let’s go see Apex Blood. They say he’s strange but handsome. What do you think?”

I turned back toward my chamber and sighed. I didn’t want to run into Pamela or Olivia today and I had no intention of apologizing to anyone.

“Let’s go,” I said.

Dessyn grinned and tugged my wrist as we rushed out.

Two carriages waited in the lane. In one were the Alpha and Beta of White Pack. When they saw me, I bowed. Alpha Aedric smiled at me.

White Pack lrad a long history of battle contributions, and Alpha Aedric was one of the few who knew my identity and honored it.

He’d served with my father in war before retiring early due to a knee injury.

I stepped into the second carriage with Dessyn. She settled beside me, smiling brightly as the wheels began to roll.

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We were heading to the Lycan Kingdom. My heart beat fast, not from fear but from the knowledge that soon, I would be in the presence of Apex Blood again and something told me… this time, things would change.

Back Where 7

Zephyrine

I have never seen so many people in one place until the massive gates of the Lycan Kingdom open and our carriage wheels

in.

Ancient walls, impenetrable and towering. The scent in the air is different, earthy, wild, and touched by something otherworldly. The wind seems to whisper in a tongue I don’t understand.

Children run past. Men, women, young and old move about, going on with their lives as if a king hasn’t just died. I expected mourning… but it feels like they’re celebrating.

How else could a coronation be announced only two days after the death of the Lycan King?

I glance around in quiet awe. Then I spot it. A crest I know too well. Nyroth’s carriage.

So… they’re already here.

I swallow hard, and beside me, Dessyn notices. She follows my gaze and arches a brow, recognizing the sigil as well.

“Nyroth accompanied Kaela to secure the host position,” I murmur.

I brace myself for her reaction. A sharp comment. A curse. But instead, she looks at me, really looks at me.

“I’m fine. It’s nothing.” I add too quickly.

To you, maybe. But your parents wouldn’t have wanted you to live like this, Zephyr. Not even Varyn.”

Her words cut deeper than I expect, a lump forming in my throat.

A guard approaches then, saving me from answering.

“You’re welcome to the Lycan Kingdom. Please follow me,” he says politely.

We move as one. Me, Dessyn, Alpha Aedric, and his Beta, down a long corridor and into a grand hall. A wooden table stretches down the center, surrounded by carved chairs. The walls are lined with ancient prints, the kind that tell stories no one dares whisper aloud.

And then I see them.

Nyroth and Kaela. Seated beside each other. His hand covering hers. Smiling like lovers.

His eyes flick toward me and a frown pulls at his brow. But he says nothing. Publicly, we are strangers. That’s what he wanted, isn’t it? To keep our bond secret. Now I understand why.

I walk with Alpha Aedric and Dessyn to our seats across from them. Kai, Nyroth’s Beta, glares at me as if I’ve betrayed them somehow. I ignore him. I ignore all of them.

Because just seats away from the head of the table sit two women I’ve only heard of in whispers. The Lycan princesses. Apex Blood’s elder sisters.

They are stunning in a way that could inspire envy in even the most secure soul. I have never been the jealous kind. My parents gave me everything. The Moon Goddess blessed me with strength. But even I am left breathless by their grace, their poise. Their presence.

The hall is heavily guarded. Tense. Everyone on edge. This is, after all, the first time werewolves have ever been allowed into the Lycan Kingdom.

But Apex Blood is nowhere to be seen.

I glance at Dessyn. She’s nervous, her hands wringing in her lap. I take one of them and squeeze it gently. She turns and offers a small, grateful smile. This is a big moment. Hosting the first ever Lycan coronation as a werewolf. And yet, she’s handled warrior festivals before. She can do this.

I’m still thinking that, silently encouraging her, when the sound of footsteps echoes through the hall.

Silence falls. A silence so thick, it feels sacred.

He’s here.

The door opens and I feel it again. That same ominous sensation. My wolf stirs. Goosebumps rise on my skin.

