02: Kill the human

DARYL

“We are going to wipe the human’s memories since you stubbornly insist on not hurting her. And as for you, you are going to be punished for defying me!” my father, King Ren, thundered at me.

“Daryl, you need to learn to stop being arrogant and listen to Father.”

My glare shot at my stepbrother. “How about you learn to mind your freaking business, Enzo.”

“Your brother is right,” Queen Nyx butted in smoothly, her lips curving into that practiced smile that made my blood boil.

“Stepbrother,” I corrected through clenched teeth. “Just so you’re clear.”

The hatred I felt for the two of them only grew. Nyx and her bastard son. Gold diggers, both of them, always lurking for a chance to strike. I knew she wanted the throne for Enzo, and every chance she got, she tried to push me out of the way.

I turned back to my father, whose expression was unreadable. “So,” I asked tightly, “what punishment do you have in mind, Father?”

King Ren shifted his gaze to Nyx. “What do you suggest?”

Nyx’s smirk widened. “Fenrir Academy. It would do him good.”

Gold-digging bitch.

“You’ve always wanted to live beyond these walls, haven’t you?” my father said, his tone laced with finality. “Then a little fun at Fenrir Academy of Werewolves and Witches should suit you.”

“You do not mean that, Father.” Rage simmered under my skin. Of course Nyx would suggest Fenrir Academy, the one place she knew would push me closer to danger. She would do anything to secure Enzo’s path to the throne.

I pressed my lips together, fists clenching at my sides.

“You call that a punishment?” Enzo exclaimed. “That’s a luxury! Everyone wants to attend Fenrir Academy of the Fenrir Pack!”

“You haven’t been paying attention if you think Fenrir Pack is a luxury,” I muttered.

Enzo blinked. “What is he talking about?”

“The Fenrir Pack is the second largest in all of Nevanda,” Ilana’s voice rang out as she entered uninvited. “But they don’t like the Monarch.”

“That’s a soft way of putting it,” I said with a dry laugh.

“They detest the Monarch,” Nyx added smoothly, her eyes glittering. “And they’ve been planning rebellion for years.”

I let out a bitter chuckle. “That about sums it up.”

“Well, enough talk,” King Ren said, his tone brooking no argument. “You leave in four days. Pack your bags.”

I blinked, incredulous. “You’re joking, right?”

“I am the King,” Ren snapped. “I do not joke.”

---

SORAYA

“Where the heck have you been, Raya? I’ve spent ages looking for you!”

Was that Lynn’s voice? Or was I still dreaming?

“Soraya!”

My eyes snapped open. Lynn stood over me, arms crossed, fuming. I sat up quickly, glancing around. Hotel room. Back in the hotel room? Something was wrong. I felt… empty, as if pieces of my memory had been scraped away.

“What time is it?” I asked hoarsely.

“The real question is, what day is it. You’ve been gone for a whole day, Raya. A whole day! I stepped out, came back, and found you sleeping your ass off.”

“A full day?” I whispered.

“Yes. And you better have a damn good explanation because Dad will be here in thirty minutes.”

“Dad? Why is he—”

“Why wouldn’t he?” Lynn shot back before storming out.

I pressed my palms to my face. Gone a whole day. No memory of where. Every time I tried to think, my mind slammed into a wall.

Where had I been?

I paced the room, running a hand through my curls, frustration clawing at my chest.

The door opened again. “Soraya! Are you hurt?” Dad rushed inside, Lynn trailing behind. He cupped my face, scanning me as though expecting wounds.

“I’m fine, Dad,” I said quickly.

“Where did you go? Your sister said you were gone all yesterday.”

To admit the truth—that I didn’t know—would only worry him. So I forced a smile. “I found a new spot to read. You know me. I lose myself when I’m in a book.”

His face softened, and I mentally patted myself for pulling off the lie.

Dad sighed and sat on the bed. “Actually, that’s not why I came.”

I frowned. “Then why?”

“Leave us, Lynn,” he said.

My sister scowled but left.

Dad patted the space beside him. “Sit, Soraya.”

My stomach twisted as I obeyed. “Is something wrong, Dad?”

“Nothing is ever wrong until you acknowledge it.”

My throat tightened. He only spoke like that on rare occasions. “What is it?”

“Your mother has come for you.”

The words crashed over me like ice water. “What?”

“Your mother is alive.”

I stared. “You told me she left. You said—”

“She did leave. But now she’s back.”

“I don’t understand. I’ve never had a mother. Why now?”

“Because your eighteenth birthday is near. And we had a deal. I’d keep you until then… and return you to her.”

I shot to my feet, fury trembling in my limbs. “A deal? What the heck, Dad? I’m not stock you can trade!”

“Listen, Raya.” His eyes glistened with desperation. “It’s for your safety.”

“Safety? Are you in debt or something?”

He shook his head. “There are things you don’t know. But the important part is this: your mother is different. And so are you.”

Before I could demand more, a knock came at the door.

And then a woman walked in.

The photographs hadn’t done her justice. A red dress flowed around her like fire, white heels clicking softly against the floor. Black hair pulled into a sleek ponytail. She was beautiful, commanding, and entirely foreign.

“Quinn.” Dad rose to his feet.

The woman’s gaze fixed on me. “No need for introductions. Shall we go, Soraya?”

Resentment flared hot and sharp inside me. This woman who had abandoned me now dared to command me? I stood, jaw tight. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

Quinn’s eyes hardened. “Unfortunately, that’s not for you to decide. You are my only living heir.”

Dad flinched. Quinn turned her cold eyes on him. “I told you to brief her.”

“You didn’t give me enough time,” he said. “I couldn’t just dump it all on her.”

Quinn snorted, rubbing her temples. “After I funded your company for eighteen years? When exactly was the right time?”

I froze. “What is she talking about?”

“Oh wow, you never told her?” Quinn asked icily. She stepped closer, until she stood just inches from me.

Her voice softened, but only slightly. “Because I wasn’t here doesn’t mean I wasn’t there. I sent everything I could to give you a life. I couldn’t show my face. Circumstances kept me away. But I never stopped watching.”

Something in her tone—pain, anger, longing—made my chest ache. But no. I couldn’t let myself believe.

“Why now?” I demanded. “Don’t give me that birthday crap. Tell me the real reason.”

“I’ll tell you. But can you handle the truth?”

“As long as it won’t kill me.”

Quinn’s gaze sharpened. “You were hidden for a reason. Because you’re not like him.” She flicked her chin toward Dad.

“What are you talking about?” I whispered.

Quinn lifted her hand, palm hovering near my temple. “You want truth? Then see it.”

Before I could move, she pressed her palm to my forehead.

Flashes tore through my mind. Fire. Screams. The metallic taste of blood. A spear flashing under moonlight. Quinn’s arm raised, striking down a beast with glowing eyes and snarling fangs.

I gasped and tore back, chest heaving. “What the heck was that?”

Quinn’s voice was steady, cold. “That was the truth. I am a Wolf Hunter. And whether you like it or not—so are you.”