Her Return 

Audrey's POV 

The palace was enormous from the outside and although I had pictures of it on the internet, nothing prepared me for standing in front of the majestic building. 

Especially when with mud on my shoes and dried tears on my face. 

I paused at the gate, shuddering.

The forest had chilled me to the bone three, maybe four, hours ago. I lost track of time after… after everything. 

I walked the entire way from the riverbank, hiding in the shadows whenever headlights flashed along the road. 

My eyelids burned and my nails were chapped raw. I buried Leslie with my hands, refusing to leave her body exposed. 

And in the end, I shoved jagged stones into the dirt to mark her grave. Since then, I locked the memory away. 

Two guards stood at the gate and at the sight of me, they held their guns higher. 

"Stop there!" The nearer guard growled. "State your name and business."

I snapped my chin up.

"Leslie Ashton," I spoke with confidence. "Daughter of Alpha Ashton of the Bluemoon Pack. Open the gate."

The second guard narrowed his eyes. "Lady Ashton went missing last night. And you don’t look anything like her-“

"What do you mean?” I snapped with irritation. "I was kidnapped last night and walked in circles to get her. I am freezing, exhausted, and done repeating myself. Open the gate."

Inside my coat, I clenched my fist around the brass key until my knuckles ached.

I knew almost nothing about Leslie. Gossip columns labeled her as composed, well-bred, fluent in three languages. 

I remembered her soft voice, her dry humor and the way she called my name. 

That was all I had to go on.

The guards traded a swift look. The nearer one took a heavy step forward and peered directly into my face. 

He froze and his entire demeanor crumbled. He dropped hard onto one knee.

"Your Grace." He slapped his partner's arm. "Bow! It’s the princess!” 

The second guard scrambled into the dirt. Both men pressed their foreheads toward the stone, and a tiny knot of tension loosened in my throat. 

Thank goodness they believed me. 

"Forgive us, my lady," the first guard stammered. "We didn't recognize you-"

"It's fine," I cut in, softening my tone. "Get up."

He stood up fast, his earlier hostility morphing into anxiety. 

"Allow me to escort you, my lady," he said, gesturing wildly as he led the way. "The Alpha... well, he summoned an emergency council meeting. Your father almost mobilized his warriors."

"A council meeting?" I asked and he bobbed his head.

We were in the large courtyard that led to the main palace and I couldn’t help but notice how quiet the place was. 

The guard marched quickly, words tumbling out of him. "They've been arguing for an hour. People are whispering about war too."

I swallowed tightly, preparing myself for the real battle ahead. The moment we stepped inside, I was almost dying of bewilderment. 

If I were any other person, I would have taken the time to touch everything! 

The floors were so shiny I could see my reflection in them. The floor to ceiling windows let in natural light that made the place look golden.

But I had to pause my admiration. Mostly because of the servants who froze in their tracks, staring at me with wide eyes.

I tried not to cower, keeping my gaze locked ahead. 

We halted outside a set of double doors. My escort turned, his eyes brimming with genuine worry. 

“My lady... are you ready?"

My mind flashed to Leslie’s pale face and I felt the horrifying moment her hand went limp in mine.

This is for her. I had to do this. 

I nodded and he threw the heavy doors open.

I had a split second to absorb the room before every head snapped in my direction. There were dozens of nobles sitting behind two long tables. 

At the far end sat two carved thrones and in front of it were two people who turned around. 

I recognized Alpha Ashton and beside him stood the Luna, both of them were as regal looking as their daughter and it made my heart ache. 

At the throne sat Kairos. His dark and imposing figure casting a stifling shadow over the room. 

His eyes locked onto mine the instant the door closed, and the sheer intensity of his gaze set my pulse racing dangerously.

I squeezed the brass key until it bit into my palm.

"What is the meaning of this?" A sharp-voiced councilman slammed his hands down, pointing angrily at us. "Who are you to interrupt a royal meeting?”

My guard stammered, choking on his own words.

I stepped into the light and parted my lips. “My name is-“

"Leslie?" The Luna’s whisper interrupted me. “Oh, heavens! It’s you! 

She covered the distance between us in a blur. Before I could brace myself, her trembling hands cupped my cheeks.

"Oh, my darling!" Her voice shattered. "What happened to you? Your hair... you're filthy! Where have you been?" 

She pulled me into a fierce embrace, her hands frantically checking my arms and shoulders while tears streamed down her face. "We thought... sweet goddess, we thought you were dead!"

My throat locked up. I never prepared for this.

I could feel the other people in the room staring at me with suspicion and I squeezed my eyes shut.

You're the best actor in the city, I screamed at myself. 

You wore a mask every night for two years, and nobody ever caught you. Do this for Leslie.

I snapped my eyes open and I let my body shake, crying out as I gripped the Luna’s trembling arms.

"I was ambushed on my way back to the palace," I sobbed, letting my voice crack violently. "It happened so fast and I don't remember everything. I've been wandering all night.” 

I paused, drawing a ragged breath. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I terrified you."

The Luna choked back a sob and crushed me against her chest.

Alpha Ashton stormed around the table, his deep voice booming with lethal rage. “Where are the healers!? Kairos, you better have an explanation for this treachery!”

“Treachery?” A council member screamed, flying to his feet. “How dare you….

The room erupted into absolute chaos and I shut my eyes again, trying to calm my racing heart. 

“SILENCE.” Kairos’ voice bellowed through the clamor. 

The entire room went dead silent while I froze inside the Luna's arms, my eyes snapping open. 

Kairos stood up from his throne, his dark eyes locked onto mine as he said. 

“Something doesn't add up."