Apex Blood walks in and everything changes.

He moves past us, his presence a storm wrapped in black. His scent clings to the air like an intoxication. Flowers laced with blood. Grace cloaked in danger.

Up close, he is… haunting. Dressed all in black, a thick fur cloak over his shoulders. His long dark hair falls around his face, some strands clinging to his cheek. His raven perched on his shoulder as he walked in, its glossy feathers absorbing the dim light. It tilted its head, as if judging everything around them, yet remained utterly at ease atop him. He doesn’t glance at anyone. Not even once. Instead, he walks straight to the two women waiting for him.

And then he kisses the first princess. On the lips.

She smiles and touches his cheek as if it’s the most natural greeting in the world.

Then he turns to the second and kisses her too. Again, on the lips.

Alphas don’t greet their sisters this way. But the Lycans from the Royal bloodline do. And now I understand what people meant when they said Apex Blood worships his sisters.

This… is devotion. This is something else entirely.

He finally pulls away and walks over to take his seat at the head of the table, far away. He keeps his eyes down, refusing to meet anyone’s gaze.

A man, who seem to be his beta steps forward and addresses the room.

“Welcome to the Lycan Kingdom, Alphas and representatives. His Highness acknowledges your presence.”

“Thank you,” Nyroth says smoothly.

Alpha Aedric follows,

“We are honored, Your Highness.”

His beta continues, his gaze drifting to the women present.

“You have come to present the most suitable host for the coronation. But I see three women.”

Alpha Auedric speaks first.

“Zephyr is not here to apply. She is a guest. It is Dessyn, of the White Pack, who wishes to host. She’s well–versed in ceremony and has led many successful events in the Ash pack.”

A loud snort breaks the moment.

Kai.

“Please. Kaela of Blackbridge Pack is here as well. She’s not just graceful, she’s brilliant. The first female envoy of our time. She completed every mission the Empire gave her, Kaela was the best when it came to archery and everyone knew it. If anyone should host the coronation, it’s her.”

“Thank you, Kai,” Kaela says softly, then turns toward Dessyn with a patronizing smile. “This isn’t a village festival that needed a local event planner. It’s the coronation of a King. You wouldn’t be able to handle it. I’m sorry.”

Dessyn’s eyes flared, and she wasted no time retorting.

“Then let’s put skill to the test instead of trading petty insults. Unless, of course, you’re afraid to compete. In a fair contest of

hosting. I’d beat you without breaking a sweat.”

“Beat me?” Kaela scoffed. “When it comes to hosting? Sweetheart, you can’t even tell the wine goblet from the chamber pot. And those so–called festivals you ‘hosted‘ in Ash Pack? Please. You want a competition? Fine. Archery. It is well known that a host needs to have great physical fitness, and archery happens to be a good way to test one’s physical abilities. I’ll have you black and blue before your first arrow leaves the string.”

Silence fell on Dessyn’s side this time. She had never learned combat, let alone archery. Kaela, however, was known as one of the finest archers alive, capable of hitting a bullseye from impossible distances.

I had never planned on intervening or speaking to Kaela but when I saw Dessyn fisting her hands helplessly under the table, I set my jaw and met Kaela’s eyes.

“Fine. If that’s what you want. Let’s have the competition.”

The room went still immediately after my challenge. Then he moved.

Apex lifted his head, and his eyes, those eyes, landed on me.

They didn’t waver. Didn’t blink. Didn’t shift to Kaela or Dessyn or anyone else.

Only me. Updates are released by

That stare… it wasn’t like the way Nyroth used to look at Kaela. It was deeper. Heavier. Mysterious in a way I didn’t understand and at that moment, everything changed.

Back Where 8

 

Zephyrine

Heat. Stillness. Silence.

I never expected to attract his attention… but here it is. His eyes are green. Bright, almost glowing. Not natural. Otherworldly.

“Have we met?” a voice asks.

