Chapter 5

Adelaide's POV

Beata didn't argue further, sensing my resolve.

I wasn't mad. Beata, an Omega raised in Frostfang, still had that innocence—they didn't bully Omegas there.

But I, as Alpha-born, had to stand my ground.

Outside the palace, time stretched endlessly.

Finally, the doors opened. Fabian, Lycan Erasmus's Beta, emerged.

"Adelaide, Lycan Erasmus will see you now."

Relief washed over me. I nodded gratefully and followed him in.

The obsidian tiles carried hints of dragon's breath pheromones—every step felt like walking on ice.

I stared at the patterns under Fabian's crimson cape, blood rising in my throat as my wolf clawed at my consciousness, straining against the invisible aura from the throne.

The cedar scent that once clung to my father's armor now froze my nape with glacial cold.

I knelt before Lycan Erasmus, head bowed.

My gaze fell on the shattered moonstone patterns on the floor.

A bronze candelabra sparked as Erasmus's snow-leopard boots crushed wolf-shaped reliefs beneath him, grinding my shadow's head to dust.

"Speak on your feet." His voice boomed like glaciers colliding, sending dust cascading from the rafters.

I pressed my hands to my throbbing neck veins, bowed properly.

"Lycan Erasmus, I'm sorry to intrude, but I beg your mercy."

The golden-trimmed throne creaked. A surge of white musk hit the air.

My knees slammed the floor, shoulder blades groaning under the pressure.

Through blurred vision, I saw my broken nails digging into my palms.

"Adelaide, I've already declared my orders to all Alphas," Erasmus said, his voice as unyielding as three years ago in Silvermoon Canyon. "I can't take it back."

Straining against the suffocating aura, I lifted my chin.

His dark-gold slit pupils narrowed, aurora-like energy swirling in his eyes—the legendary "Sky's Eye" that once tore apart the Northern Bear Pack.

"I'm not asking you to rescind your decree," I said, every word a fight. "I'm asking for a new one—permission to rejct my mating bond with Alpha Ulrik."

My split canines bit through my lower lip, blood filling my mouth.

"Rejection? You want to reject Ulrik?" Lycan Erasmus's tone was filled with surprise.

I held back tears. "Lycan Erasmus, Alpha Ulrik and Velda used their battle merits to ask for your permission to form a mating bond. Today marks the anniversary of my father and brothers' death. I want to use their merits to ask for your permission to reject Ulrik."

"Do you know what awaits you outside Bloodmoon, Adelaide?" Erasmus's voice held a hint of complexity.

"Do you know what you'll face after this rejection?"

Before Erasmus became Lycan King, he'd visit Frostfang often.

He trained with my father and brought me gifts.

But when I was sent to the elders, he faded from my life.

"I know," I forced a smile. "I won't stand in Ulrik and Velda's way. If their love's true, it's the Moon Goddess's will. I won't break tradition."

"Frostfang's gone, Adelaide. Will you return to ruins? What's next for you?"

At that moment, my mood had already calmed down.

I answered, "I'd visited Frostfang today. The land's abandoned, but the wards still hold. I'll take in any wolf who wants to join and care for lone pups. Even if Frostfang remains small, I'll keep it alive."

The young king rose, his crimson cape sweeping down a row of candles.

In the flickering gloom, he leaned close, the rust of iron and white musk hitting my senses. "Really thought this through? The little wolf who tugged at my sleeve for frosting-topped pastries—look at you now…"

His fingers, armored in black iron, tapped the desk. "Using Frostfang's merits for freedom?"

"I have. I won't choke my life away on a broken bond or a title."

"You said you liked Ulrik when you two mated."

Liked?

Not exactly. I'd always admired shifter warriors, and my mom wanted peace for me. That's why I agreed.

I smiled faintly. "If he can walk away, so can I."

Erasmus's slit pupils blazed sapphire. "I grant it. A new decree will come—freeing you both."

"Adelaide, if anyone crosses you, my door's always open," he added gently.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," I said, feeling lighter already.