Apex’s. And I swear my heart skips a beat. He’s talking to me.

I blink in surprise, not just because of that deep, husky voice that wraps around my spine like smoke, but because of his eyes. They’re no longer green. Now… they’re grey. Cold. Beautiful.

“We met briefly last night. At the memorial hall,” I said quietly, trying not to flinch under the weight of his gaze.

He stares again. Silent. Intense. Like he’s peeling back layers of me with a single look.

Now I feel Nyroth’s gaze on me too. Everyone is watching.

“What’s your name?” Apex asks again, voice lower this time, like the wind before a storm.

And now his eyes shift to hazel. Deep. Shadowed. They seem to change with his mood. Mysterious. Captivating.

“I am Zephyrine,” I respond, voice soft.

“Zephyrine,” he says fully, cleanly, slowly.

I meet his gaze again. He blinks, a gentle, controlled motion that somehow makes him feel more dangerous.

“I want a silent coronation,” he says, calm but edged with steel. “Who do you think can handle it better?”

A chill runs down my spine at the sudden weight of his question.

I glance across from me. Nyroth is staring steadily, Kaela’s eyes locked on mine. The Lycan heir just asked for my opinion. I almost smirk, wickedly,

“Dessyn Dusk of the White Pack has handled many festivals,” I say firmly. “Most held in Ash Pack. I can assure you, Your Highness, she will make you proud.”

“Zeph…” Nyroth starts, warning me, but I ignore him completely. My eyes stay fixed on Apex. I want to see what he’ll say.

He lowers his gaze, and I notice a small frown crease his forehead. One of his elder sisters reaches for his palm on the table.

“I’m fine,” he whispers softly to her. His voice has lost none of its strength, even in tenderness. That gesture makes my heart swell.

It wasn’t long before the raven on his shoulder flew away from the hall, surprising me.

After a few seconds, Apex looks back at me and nods.

“Let’s decide who gets to host by making it a trial of competition.”

Kaela quickly straightens in her seat, pride radiating from her.

“Your Highness, where and when?” she asks, eyes glinting. Then she spins her gaze to Dessyn, sharp and venomous. “I can’t wait to see what you bring to the field. Though I doubt there’ll be anything worth noticing.”

I gulp, muttering under my breath, unable to stop myself.

I will be the one to draw the arrows. Not her.”

A stunned silence falls. Kai’s glare slices across me. Nyroth’s face is hard, unreadable.

I ignore them all and lower my gaze, exhaling slowly. Archery. The first time I’ll touch a bow in five years. My fingers itch for it already.

When the date and time arrive from Apex Blood, his eyes are still on me, even as I avoid his gaze.

“Tonight. In my Kingdom. Whoever wins will host the coronation, earn my favor, and secure a seal deal for their pack.”

“My Prince,” Kaela says with mock sweetness. “Can the werewolves come too?”

Silence descends immediately. She wants a bigger audience, bigger humiliation. She wants to bask in her own glory. The beta nods, unsurprised, as though he anticipated the question and he knows what Apex would want too.

“Yes, you may,” comes the cold reply.

Kaela smirks straight at me.

“Too bad you’ll be facing more than you can handle tonight. Good thing you’re a rogue with no family. That way no one will even care if you embarrass yourself.” For more chapters visit Fɪnd-Novel.net

Dessyn rises to retort, but I press a hand to her arm. Better to wait and prove her wrong with action than with words.

Apex soon left the hall with his sisters and beta, leaving us werewolves tense.

Nyroth finally rises too, eyes fixed on me as he leads Kaela away. Kai, ever silent and sharp, follows. They leave the hall in quiet disdain.

“Zephyr, you can’t do this.” Dessyn says, finally speaking as Alpha Auedric and his beta remain nearby. “It’s been five years since you touched a weapon. Don’t start now because of me. You made a vow to leave your battle life behind until you find your brother.”

I remain quiet for a moment. She’s right. But some vows are meant to be broken. Slowly, I turn to Alpha Auedric.

“I won’t push you to take up arms for the White Pack, Zephyr,” he says quietly. “But I’d be more than happy if you did. A seal deal with the Lycan Kingdom. Your best friend becoming the first werewolf ever to host a coronation. And the chance to shut that brat Kaela for good. But it’s your choice. Will you do it… or not?”

Back Where 9

Zephyrine

Night fell over the Lycan Kingdom like a heavy cloak. Torches flickered along the stone courtyard, casting long, jagged shadows.

The massive gate swung open, and werewolves poured in, filling the arena with low murmurs and restless energy.

The trial had been announced suddenly, and I couldn’t turn away. Not when Dessyn’s safety and perhaps pride was on the line.

I lingered at the back of the arena, scanning the crowd as the Lycan members and visiting werewolves settled into their seats.

Every eye seemed fixed on one figure. Kaela Yadev, the empire’s most refined female archer. I knew the truth. No one here cared about a rogue like me. They expected me to fail.

A ripple of gasps ran through the crowd as Kaela entered. Her hair was braided tight, her dress fitted for movement, and a gleaming bow rested in her hands.

She carried herself with the arrogance of someone who knew they were untouchable. Nyroth walked beside her, chest puffed, his gaze alight with possessive pride, as if the arena itself belonged to him.

I lowered my gaze. My heart clenched, but then I saw Dessyn, eyes fixed on me, her hands clutching a bow and quiver she extended toward me.

“Thanks, Zephyr, for doing this,” she muttered. “Alpha Auedric told me to give them to you for the trial.”

I blinked, staring at the bow. It bore the crest of the Moon Pack. I would represent them tonight. Relief and pride swelled inside me as I looked at Dessyn. We exchanged a brief, knowing smile.

“Alpha Auedric is taking a risk trusting me with this,” I whispered.

“More than anything.” Dessyn said, determination hardening her voice. “You are the goddess of war. This is nothing.”

I swallowed, gripping the bow. My focus snapped back to Kaela, who was already at the back too, smirking at me with utter confidence before walking away without words.

Nyroth didn’t followed her immediately, he came over to me, eyes glinting as he glanced at my face.

20

“You love making a fool of yourself, Zeph, don’t you?” he spat, stepping forward and grabbing my arm.

I tried to pull away.

“Let go.”

“You’re about to embarrass yourself! It’s not too late to yield. Do you really think you can go head–to–head with Kaela?”

I said nothing. He tightened his grip.

“For once, Zeph! Do what’s right! Be reasonable!”

A trumpet blared, signaling the start of the trial. I jerked my arm free.

“This is the right choice,” I snapped, voice low and tense. “The best I’ve made in five years.”

Dessyn rushed forward, gripping my hands. For a heartbeat, the world fell silent between us, our unspoken understanding filling the space. Then I stepped into the arena.

The cheering was deafening until my eyes fell on Kaela. She sat tall on her horse, bow at the ready, smirk unwavering.

The crowd murmured, impressed by her elegance and skill. I swallowed the sting of mockery from Nyroth’s enraptured gaze. He look more fixated on Kaela than he had ever and will ever be for me.

The drums began again.

“Three stages,” the announcer called. “First, shoot three arrows into the bullseyes. Second, mount your horse and strike the bullseyes again. Third, ride the horse at full gallop and shatter the swaying lantern.”

Silence descended immediately after the announcement. Every onlookers pause to watch.

Kaela drew first after she dismount her horse. Her arrows flew like lightning, piercing the bullseyes in perfect succession. The crowd erupted in awe and marvel.

I look down now to set my bow when I got approached by the wild horse set aside for me. Its nostrils flared, hooves stamping nervously. Alpha Auedric rushed forward.

“Zephyr! The horse we prepared for you has fallen sick out of nowhere. You see this horse now provided… it’s sedated! It’s wild! You should quit, come home!”

I stare at the horse for a brief seconds and shook my head. If I backed down now, disgrace would follow me for life. I placed my hand on the horse’s neck, whispering softly until it calmed for a brief moment.

1 set my arrow, standing beside my wild horse, and drew the bowstring tight. The moment felt electric. I released and the first arrow struck the bullseye dead center.

Without hesitation, the next two arrows followed, each piercing the first one exactly as they entered the target.

A hush fell over the crowd. Whispers rippled through the spectators, eyes wide with astonishment at the speed and precision I’d displayed.

Kaela’s gaze snapped to me, sharp and incredulous. She was a skilled archer herself, but had she ever seen anything like this? The way I moved, the speed I struck, the flawless accuracy… It was beyond anything she’d imagined. For a moment, her composure faltered, replaced by raw, bitter surprise.

I let the bow rest. letting the stunned silence linger a heartbeat longer. The message was clear. I was not to be underestimated.

Stage two. The horse reared and bolted, unsteady. I mounted, gripping the reins, heart hammering.

Kaela’s arrows hit perfectly again. Now it was my turn. I leaned with the horse, aiming for the bullseyes. Each shot struck clean and true. The murmurs shifted, some began to cheer my skill. Kaela’s smirk faltered once again but I ignored her.

Stage three.

1

The lantern swayed high above, the final target and I had to pierce it while on a moving horse. Kaela set her bow, and I understood immediately. The night was not going as she had hoped.

She glanced at my horse, studying it with that sharp, calculating gaze. I could swear her lips curved into a mocking smile, amused at its wildness.

Then, with determined speed, she kicked her horse into motion. The bowstring sang, the arrow flew but it missed. Murmurs rose from the crowd, disappointment threading through the air.

Kaela pulled back, reins in hand, glancing at me with a mixture of frustration and disbelief. She tried again, slowing her horse

this time.

The arrow hit the target but there was no cheering, no triumph. Not the way she had imagined. Her expression faltered for just a heartbeat, and I almost smiled at the subtle flash of disbelief on her face.

I turned to the wild horse beside me, letting my hands soothe it, calming its restlessness. It held steady for a moment as 1 readied my bow, aiming at the swaying lantern. Then, without warning, the horse bolted straight toward the arena wall. Gasps rippled through the spectators at the speed, but I didn’t falter.

With perfect timing, I released the arrow while riding at full speed. Just before the horse would have crashed, I rolled with fluid precision, landing on my feet in perfect balance. The arrow struck true, the lantern shattered cleanly.

Silence froze the arena for a heartbeat so sharp it made hearts skip. Then, as realization dawned, jubilation erupted but this time, it was for me, not Kaela Yadev. The tide had turned. Fresh chapters posted on FіndNovel.net

 

Back Where 10

It wasn’t long before we were both called into a short meeting with the Lycan Prince.

Kaela and I followed the path to the meeting hall where we had seen Apex earlier. He was there now, flanked by his sisters and a few elderly men. There is no raven on his shoulder this time.

I passed the bow to Alpha Auedric’s Beta, and lowered myself into the seat as expected. Kaela still looked stunned that I could handle a bow with such precision.

Nyroth was there too, staring at me in confusion and awe, when the husky, deep voice of Apex cut through the silence.

“You’re from White Pack too?” he asked.

I swallowed hard and lifted my gaze to meet his piercing eyes, but before I could answer, he asked again.

“Have you received the invitation?”

Alpha Aeudric chuckled lightly.

“No, Your Highness. White Pack hasn’t gotten any invitation yet. Perhaps it’s still in process?”

“Hue Pack has gotten an invitation,” Nyroth added quickly. “Does that mean the host I represent should handle the coronation? She won each round of the trials.”

Apex didn’t look at him or anyone. He merely nodded, turning slightly to his Beta.

“White Pack should be invited. And the host should come from their pack. It was mentioned she hosted festivals in Ash Pack as well. I am impressed.”

The hall fell silent. I could feel Dessyn’s heartbeat hammering beside me. She reached under the table and squeezed my hand, her grip trembling with gratitude and excitement.

The meeting ended almost as abruptly as it had started. Apex rose, every movement deliberate, radiating sheer power. He started toward the door but paused mid–step, turning his formidable gaze back to me.

“You’ll be there tomorrow? At the coronation?”

I went still. I hadn’t planned on attending. Jurrek would represent Ash Pack.

“Yes, Your Highness. She will come,” Dessyn said quickly, her voice bright and eager before I could speak.

Apex inclined his head slightly.

“Good work out there. I am impressed.” And then he was gone, disappearing like a shadow fading into the walls.

A smile threatened to break across my face. Why did it feel so much lighter now that Apex had acknowledged me?

I turned to Dessyn, my eyes wide, wondering why she had spoken for me.

Before I could scold her, a giggle drifted from ahead. One of the princesses stood, smiling as she approached with her hand extended. I rose, taking it respectfully, and she pressed a gentle kiss to my knuckles.

“Mearez. That’s my name,” she said softly, her smile warm. “You handled it well out there. I’m impressed. Not many have your… skills.”

I swallowed, unprepared for the praise. I never know they watch too.

“The preparations for the coronation start tomorrow night. Will you come with the host?” she asked.

I lowered my gaze to decline politely, but Dessyn stepped forward, practically glowing with excitement.

“Of course, Princess Mearez. She will definitely come.”

“Then we’ll be expecting you,” Mearez said, her presence leaving a strange, calming warmth behind her. The second princess rose silently and left without a word, her quiet exit leaving a strange, lingering weight in the hall.

wow eyes.

That’s when sobbing reached my ears. I turned to see Kaela, tears streaming down her face that I nearly roll my eyes. It’s obvious she’s shedding fake tears.

“Kaela…” Nyroth called, but she bolted from the hall. He set his jaw and followed her, with Kai right behind.

I felt a soft tap on my shoulder.

“Zephyr, thank you,” Alpha Acudric said, his gratitude clear in his eyes. I returned a faint, respectful smile.

We walked out together. Alpha Auedric and his Beta entered their carriage, and soon they were gone. Dessyn and I made our way to ours when Kaela suddenly appeared.

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” she demanded, glaring. Content originally comes from find⦿novel.net

I remained silent. We had hardly spoken before, and I had no desire to start now. I turned to climb in, but she grabbed my wrist. A bold, reckless move.

I froze. Physical contact. Slowly, I looked at her hand, then into her face. For a split second, a dark thought flashed through my mind. Snap her neck. Get it over with.

“You did that on purpose,” she repeated, her breath hot with fury. “You lied. Said she hosted festivals in Ash Pack just to win. Apex over. And where on earth did you learn such… skills?!”

I didn’t respond. I pulled free and started to turn when Nyroth stepped behind her.

“Kaela, let’s go home.”

“No! Why should I? Your so–called mate lied, and it cost me everything!”

Mate. My heart skipped. My gaze darted to Nyroth. What else had he told her?

“What lie did I tell?” I asked calmly.

She glared, venom dripping from her words.

“Ash Pack? A peasant like Dessyn has no business there, much less hosting a festival!”

Dessyn stepped forward, but I gently gripped her wrist, holding her back.

“It’s not a lie,” I said and turned toward the carriage.

Kaela threw her final insult like a dagger.

“Only the Moon Goddess knows what you did with Apex at the memorial hall last night.” She turned to Nyroth, her voice trembling with malice. “Your mate is a whore. She must’ve slept with Apex Blood.”

I went cold. The word echoed in my mind, sharp and vicious. I looked to Nyroth, seeing the way he swallowed hard, stepped back, and climbed into the carriage silently.

Leaves. Without a word.

A whore? An insult that should have stained the Ashmere name forever.